Chemistry is a physical science with far-reaching applications that touch virtually every aspect of our day-to-day existence. The Department of Chemistry offers an ACS-certified Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemistry with two major concentrations to choose from. An accelerated B.S./M.S. concentration is also offered for students interested in obtaining a master's degree. Each concentration requires core courses in chemistry along with courses in calculus and physics.
The Biochemistry Concentration requires courses in general biology, cell biology, and biochemistry in addition to the core chemistry courses. The biochemical training that students receive will prepare them to enter professional degree programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and other health fields. The Biochemistry Concentration is also recommended for students who want to obtain graduate degrees in biochemistry, or work in the biomedical industry.
The Chemistry Concentration gives students a strong foundation in organic, analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Hands-on laboratory and research skills are emphasized. This concentration is recommended for students who want to have careers in chemical industry and those who plan to enter a chemistry M.S. or Ph.D. program.
The Accelerated Concentration of the Chemistry major provides a pathway for qualified students to move seamlessly into the M.S. in Chemistry graduate program while sharing up to 12 credits between the two.
The undergraduate curriculum prepares students to succeed in graduate programs and professional schools, or to enter careers in chemical industry. Our majors have been accepted at many prestigious institutions for advanced degrees, or are quickly placed in the workforce after graduation. The Department of Chemistry is proud of the success of all of our graduates and strives to continue designing new coursework and programs to help NEIU students achieve their educational and career goals.
To apply to the Accelerated Concentration of the Chemistry major, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and have earned at least 60 credit hours toward their bachelor's degree; at least 12 of those credit hours must have been earned at NEIU. In addition, students must complete the online application for the M.S. in Chemistry graduate program and meet all admission requirements for that program. Accepted students may begin the graduate-level shared coursework once they have earned 72 undergraduate credits, at least 12 of which were at NEIU.
University Core Curriculum Requirements
| General Education Distribution Area | Cr. Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Fine Arts (FA)* 2 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: Art, CMT (Mass Media or Theatre), Music (includes Dance). | 6 |
| Humanities (HU)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: CMT (Communication), English, Linguistics. Philosophy, Women's and Gender Studies, World Languages and Cultures, (Note: No more than two foreign language courses may be used to fulfill this requirement.) | 9 |
| Behavioral/Social Sciences (SB)* 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study: African & African American Studies, Anthropology, Computer Science, Economics, Geography & Environmental Studies, History, Justice Studies, Latino & Latin American Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work | 9 |
| Natural Sciences (NS and NSL)** 3 courses, from at least two of the following areas of study; one course must have a laboratory component (NSL): Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Physics (Note: If an FYE ANTH that counts as Natural Science is taken, only one Biology course may be used for Natural Science). | 9 |
| Engaged Learning Experiences | |
| Students must complete, at Northeastern, three courses designated as Engaged Learning Experiences courses. One of the Engaged Learning Experiences courses must be at the 300-level, and one Engaged Learning Experiences course must be designated as "Boundary Crossing". | |
| Discipline Specific (ELE-DS) These courses have pre-requisites that are specific courses within a program of study. Discipline Specific courses give students a deeper understanding of how knowledge is created and applied in their field. | |
| Boundary Crossing (ELE-X) These are courses that cross disciplinary boundaries and/or cross boundaries through engagements outside the classroom or University allowing students to see how knowledge gained in one field might inform other fields or other aspects of society. | |
| Math/Quantitative Reasoning (MA) 1 Math course, that has intermediate Algebra as prerequisite OR is a course listed on the General Education Distributive Learning List of Approved Courses. Any 3 hour college level math course, beyond Intermediate Algebra, meets this requirement. |
- *
Majors in Fine Arts, Humanities or Social/Behavioral Sciences, may waive up to 6 credit hours of General Education requirements in the corresponding distribution area.
- **
Majors in Natural Sciences may waive up to 9 credit hours of General Education requirements in the Natural Sciences distribution area.
Students should also be aware of all other university requirements to obtain a degree - NEIU requirements
MAJOR IN CHEMISTRY FOR THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Chemistry Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (42 cr.) | ||
| CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I 1 | 5 |
| CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II 1 | 4 |
| CHEM-213 | Writing Intensive Program: Quantitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I 2 | 4 |
| CHEM-232 | Organic Chemistry II 2 | 4 |
| CHEM-311 | Physical Chemistry I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM-312 | Physical Chemistry II 3 | 4 |
| CHEM-316 | Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM-330 | Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy | 5 |
| or CHEM-331 | Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods | |
| CHEM-391 | Chemistry Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| Select two electives from the following: | 6-8 | |
| Chemical Aspects Of Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Industrial Aspects Of Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Environmental Chemistry In The City | ||
| Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy 4 | ||
| Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods 4 | ||
| Introduction To Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Polyfunctional Compounds | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Bio-Organic Compounds | ||
| Organic Synthesis | ||
| Principles Of Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Pharmacology | ||
| Principles Of Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Chemical Kinetics | ||
Any other 300-level chemistry course approved by the department. | ||
| Total Hours | 48-50 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses in a Related Field (18 cr.) | ||
| MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or MATH-187W | Calculus I & Math Enrichment Workshop | |
| MATH-202 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH-202W | Calculus II & Math Enrichment Workshop | |
| PHYS-206L | University Physics I With Lab 5 | 5 |
| or PHYS-201L | College Physics I With Lab | |
| PHYS-207L | University Physics II With Lab 5 | 5 |
| or PHYS-202L | College Physics II With Lab | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
CHEM-211C and CHEM-212C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-211 and CHEM-212, respectively.
- 2
CHEM-231C and CHEM-232C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-231 and CHEM-232, respectively.
- 3
CHEM-311C and CHEM-312C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-311 and CHEM-312 respectively.
- 4
Major elective credit is given only if the course is not used to count towards the required courses in the major.
- 5
PHYS-206L and PHYS-207L are strongly recommended for all Chemistry majors and are required for the ACS certified degree.
Biochemistry Concentration
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (45 cr.) | ||
| CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I 1 | 5 |
| CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II 1 | 4 |
| CHEM-213 | Writing Intensive Program: Quantitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I 2 | 4 |
| CHEM-232 | Organic Chemistry II 2 | 4 |
| CHEM-311 | Physical Chemistry I 3 | 4 |
| or CHEM-312 | Physical Chemistry II | |
| CHEM-316 | Inorganic Chemistry | 4 |
| CHEM-330 | Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy | 5 |
| or CHEM-331 | Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods | |
| CHEM-362 | Biochemistry 4 | 4 |
| CHEM-372 | Biochemistry Of Metabolism 4 | 3 |
| CHEM-391 | Chemistry Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| Select two electives from the following: | 6-8 | |
| General Genetics | ||
| Molecular Biology | ||
| General Microbiology | ||
| Genomics and Proteomics | ||
| Physical Chemistry II 5 | ||
or CHEM-311 | Physical Chemistry I | |
| Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods 5 | ||
or CHEM-330 | Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy | |
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Polyfunctional Compounds | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Bio-Organic Compounds | ||
| Organic Synthesis | ||
| Principles Of Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Pharmacology | ||
| Principles Of Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Chemical Kinetics | ||
Any other 300-level chemistry course approved by the department | ||
| Total Hours | 51-53 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses in a Related Field (32 cr.) | ||
| MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or MATH-187W | Calculus I & Math Enrichment Workshop | |
| MATH-202 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH-202W | Calculus II & Math Enrichment Workshop | |
| PHYS-206L | University Physics I With Lab 6 | 5 |
| or PHYS-201L | College Physics I With Lab | |
| PHYS-207L | University Physics II With Lab 6 | 5 |
| or PHYS-202L | College Physics II With Lab | |
| BIO-201 | General Biology I | 4 |
| BIO-202 | General Biology II | 4 |
| BIO-250 | Essential Skills For Biologists | 2 |
| BIO-301 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| Total Hours | 32 | |
- 1
CHEM-211C and CHEM-212C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-211 and CHEM-212, respectively.
- 2
CHEM-231C and CHEM-232C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-231 and CHEM-232, respectively.
- 3
CHEM-311C and CHEM-312C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-311 and CHEM-312 respectively.
- 4
CHEM-362 Biochemistry is cross-listed with BIO-362 Biochemistry.
CHEM-372 Biochemistry of Metabolism is cross-listed with BIO-372 Biochemistry of Metabolism.
- 5
Major elective credit is given only if the course is not used to count towards the required courses in the major.
- 6
PHYS-206L and PHYS-207L are strongly recommended for all Chemistry majors and are required for the ACS certified degree.
Accelerated CONCENTRATION
Students in the Accelerated Concentration must maintain a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and earn at least a "B" in all graduate-level courses taken for shared credit. The undergraduate degree must be completed within four (4) semesters of the start of the shared graduate-level courses, not including Summer semesters.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses (53 cr.) | ||
| CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I 1 | 5 |
| CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II 1 | 4 |
| CHEM-213 | Writing Intensive Program: Quantitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I 2 | 4 |
| CHEM-232 | Organic Chemistry II 2 | 4 |
| CHEM-311 | Physical Chemistry I 3 | 4 |
| CHEM-312 | Physical Chemistry II 3 | 4 |
| CHEM-331 | Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods | 5 |
| or CHEM-330 | Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy | |
| CHEM-417 | Inorganic Chemistry 4 | 4 |
| CHEM-391 | Chemistry Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| CHEM-418 | Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy 5 | 5 |
| or CHEM-419 | Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods | |
| Select one 300-level elective: | 3-4 | |
| Chemical Aspects Of Environmental Chemistry | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Polyfunctional Compounds | ||
| Advanced Organic Chemistry: Bio-Organic Compounds | ||
| Principles Of Toxicology | ||
| Principles of Pharmacology | ||
| Principles Of Medicinal Chemistry | ||
| Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory | ||
| Or other 300-level chemistry course approved by the department | ||
| Select one 400-level elective | 3 | |
| Organic Chemistry | ||
| Physical Methods Of Organic Chemistry | ||
| Organic Reaction Mechanisms | ||
| Introduction to Polymer Chemistry | ||
| Physical Chemistry | ||
| Chemical Thermodynamics | ||
| Quantum Chemistry | ||
| Reaction Kinetics | ||
| Nanoscience | ||
| Or other 400-level chemistry course approved by the department | ||
| Total Hours | 53-54 | |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses in a Related Field (18 cr.) | ||
| MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
| or MATH-187W | Calculus I & Math Enrichment Workshop | |
| MATH-202 | Calculus II | 4 |
| or MATH-202W | Calculus II & Math Enrichment Workshop | |
| PHYS-206L | University Physics I With Lab 6 | 5 |
| or PHYS-201L | College Physics I With Lab | |
| PHYS-207L | University Physics II With Lab 6 | 5 |
| or PHYS-202L | College Physics II With Lab | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
- 1
CHEM-211C and CHEM-212C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-211 and CHEM-212, respectively.
- 2
CHEM-231C and CHEM-232C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-231 and CHEM-232, respectively.
- 3
CHEM-311C and CHEM-312C are strongly recommended to be taken concurrently with CHEM-311 and CHEM-312 respectively.
- 4
Students intending to complete the Accelerated Concentration should take CHEM-417 in place of CHEM-316 in order to receive graduate credit.
- 5
Students intending to complete the Accelerated Concentration should take one of either CHEM-418 or CHEM-419 after they have completed either CHEM-330 or CHEM-331.
- 6
PHYS-206L and PHYS-207L are strongly recommended for all Chemistry majors and are required for the ACS certified degree.
Students with foreign credentials are evaluated by the Office of Admissions as having 90 credit hours must take as a minimum the following six courses:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM-213 | Writing Intensive Program: Quantitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHEM-232 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM-311 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM-312 | Physical Chemistry II | 4 |
| CHEM-330 | Instrumental Analysis: Spectroscopy | 4 |
| or CHEM-331 | Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods | |
| CHEM-391 | Chemistry Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| Additional courses may be required in chemistry, physics or mathematics. Students should see their advisor. | ||
| Total Hours | 24 | |
American Chemical Society (ACS) approved program in Chemistry:
Graduating majors may receive a certificate stating that they have completed a program which meets the ACS standards for Professional Training if they fulfill the following requirements:
- Take PHYS-206L as prerequisite for CHEM-311.
- Take PHYS-207L as prerequisite for CHEM-312.
- Take CHEM-311 and CHEM-312 during the junior year.
CHEM-316, CHEM-330, CHEM-331, CHEM-347 and CHEM-348 are required. Two additional 300-level electives must then be selected.
Completion of this program requires a minimum of 50 cr. in chemistry with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and no chemistry grades below C in any required course.
This sample curricular map is provided to guide you in the planning of your progression for this major. This guide should not replace regular consultations with your program advisor. For specific recommendations of courses not identified, please consult your program advisor.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | Hours | |
| CHEM-211 | General Chemistry I | 5 |
| MATH-187 | Calculus I | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CHEM-212 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH-202 | Calculus II | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| CHEM-213 | Writing Intensive Program: Quantitative Analysis | 5 |
| CHEM-231 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 |
| PHYS-201L or 206L | College Physics I With Lab | 5 |
| Term Hours | 14 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CHEM-232 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 |
| PHYS-202L or 207L | College Physics II With Lab | 5 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| CHEM-311 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 |
| CHEM-331 or 330 | Instrumental Analysis: Quantitative Methods | 4 |
| CHEM Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 14 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| CHEM-312 | Physical Chemistry II | 4 |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| CHEM Elective | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 16 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Term 1 | ||
| CHEM-391 | Chemistry Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| 300-Level CHEM Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| 300-Level CHEM Course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Term 2 | ||
| 300-Level CHEM Course | 3 | |
| General Education Course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Elective course | 3 | |
| Term Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 121 | |