Chemistry encompasses the study of all matter at the molecular level: from the basic structure of materials to techniques for synthesizing new drugs; from an understanding of chemical bonding to the control of the properties of advanced materials for specific applications.
The Department is committed to providing its students with instruction in the most modern practice of chemistry through continuing curriculum development. We provide preparation for careers in the chemical industry and high school teaching, for medical and other professional schools, and for graduate work in chemistry. Undergraduate research provides majors with a close working relationship with one or more faculty members and their research groups.
The Department offers programs of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Because a knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to success in many fields, the chemistry curriculum offers an unusual opportunity for a wide choice of electives. Thus, a chemistry major may adapt his or her program to a wide variety of individual interests and needs. Such individualized programs include preparation for medical school or other health professions, technical writing, industrial management, or computer applications. More information for individual program planning is available from the Chair of the Department. The academic programs offered by the Department are described below.
The Department offers two BS degrees in Chemistry. A checklist of the course requirements can be obtained by following the link in the Table above.
ACS Certified BS Degree A BS degree certified by the American Chemical Society prepares students for employment in the chemical industry, or for graduate studies in chemistry or a related field. Students electing this option must take a minimum of 50 credits of course work in chemistry, including the following required courses:
| CHY 121, Introduction to Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 123, Lab: Introduction to Chemistry (1 cr.) |
| CHY 122, Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (3 cr.) | CHY 124, Lab: Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (1 cr.) |
| CHY 242, Principles of Quantitative Analysis (5 cr.) | (includes lab) |
| CHY 251, Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.) | CHY 253, Lab: Organic Chemistry I (2 cr.) |
| CHY 252, Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.) | CHY 254, Lab: Organic Chemistry II (2 cr.) |
| CHY 371, Physical Chemistry I (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 393, Undergraduate Chemistry Seminar (3 cr.) | (Second semester sophomore or first semester junior) |
| CHY 398, Undergraduate Research (1 cr.) | (must be taken at least twice) |
| CHY 399, Undergraduate Thesis (1 cr.) | |
| CHY 461, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 475, Physical Chemistry III (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 491, Advanced Integrated Lab I (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 431, Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) |
In addition, students must choose at least two from among the following courses:
Additional requirements outside the Department include 12 credits of mathematics (MAT 126 or higher), PHY 111/112 or PHY 121/122, 3 credits of speech communication, and one course in computer programming. General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the University and College requirements.
Non-certified BS Degree This degree option allows students additional flexibility in their programs so they can choose suitable electives to prepare for medical, veterinary, and other health professional schools; work in environmental testing and remediation; or work in the pharmaceutical industry. Students also have the option of taking business, pre-law, computer science, materials science, or other courses to complement their chemistry curriculum. The non-certified degree also is excellent for double majors, such as chemistry/chemical engineering.
Students must take a minimum of 41 credits of courses in Chemistry, including the following:
| CHY 121, Introduction to Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 123, Lab: Introduction to Chemistry (1 cr.) |
| CHY 122, Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (3 cr.) | CHY 124, Lab: Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (1 cr.) |
| CHY 242, Principles of Quantitative Analysis (5 cr.) | (includes lab) |
| CHY 251, Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.) | CHY 253, Lab: Organic Chemistry I (2 cr.) |
| CHY 252, Organic Chemistry II (3 cr.) | CHY 254, Lab: Organic Chemistry II (2 cr.) |
| CHY 371, Physical Chemistry I (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 393, Undergraduate Chemistry Seminar (3 cr.) | (Second semester sophomore or first semester junior) |
| CHY 398, Undergraduate Research (1 cr.) | (must be taken at least twice) |
| CHY 399, Undergraduate Thesis (1 cr.) | |
| CHY 461, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 491, Advanced Integrated Lab I (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 431, Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) |
Additional requirements outside the Department include 12 credits of mathematics (MAT 126 or higher), PHY 111/112 or PHY 121/122, 3 credits of speech communication, and one course in computer programming. General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy the University and College requirements.
The BA in Chemistry prepares students for careers in which chemistry and physical science play a significant role. With appropriate electives, students can go on to jobs in a variety of fields, including teaching science in middle school or high school.
