Undergraduate Degree Programs and Concentrations
Chemistry majors can select either the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts and various concentrations. The different degree paths and concentrations are designed to prepare students, whether for an active career in chemistry or other professions, including the health fields, such as medicine, pharmacy, and dentistry. Students interested in education will also earn a secondary teaching certificate through the LSU GeauxTeach program.
Bachelor Degrees
Minor
BS vs. BA: What's the Difference?
| Bachelor of Science Chemistry |
Bachelor of Arts Chemistry
|
Bachelor of Arts Chemistry
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Concentration
|
Chemistry
|
Chemistry
|
Pre-Health
|
|
Chemistry Courses
|
51 credit hours
|
43 credit hours
|
40 credit hours
|
|
Math Courses
|
12 credit hours (Calculus)
|
9 credit hours (Calculus or Biomathematics)
|
9 credit hours (Calculus or Biomathematics)
|
|
Physics Courses
|
8 credit hours (Calculus-based)
|
8 credit hours (Algebra-based)
|
8 credit hours (Algebra-based)
|
|
Biology Courses
|
6 credit hours
|
6 credit hours
|
20 credit hours
|
|
General Education Courses
|
25 credit hours
|
25 credit hours
|
25 credit hours
|
|
Free Electives*
|
18 credit hours
|
29 credit hours
|
18 credit hours
|
|
Total Credit Hours
|
120 credit hours
|
120 credit hours
|
120 credit hours
|
* Both BS and BA degree programs offer flexibility for students to pursue a minor or a second major
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program provides students with a comprehensive and robust foundation in all major branches of Chemistry with the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research. The Bachelor of Science degree is ideal for students aspiring to pursue a career in the chemical industry or to enter graduate and professional schools. With several available concentrations, students can select electives for career trajectories in biological chemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic chemistry, and polymer chemistry. Most concentrations in this degree program also satisfy the certification requirements of the American Chemical Society.
Curriculum & Concentrations
The 8-semester plans and pre-requisite flowcharts for each concentration are provided below. All flowcharts are in Adobe PDF format. Please call 225-578-578-2940 or e-mail chemistry@lsu.edu if you require additional assistance.
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Chemistry Flowchart
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic and Inorganic Lab (3) | CHEM 3900 - Chemical Research (2) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 14 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| CHEM 4570 or 4571 - Inorganic Chemistry II or Organometallic Chemistry (3) | CHEM Elective (3) |
| CHEM Elective (3) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Approved Free Elective (7-8) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
CHEM Elective Courses
CHEM 4010 - Macromolecular Systems I (3); CHEM 4011 - Macromolecular Systems II (3); CHEM 4150 - Environmental Chemistry (3); CHEM 4160 - Industrial Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4556 - Analytical Spectroscopy (3); CHEM 4557 - Analytical Separations (3); CHEM 4558 - Mass Spectrometry (3); CHEM 4559 - Electroanalytical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4561 - Physical Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4562 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4563 - Organic Structure Elucidation (3); CHEM 4565 - Bioorganic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4570 - Inorganic Chemistry II (3); CHEM 4571 - Organometallic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4581 - Introduction to Mathematical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4594 - Introduction to Quantum Chemistry (3); CHEM 4596 - Chemical Thermodynamics (3); CHEM 4597 - Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (3)
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Biological Chemistry Flowchart
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| BIOL 1208 - Biology Lab for Science Major I (1) | BIOL 1202 - Biology for Science Major II (3) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | BIOL 1209 - Biology Lab for Science Major II (1) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| BIOL 2153 - Principles of Genetics (4) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3900 - Chemical Research (2) |
| BIOL 4093 - General Biochemistry I (3) | BIOL 4094 - General Biochemistry II (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 14 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492 and BIOL 4093
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic & Inorganic Lab (3) | BIOL 4385 - Biochemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Approved Free Elective (4-5) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 13 |
Biology Minor
Students in the Biological Chemistry Concentration who take BIOL 3040 Evolution (3) for free elective will earn a Biology Minor.
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, CHEM 3491, and PHYS 2112
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic and Inorganic Lab (3) | CHEM 3900 - Chemical Research (2) |
| PHYS 2112 - Fluids, Thermodynamics, Waves, and Modern Physics (3) | PHYS 2221 - Introduction to Mechanics (3) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | MATH Elective (3) |
| English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 17 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| Chemical Physics Elective (3) | Chemical Physics Elective (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Approved Free Elective (4-5) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 13 |
Concentration Elective Courses
Chemical Physics Electives: CHEM 4594 - Introduction to Quantum Chemistry (3); CHEM 4597 - Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (3); PHYS 4123 - Intermediate Mechanics (3); PHYS 4125 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (3); PHYS 4141 - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (3)
MATH Electives: MATH 2065 - Elementary Differential Equations (3); MATH 2085 - Linear Algebra (3); MATH 2090 - Elementary Differential Equations and Linear Algebra (4)
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic and Inorganic Lab (3) | CHEM 3900 - Chemical Research (2) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 14 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| CHEM Elective (3) | Forensic Elective (3) |
| Forensic Elective (3) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Approved Free Elective (7-8) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Concentration Elective Courses:
CHEM Elective Courses: CHEM 4150 - Environmental Chemistry (3); CHEM 4556 - Analytical Spectroscopy (3); CHEM 4557 - Analytical Separations (3); CHEM 4558 - Mass Spectrometry (3); CHEM 4559 - Electroanalytical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4563 - Organic Structure Elucidation (3); CHEM 4565 - Bioorganic Chemistry (3)
Forensic Elective Courses: ANTH 2014 - Introduction to Forensic Anthropology (3); ANTH 3014 - Bones, Bodies, and Disease: Introduction to Paleopathology (3); ANTH 4014 - Forensic Anthropology (3); SOCL 3371 - Sociology of the Criminal Justice System (3); SOCL 3501 - Sociology of Deviance (3); SOCL 3510 - Criminal Violence (3); SOCL 4461- Criminology (3); SOCL 4462 - Sociology of Youth and Crime (3); SOCL 4463 - Gender and Crime (3); SOCL 4464 - Rural Crime (3); SOCL 4465 - Drugs and Society (3); SOCL 4466 - Crime Mapping (3); SOCL 4467 - Crime GIS (3); SOCL 4468 - Sociology of Gangs (3); SOCL 4469 - Policing and Race in the US (3); SOCL 4471 - Sociology of Law (3)
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3492 Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3493 Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic and Inorganic Lab (3) | CHEM 3900 Chemical Research (2) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 14 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| CHEM 4010 - Macromolecular System I (3) | CHEM 4011 - Macromolecular System II (3) |
| CHEM Elective (3) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Approved Free Elective (7-8) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
CHEM Elective Courses
CHEM 4150 - Environmental Chemistry (3); CHEM 4160 - Industrial Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4556 - Analytical Spectroscopy (3); CHEM 4557 - Analytical Separations (3); CHEM 4558 - Mass Spectrometry (3); CHEM 4559 - Electroanalytical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4561 - Physical Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4562 - Intermediate Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4563 - Organic Structure Elucidation (3); CHEM 4565 - Bioorganic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4570 - Inorganic Chemistry II (3); CHEM 4571 - Organometallic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4581 - Introduction to Mathematical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4594 - Introduction to Quantum Chemistry (3); CHEM 4596 - Chemical Thermodynamics (3); CHEM 4597 - Introduction to Statistical Thermodynamics (3)
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Environmental Chemistry Flowchart
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic and Inorganic Lab (3) | CHEM 3900 - Chemical Research (2) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 14 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| CHEM 4150 - Environmental Chemistry (3) | CHEM Elective (3) |
| CHEM Elective (3) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Approved Free Elective (7-8) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
ENVS Elective Courses
ENVS 4004 - Environmental Campaigns (3); ENVS 4007 - Cancer: A Family of Environmental Diseases (3); ENVS 4010 - Applied Ecology (3); ENVS 4015 - Physical Climatology (3); ENVS 4035 - Aquatic Pollution (3); ENVS 4045 - Air Pollution and Society (3); ENVS 4102 - Environmental Fate of Pollutants (3); ENVS 4113 - Multi-Media Chemical Behavior for Risk Assessment (3); ENVS 4145 - Remote Sensing Fundamentals for Environmental Scientists (3); ENVS 4149 - Design of Environmental Management Systems (3); ENVS 4261 - Energy and the Environment (3); ENVS 4262 - Environmental Hazards Analysis (3); ENVS 4264 - Regulation of Environmental Hazards (3); ENVS 4266 - Ocean Policy (3); ENVS 4268 - Environmental and Natural Resources Policy (3); ENVS 4450 - Ecosystem Ecology (3); ENVS 4477 - Environmental Toxicology: Introduction and Applications (3); ENVS 4500 - Health Effects of Environmental Pollutants (3); ENVS 4600 - Global Environmental Change: Past, Present and Future (3); ENVS 4900 - Watershed Hydrology (3)
