Program Overview
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry curriculum provides a broad range of instruction in chemistry. It includes a general education course and lower-division courses in general chemistry and organic chemistry for students with a wide variety of career goals such as a major in one of the natural sciences, pre-healing arts (nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine), engineering, or secondary school teaching.
Students majoring in chemistry receive instruction in the fundamental areas of chemistry subsequently supplemented by more advanced courses in appropriate areas. Laboratory instruction is emphasized at all levels, and students are encouraged to participate in collaborative laboratory research with faculty members. Students completing a chemistry major program of study are prepared for careers as professional chemists as well as for graduate study in chemistry or other postgraduate professional schools.
The chemistry department curriculum is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.
Mathematics Pathways: First-time, first-year students majoring in Chemistry enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390. Students with an ACT Math subscore between 22 and 26 should enroll in MATH 1486 Calculus Preparation. Students with an ACT Math subscore of 27 or greater should enroll in MATH 1496 Calculus I.
Abbreviation Key – UCA Core Program
LD = Lower Division
UD = Upper Division
C = Effective Communication
D = Diversity
I = Critical Inquiry
R = Responsible Living
Z = Capstone Experience
Program Outline
[1] Standard Track (48 hours)
Required Chemistry Courses
- CHEM 1450 College Chemistry I
- CHEM 1451 College Chemistry II
- CHEM 2401 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 3211 Organic Spectroscopy
- CHEM 3520 Quantitative Analysis
- CHEM 4320 Biochemistry I (BIOL 1440 is a prerequisite for this course.)
- CHEM 4380 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 3150 Advanced Inorganic Laboratory
- CHEM 4450 Physical Chemistry I
- CHEM 4451 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
- CHEM 4460 Physical Chemistry II
- CHEM 4112 Seminar [UD UCA Core: Z]A minimum of two credit hours of researchOne course from the following:
- CHEM 3360 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry or
- CHEM 4335 Biochemistry II or
- CHEM 4351 Environmental Chemistry or
- CHEM 4385 Topics in Advanced Chemistry
- CHEM 4301 Laboratory Management is excluded from the ACS-certified major.
Other Required Courses
- MATH 1496 Calculus I
- MATH 1497 Calculus II
- MATH 2471 Calculus III
- MATH 3331 Ordinary Differential Equations I
- PHYS 1441 University Physics 1
- PHYS 1442 University Physics 2
No minor required.
[2] Biochemistry Track (44 hours)
Required Chemistry Courses
- CHEM 1450 College Chemistry I
- CHEM 1451 College Chemistry II
- CHEM 2401 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 3411 Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 3211 Organic Spectroscopy
- CHEM 3520 Quantitative Analysis
- CHEM 4320 Biochemistry I
- CHEM 4335 Biochemistry II
- CHEM 4121 Biochemistry Laboratory
- CHEM 4450 Physical Chemistry I
- CHEM 4460 Physical Chemistry II
- CHEM 3360 Intermediate Inorganic Chemistry or CHEM 4380 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
- A minimum of two credit hours of research
- CHEM 4112 Seminar [UD UCA Core: Z]
NOTE: CHEM 4301, Laboratory Management, is excluded from the ACS-certified major.
Other Required Courses
Three (3) upper division credit hours of CHEM, BIOL, or PHYS courses. (see elective options below)
- MATH 1496 Calculus I
- MATH 1497 Calculus II
- MATH 2471 Calculus III
- PHYS 1441 University Physics 1
- PHYS 1442 University Physics 2
- BIOL 1440 Principles of Biology I
- BIOL 1441 Principles of Biology II
- BIOL 2490 Genetics
No minor required.
Elective options: Any UD CHEM course (except for CHEM 4301); BIOL 4431, BIOL 4V90 (with department chair’s prior approval), BIOL 3420, BIOL 4425, BIOL 4350, BIOL 4360, BIOL 4414, PHYS 3412
University of Central Arkansas
Overview:
University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a public university located in Conway, Arkansas. It boasts a rich 115-year tradition of excellence and is committed to providing an innovative and collaborative education within a culture of student support and success.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic Advising:
Provides guidance and support for academic planning and course selection.Accessibility Resources and Services:
Offers accommodations and support for students with disabilities.Bear Card:
A multi-purpose card used for access to campus facilities, meal plans, and more.Bookstore:
Provides textbooks, course materials, and merchandise.Campus Safety:
Ensures a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, and staff.Career Services:
Assists students with career exploration, job search, and internship opportunities.Disability Resource Center:
Provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities.Financial Aid:
Offers various financial aid programs and scholarships to help students fund their education.Food Services:
Provides dining options on campus.Housing & Residence Life:
Offers on-campus housing options and residence life programs.Information Technology:
Provides technical support and resources for students.Library:
Offers a vast collection of books, journals, and digital resources.Student Health:
Provides healthcare services to students.Student Organizations:
Offers a wide variety of student organizations for students to join and engage in extracurricular activities.Veterans Services:
Provides support and resources for veteran students.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA offers a vibrant campus life with numerous opportunities for students to get involved and make connections. Students can:
Join over 150 Recognized Student Organizations:
Catering to diverse interests and passions.Participate in various events and activities:
From sporting events to cultural performances.Live in on-campus housing:
With various residence halls and living learning communities.Enjoy recreational facilities:
Including a campus recreation center.Volunteer in the community:
Through service-learning opportunities.Key Reasons to Study There:
UCA Commitment:
A groundbreaking program offering a debt-free pathway for tuition and fees for incoming Arkansas freshmen with household income of $100k or less.Small class sizes:
Allowing for personalized attention from faculty.Engaging programs:
Providing hands-on learning experiences and internships.Supportive community:
Fostering a sense of belonging and success.Strong academic reputation:
With a focus on research and experiential learning.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a wide range of academic programs across five colleges:
