B.S. in Chemistry
Pursue new knowledge through a broad range of the chemical sciences.
There are two paths to study chemistry at the University of Mississippi. Choose between the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with optional emphases in biochemistry, chemical physics, and environmental chemistry. The B.A. degree allows greater compatibility with other areas of study while the more specialized B.S. degree requires more mathematics and science.
Key Benefits
Chemistry majors receive training in state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation, data collection and analyses, and professional presentation of scientific results. In preparation for graduate school, many students engage in research with faculty, sometimes beginning as early as their first semester at the university. The department maintains a website that presents the requirements and opportunities for undergraduate researchers.
Graduate Outcomes
A liberal arts education prepares graduates to deal with complexity and change. They gain key skills in communication, problem-solving, and working with diverse groups. Related careers in chemistry include research, health care, pharmacology, toxicology, pharmacy, law, policy, and environmental areas.
Experiences Offered
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is ranked among the top 50 chemistry departments in the country for its production of undergraduate degrees because faculty members take a keen interest in the success of their students. Students may become involved in research with faculty members during the academic year as well as funded summer projects. It is not unusual for a chemistry major to co-author a scientific article with a professor before graduating from UM.
B.S. in Chemistry Faculty
The faculty in the University of Mississippi's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry have expertise in analytical, astrochemistry, biological, computational, electrochemical, environmental, forensic, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical chemistry.
Course Requirements
A major in chemistry for the B.S. degree consists of the following 50 hours of chemistry courses: Chem 105, 106, 115, 116; 221, 222, 225, 226; 314; 331, 332, 337; 401, 402; 423, 469, 471, two semesters of 463 (for a total of 4 hours), and two advanced courses chosen from 512, 514, 519, 527, 528, 529, 530, 531, 532, 534, 536, 544, 563, or 593. Also required are Phys 211, 212, 221, 222; Math 261, 262, 263, 264 as well as one course chosen from Math 319, 353, or 375. Students seeking the B.S. degree in chemistry who have already completed Phys 213/214 instead of Phys 211/212 must complete one calculus-based physics course chosen from Phys 303, 315, 319, or 321. The following courses may not be used for major credit: Chem 101, 103, 104, 113, 114, 121, 201, 202, 271, 293, 381, 382, 383, or 393.
Admissions Requirements
To enroll in the program, students must have successfully completed Chem 105 or be eligible to immediately enroll in Chem 105. The pre-requisites for Chem 105 include a minimum ACT mathematics score of 24 (SAT 560 or SATR 580); or math placement test ALEKS PPL 76; or B minimum in Chem 101; or B minimum in college algebra (Math 121) and trigonometry (Math 123); or B minimum in pre-calculus (Math 125) or higher.
Jacob Graham
Jacob (2009) excelled in physical chemistry classes and was asked to join Dr. Hammer's lab. He was immediately given the challenge of designing and building a time-of-flight mass spectrometer with the eventual goal of using it to perform infrared spectroscopy on mass selected molecules and clusters. "Alongside all of the practical knowledge involving vacuum systems, lasers, and electronics that I picked up during the project, Dr. Hammer helped me improve my scientific communication ability, project management skills, and even my resilience through failures." After graduation, Jacob earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at Johns Hopkins University. After his postdoc at the University of Chicago, his goal is to remain in academia.
Why study chemistry at UM?
"The department was a very positive environment for me. I was prepared well academically and I was able to do rewarding experimental work as an undergraduate. I genuinely felt that all the faculty I interacted with cared about my future and they would always make time to talk to me about both academic and non-academic issues."
Student Organizations
Join the American Chemical Society and/or the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.