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- This concentration fulfills the course requirement for ACS certification.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science
Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| CHEM 4564 - Advanced Organic and Inorganic Lab (3) | CHEM 3900 - Chemical Research (2) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| Second Discipline (3) | Second Discipline (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 14 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analytical Lab (2) |
| CHEM 4570 or 4571 - Inorganic Chemistry II or Organometallic Chemistry (3) | ILC Social Science II (3) |
| Foreign Language I (4) | Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) |
| Second Discipline (6) | Second Discipline (7-8) |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 - Calculus I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 - Calculus II (4) |
| SCI 2010 - Inquiry Approaches to Math and Science Teaching (1) | SCI 2011 - Inquiry-Based Math and Science Lesson Design (1) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2110
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | MATH 2057 - Calculus III (3) |
| PHYS 2110 - Particle Mechanics (3) | PHYS 2113 - Gravity, Electricity, and Magnetism (3) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| EDCI 2500 - Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science (ILC Social Science I) 3 | EDCI 3550 - Classroom Interactions (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2113; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3491
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3491 - Physical Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3492 - Physical Chemistry II (3) |
| BIOL 2083 - Elements of Biochemistry (3) | CHEM 3493 - Physical Chemistry Lab (3) |
| ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) | English Literature from ILC Humanities (3) |
| CHEM 4005 - Science Research Methods (3) | Foreign Language I (4) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3492
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | EDCI 3136 - Reading in the Content Areas (3) |
| CHEM 4003 - Science Teaching in Secondary School III: Instructional Strategies in Science (1) | EDCI 4006 - Student Teaching in Grades 6-12 Mathematics and Sciences (9) |
| EDCI 4500 - Instructional Models for Mathematics and Science (3) | |
| Foreign Language II or English Lit from ILC Humanities (3-4) | |
| Approved Free Elective (5-6) | |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 12 |
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry program offers students a broadly-based training in chemistry, supported by a wealth of elective options that provide the flexibility to pursue supplementary educational objectives. The versatile program is designed for students interested in using chemistry as a foundation for various careers, including patent law, science policy, teaching, business, and medicine. For students planning to enter medical, dental, pharmacy, or physician assistant schools, the BA degree in chemistry with a pre-health concentration fulfills the prerequisite requirements for these programs.
Curriculum & Concentrations
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 or 1510 - Calculus I or Biomathematics I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 or 1520 - Calculus II or Biomathematics 2 (4) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212, Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2001
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | PHYS 2002 - General Physics II (3) |
| PHYS 2001 - General Physics I (3) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) |
| ILC Social Science I (3) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours (15) |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2002; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3490
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | CHEM 3490 - Elementary Physical Chemistry (3) |
| BIOL 2083 or 4087 or 4093 - The Elements of Biochemistry or Basic Biochemistry or General Biochemistry I (3-4) | CHEM 4564 - Chemical Synthesis Laboratory (3) |
| ILC Social Science II (3) | English Literature (ILC Humanities) (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (5-6) | Approved Free Elective (6) |
| Credit Hours - 15 | Credit Hours - 15 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3570
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analysis Lab (2) |
| CHEM Elective (6) | CHEM Elective (3) |
| Foreign Language (ILC Humanities) (4) | ILC Humanities (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (3) | Approved Free Elective (7) |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 15 |
CHEM Elective Courses
CHEM 4010 - Macromolecular Systems I (3); CHEM 4011 - Macromolecular Systems II (3); CHEM 4150 - Environmental Chemistry (3); CHEM 4160 - Industrial Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4556 - Analytical Spectroscopy (3); CHEM 4558 - Mass Spectrometry (3); CHEM 4559 - Electroanalytical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4561 - Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4562 - Introduction to Organic Synthesis (3); CHEM 4563 - Organic Structure Elucidation (3); CHEM 4565 - Bioorganic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4570 - Inorganic Chemistry II (3); CHEM 4571 - Organometallic Chemistry (3)
Basic Scholastic Expectations
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 Semester, Cumulative, and LSU GPA.
- Earn a grade of C- or better in all required science and mathematics courses as well as ENGL 1001 and ENGL 2000.
- If a student makes a D or F grade in a course requiring a C- or better, the course must be taken and not dropped the next semester when the student is in residence and the course is offered.
