PROGRAMS IN CHEMISTRY
- BS in Chemistry
- BS in Chemistry with a Specialization in Forensic Science
- A minor in Chemistry
BS in Chemistry program
The chemistry program develops problem solving skills, allowing students to pursue careers in chemistry, forensic sciences, pharmacology, dentistry or medicine. Our graduates are prepared to enter graduate programs in chemistry, to seek employment as a chemist or forensic scientist, or to apply to medical school, dental school, or veterinary medicine. Our program emphasizes problem solving skills, laboratory skills, and the opportunity for undergraduate research.
Criteria for Admission
Minimum grade point average of 2.50 on a 4.0 grade scale.
Combined verbal and quantitative SAT score of 1000 or ACT score of 21
Class rank in the upper half of graduating high school class.
Students who do not meet the above requirements may gain admission to St. Thomas upon consideration and approval of the Admissions Review Committee. University
Curriculum (120 credits)
Major Prerequisites
BIO 108, 108L Principles of Biology + laboratory
BIO 109, 109L Principles of Biology II + laboratory
CHE 101, 101L General Chemistry I + laboratory
CHE 102, 102L General Chemistry II + laboratory
CHE 243, 243L Organic Chemistry I + laboratory
CHE 244, 244L Organic Chemistry II + laboratory
COM 400 Business Communication and Report Writing
MAT 205 Applied Statistics
MAT 232 Calculus I
MAT 233 Calculus II
PHY 101, 101L College Physics I + laboratory
PHY 102, 102L College Physics II + laboratory
Major Requirements
BIO 352, 352L Biochemistry I + laboratory
CHE 321, 321L Quantitative Analysis + laboratory
CHE 355 Basic Physical Chemistry
Take two additional 300/400 level Chemistry courses.
Take two additional 300/400 level Biology or Chemistry courses.
General Electives (5 - 9 credits)
Specialization in Forensic Science:
Chemistry students who want to specialize in forensic science will have to complete the following specific course requirements:
(22-25 Credits)
BIO 353, 353L Biochemistry II + Laboratory
(fulfills 4 elective credits in major requirements)
FRS 101 Survey of Forensic Science (1 credit) (optional)
FRS 201 Introduction to Forensic Science
PSY 201 Introduction to Psychology
PSY 470 Psychology of Law
CRI 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
Take two additional 300/400 level Forensic Science Courses.
Minor in Chemistry
Students in pre-professional programs, including pre-medical, pre-dental and pre-veterinary programs, as well as those planning to attend graduate programs in biology, environmental science or pharmacy, would benefit from the Chemistry minor.
Both the physical science and biology sections of the MCAT have numerous questions from general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. The DAT and GRE also have many questions relating to chemistry. Most biology programs emphasize molecular biology – the chemical /molecular basis of biology – that has led to success in the human genome project and the biotechnology industry, including genetically modified foods.
CHE 101, 101L General Chemistry I + laboratory
CHE 102, 102L General Chemistry II + laboratory
CHE 243, 243L Organic Chemistry I + laboratory
CHE 244, 244L Organic Chemistry II + laboratory
CHE 321, 321L Quantitative Analysis + laboratory
CHE 352, 352L Biochemistry I + laboratory
Research Opportunities
The School is firmly committed to undergraduate research opportunities. We provide every student the opportunity to engage in independent research either during the academic year, or during the summer. The American Chemical Society (ACS) provides access to experience opportunities online and our University offers assistance with placement in internships during your educational career.
Our undergraduate laboratories offer a hands-on approach to scientific learning. Chemistry courses offer small classes, with fewer than 20 students. This allows faculty to personally work with students in both the laboratory and the classroom. Small class and laboratory size ensures that our students are trained in techniques needed in chemistry. The school received NASA funds for modern chemical instrumentation, including gas chromatography (GC), Fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy, and gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The new Carnival Cruise lines Science and Technology is under construction, and scheduled for completion in August, 2008. Building
A Perkin-Elmer TurboMass Gold gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) can separate components of complex mixtures, like gasoline, and identify individual components, such as isooctane by their parent ion and fragmentation pattern. This could be crucial in identifying the accelerant in an arson investigation, while gas chromatography could be used to quickly screen accelerants.
Advanced molecular biology techniques, such as gene cloning, can be performed in our upper level biochemistry laboratory.
Careers in Chemistry
Opportunities in Chemistry is a book that can be read on-line at the National Academy Press. This publication lists employment for Chemistry graduates conducting work in fields such as education, environmental protection, forensic science, biological sciences (including genetic engineering), health sciences, transportation industries, and the semi-conductor industry.
A snapshot in the summer of 2007 showed that about 60% of chemists are employed in the chemical industry. The most common position is in analytical chemistry, where chemists analyze chemicals that are produced, or are found in the environment. Pharmaceutical companies employ chemists at all educational levels. There are several pharmaceutical companies in the Miami area, including: Andrx, Aphton, Avena Drug Delivery Systems, DOR Biopharma, IVAX, Kirk Pharmaceuticals, Noven Pharmaceuticals, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Watson Pharmaceuticals. There are approximately 47 pharmaceutical companies in Miami. A search of Pharmaceutical and Biotech Jobs in summer 2007 for Miami resulted in listing of 89 jobs, of which 6 were for chemists, and 494 jobs for chemists nationally. A nationwide search resulted in 8,950 jobs for chemists, of which 127 were in Miami
Roughly 25% of chemists are employed in academic teaching and research positions. One student, who received the President’s Award in Science for Outstanding Academic Achievement in 1999, went to graduate school in chemistry at UCLA. Another student, who received the President’s Award in Science in 1998, went to graduate school in chemical physics at Oklahoma, following summer research at the University. The Directory of Graduate Research provides information on chemical research at universities in the United States and Canada and can be found online. Another 10% of chemists are employed by city, county, state and federal government agencies.
Prospective Students