The B.S. in Chemistry curriculum is designed to meet the recommendations of the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training. At the same time, it provides ample opportunity for students to select electives that permit them to specialize in particular fields, to explore areas of potential interest, or to take unusual combinations of courses that will suit nontypical career goals. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and provides extensive opportunities to participate in research. Besides allowing students to prepare for careers that demand a good background in science and mathematics, the curriculum also offers a sound basis for careers in fields such as law, the health professions, management, and technical communication.
For students transferring from other universities, two-year colleges, or from other curricula at Rensselaer, previous chemistry courses will be evaluated on an individual basis. Normally, these courses will count toward the Rensselaer program. The content of laboratory courses can be adjusted to allow for prior experience. The department makes every attempt to accommodate transfer students whose backgrounds do not permit them to follow the normal course sequence.
Four tracks to the B.S. in Chemistry are available. The “Chemistry” track shown here provides training in a broad range of Chemistry to provide maximum flexibility for research or industrial careers. The “Chemical Biology” track is for students interested in the application of Chemistry to Biological problems or to careers in the medical field. The “Industrial Chemistry” track is for students who plan to enter industry directly and who want a basic knowledge of Chemical Engineering, or who would like to combine a B.S. in Chemistry with a graduate degree in Chemical Engineering. The track in “Environmental Chemistry” is intended for students who wish focus on environmental issues. The track incorporates some core Environmental Engineering and Earth & Environmental courses into their program.
A total of 128 credit hours are required for graduation. 24 of these are completely free electives. Students should select these in consultation with the advisor to give a balanced program totaling 128 credit hours. Undergraduate research is an integral part of the program. A minimum of 3 credits combined of undergraduate research (CHEM 2930 , CHEM 2940 , CHEM 2950 , and/or CHEM 4970 ) or a SURP/URP or internship position are required as prerequisites for CHEM 4950 . Suggestions for the timing of these research credits are included in the schedule below, however students may elect to schedule them anytime throughout the program.
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