- Biochemistry Option: BIOL 4087 or BIOL 4093 and BIOL 4094 in consecutive semesters. If the BIOL 4093 and BIOL 4094 sequence is taken, two hours will apply towards the approved free electives.
Year 1
Critical Courses: Semester 1 - ENGL 1001 and CHEM 1201; Semester 2 - MATH 1550
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 1201 or 1421 - General Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 1202 or 1422 - General Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| MATH 1550 or 1510 - Calculus I or Biomathematics I (5) | CHEM 1212 or 1431 - General Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| BIOL 1201 - Biology for Science Major I (3) | MATH 1552 or 1520 - Calculus II or Biomathematics II (4) |
| BIOL 1208 - Biology Lab for Science Major I (1) | BIOL 1202 - Biology for Science Major II (3) |
| ENGL 1001 - English Composition I (3) | BIOL 1209 - Biology Lab for Science Major II (1) |
| Approved Free Elective (SCI 1001 Recommended) (1) | ILC Arts (3) |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Year 2
Critical Courses: Semester 3 - MATH 1552 and CHEM 1212; Admittance to College of Science; Semester 4 - CHEM 2261 and PHYS 2001
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2261 or 2461 - Organic Chemistry I or Honors (3) | CHEM 2262 or 2462 - Organic Chemistry II or Honors (3) |
| PHYS 2001 - General Physics I (3) | CHEM 2364 or 2463 - Organic Chemistry Lab or Honors (2) |
| PHYS 2108 - General Physics Lab (1) | PHYS 2002 - General Physics II (3) |
| BIOL 2051 - General Microbiology (4) | PHYS 2109 - General Physics Lab (1) |
| PSYC 2000 - Introduction to Psychology (ILC Social Science I) (3) | BIOL 2153 - Principle of Genetics (4) |
| ENGL 2000 - English Composition II (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 16 |
Year 3
Critical Courses: Semester 5 - CHEM 2262 and PHYS 2002; Semester 6 - CHEM 2001, CHEM 2002, and CHEM 3490
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 2001 - Analytical Chemistry (3) | CHEM 3490 - Elementary Physical Chemistry (3) |
| CHEM 2002 - Analytical Chemistry Lab (1) | CHEM 4564 - Chemical Synthesis Laboratory (3) |
| CHEM 3570 - Inorganic Chemistry I (3) | English Literature (ILC Humanities) (3) |
| BIOL 4087 - Basic Biochemistry (4) | Approved Free Elective (3) |
| SOCL 2001 - Introductory Sociology (ILC Social Science II) (3) | |
| Credit Hours - 14 | Credit Hours - 12 |
Year 4
Critical Courses: Semester 7 - CHEM 3570
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 |
|---|---|
| CHEM 4552 - Instrumental Analysis (3) | CHEM 4553 - Instrumental Analysis Lab (2) |
| CHEM Elective (3) | CHEM Elective (3) |
| Foreign Language (ILC Humanities) (4) | ILC Humanities (3) |
| Approved Free Elective (6) | Approved Free Elective (8) |
| Credit Hours - 16 | Credit Hours - 16 |
CHEM Elective Courses
CHEM 4010 - Macromolecular Systems I (3); CHEM 4011 - Macromolecular Systems II (3); CHEM 4150 - Environmental Chemistry (3); CHEM 4160 - Industrial Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4556 - Analytical Spectroscopy (3); CHEM 4558 - Mass Spectrometry (3); CHEM 4559 - Electroanalytical Chemistry (3); CHEM 4561 - Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4562 - Introduction to Organic Synthesis (3); CHEM 4563 - Organic Structure Elucidation (3); CHEM 4565 - Bioorganic Chemistry (3); CHEM 4570 - Inorganic Chemistry II (3); CHEM 4571 - Organometallic Chemistry (3)
Coming Fall 2025
Coming Fall 2025
Chemistry Minor
Requirements are a minimum of 23 semester hours of chemistry: CHEM 1201, CHEM 1202, CHEM 1212 (or CHEM 1421, CHEM 1422, CHEM 1431) and a minimum of 15 semester hours at 2000 level or above. These additional 15 hours must include a two to three semester laboratory course and at least six semester hours at the 3000 level or above. The following courses cannot be taken to meet the requirements of the minor in Chemistry: CHEM 2900, CHEM 3900, CHEM 4003, and CHEM 4005. Interested students should contact the Undergraduate Chemistry Office.