Chemistry
Graduates with a degree in chemistry will be well prepared for employment, graduate study in a chemistry-related field, or professional school. Chemists are employed in research, quality control, design, sales and management. Many graduates pursue masters and doctoral degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, materials science, or environmental science, among others. A chemistry degree is excellent preparation for medical school and related fields, and also for careers in business, law or education.
The curriculum at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provides a rigorous introduction to all subdisciplines of chemistry. Students have access to modern instrumentation, a new biochemistry lab, and a new environmental chemistry lab. Rose-Hulman students are introduced to modern computational methods beginning in the sophomore year. There are many opportunities for research or other individual projects, and students are encouraged to present their results at regional and national chemistry conferences. Close interaction with engineering departments provides students with a point of view not available at most other undergraduate institutions.
Students may broaden their education by choosing a minor or second major. Many students, including chemistry majors, may be interested in a second major or minor in biochemistry and molecular biology. Other common choices include biology, chemical engineering and mathematics.
Student Outcomes
Student Outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to have by the time of graduation.
- An ability to design and conduct experiments as well as to analyze and interpret data.
- An ability to recognize the professional and ethical responsibilities of a chemist.
- An ability to communicate effectively in presentations and reports.
- An ability to recognize chemistry practices outside of the academic environment.
List of Required Chemistry Courses
| Course | Numbers | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Chemistry | 111, 113, 115 | 12 |
| Organic Chemistry | 251, 252, 253 | 12 |
| Analytical Chemistry | 225, 326, 327 | 12 |
| Physical Chemistry | 361, 362, 363 | 12 |
| Inorganic Chemistry | 441, 442 | 8 |
| Biochemistry | 330 | 4 |
| Research | 291, 395, 490, 491, 496, 497 | 11 |
| Career Preparation | 200 | 1 |
| Electives | 11 | |
| Total | 83 |
Summary of minimum graduation requirements:
| Course or areas | Required | Elective | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 72 | 11 | 83 |
| Physics | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Mathematics | 23 | 0 | 23 |
| Biology | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts | 4 | 32 | 36 |
| Electives | 0 | 32 | 32 |
| Foundations for Rose-Hulman Success | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 116 | 75 | 191 |
Minor in Chemistry
Students not taking a first or second major in chemistry may earn a Minor in Chemistry by successfully completing the sequence of courses listed below. The student desiring this minor must request the approval of the Department Head and file the appropriate form with the registrar. This form is available on the Department of Chemistry webpage.
The requirements for an minor in chemistry for students with a first or second major in biology or chemical engineering are different from those majoring in other disciplines.
Minor in Chemistry for Most Students
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 113 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM 115 | General Chemistry III | 4 |
| CHEM 225 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 251 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM 252 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| *Approved List of Chemistry Electives | 4 | |
| Total | 24 |
*Approved list of chemistry electives include CHEM 253, CHEM 290 (up to two credit hours), up to a total of 4 credit hours of CHEM270 and CHEM276, or any 300 or 400 level chemistry courses.
Minor in Chemistry for Chemical Engineering and Biology Majors
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM 225 | Analytical Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM 253 | Organic Chemistry III | 4 |
| Chemistry Electives* | 12 | |
| Total | 20 |
*The electives cannot count toward the student’s major. Students who have taken CHE 303, 304 and CHEM 360 cannot count CHEM 361 or CHEM 362 toward the minor. No more than 2 credits of CHEM 290 can count toward the minor, and no more than 4 credit hours total of CHEM270 and CHEM276.
Plan of Study
Total credits required: 191
NOTES
Two degree or double major programs in biochemistry and either chemistry or biochemistry and molecular biology is not allowed.
*BIO 120 or BIO 130 may be substituted for BIO 110
**CHE 303, CHE 304 and CHEM 360 may be substituted for CHEM 361 and CHEM 362.
^Students must complete at least 3 credits of CHEM 490 prior to the Spring quarter of their senior year.
##Research and independent study do not meet this requirement.