Students must take a minimum of 35 credits of courses in chemistry, including the following:
| CHY 121, Introduction to Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 123, Lab: Introduction to Chemistry (1 cr.) |
| CHY 122, Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (3 cr.) | CHY 124, Lab: Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (1 cr.) |
| CHY 242, Principles of Quantitative Analysis (5 cr.) | (includes lab) |
| CHY 251, Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.) | CHY 253, Lab: Organic Chemistry I (2 cr.) |
| CHY 371, Physical Chemistry I (3 cr.) | |
| CHY 393, Undergraduate Chemistry Seminar (3 cr.) | (Second semester sophomore or first semester junior) |
| CHY 461, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.) |
In addition, students must choose at least two courses from among the following:
| CHY 252/254, Organic Chemistry II and Lab II (5 Cr.) | CHY 372, Physical Chemistry II (3 cr.) |
| CHY 443, Instrumental Analysis (3 cr.) | CHY 453, Intermediate Organic Chemistry Lab (4 cr.) |
| CHY 462, Organometallic Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 475, Physical Chemistry III (3 cr.) |
| CHY 431, Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 491, Advanced Integrated Lab I (3 cr.) |
Additional requirements include MAT 126/127, PHY 111/112 or PHY 121/122, and one course in computer programming. General education courses and electives must be chosen to satisfy University and College requirements.
The chemistry curriculum is strong preparation for further study in medicine and other health-related fields. The following courses will meet the requirements of most health professional schools: BIO 100, BIO 200, SOC 101, PSY 100. Additional courses, including BIO 377/378, BIO 462, BMB 322/322L, and BMB 400 stengthen preparation for these programs.
Dramatic need exists for well-qualified science teachers in both high schools and middle schools. The BA in chemistry can be combined with a number of options for obtaining state certification as a secondary school science teacher. Students interested in this program should contact the Department office for more information.
The chemistry curriculum provides a flexible grounding for focused work in materials science, wood chemistry, and computational chemistry, among other possibilities. Additional options could include business courses for a career in technical management, or jounalism for careers in technical and science writing. More detailed information is available in the Chemistry office.
Success in a chemistry major requires careful preparation during high school. Here are our suggestions:
Chemistry majors receive automatic consideration for a number of scholarships awarded by the Department itself. More information is available.
A program is available that allows students to accept opportunities for temporary employment provided by cooperating industries and government facilities. The student may work during the summer or part of one summer and either the preceding or following academic semester. Credit will be allowed for this experience under CHY 394 and CHY 594. This is a supervised and paid professional experience.
Selected students may apply for this option, which permits completion of both the B.S. and M.S. degrees in five years. Work completed as part of the Honors Program may be included. Application should be made by letter to the Department Chairman early in the junior year.
Transfer students are welcomed in the Department. For a University of Maine chemistry degree, students must take a minimum of 14 credit hours of upper level (300-400) chemistry courses at UMaine. Half the credits for a minor in minor in chemistry must be taken at UMaine.
A minor in Chemistry is intended to broaden the academic base of students who already have a solid scientific background in areas such as biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and engineering. This curriculum introduces students to the first two years of the chemistry program, and provides additional knowledge at a more advanced level in an area of the student's choice.
Requirements for the minor include 23 credit hours chosen from the following:
| CHY 121, Introduction to Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 123, Lab: Introduction to Chemistry (1 cr.) |
| CHY 122, Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (3 cr.) | CHY 124, Lab: Molecular Basis for Chemical Change (1 cr.) |
| CHY 242, Principles of Quantitative Analysis (5 cr.) | (includes lab) |
| CHY 251, Organic Chemistry I (3 cr.) | CHY 253, Lab: Organic Chemistry I (2 cr.) |
| CHY 371 Physical Chemistry I (3 cr.) | CHY 372 Physical Chemistry II (3 cr.) |
| CHY 443 Instrumental Analysis (3 cr.) | CHY 453 Intermedite Organic Chemistry Laboratory (4 cr.) |
| CHY 461 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (3 cr.) | CHY 462 Organometallic Chemistry (3 cr.) |
| CHY 475 Physical Chemistry III (3 cr.) | CHY 483 Introductory Wood Chemistry (3 cr.) |
| CHY 431 Structure and Mechanism in Biological Chemistry (3 cr.) | BMB 322/322L Biochemistry (4 cr.) |
A 500-level chemistry course may be used to fulfill the minor requirement by obtaining permission from the course instructor and academic advisor. No grade below C- will be accepted twoard these requirements.