Undergraduate Studies
Chemistry Program and Courses in Academic Catalog
Important Information for Incoming Students
Students choosing chemistry for their major can follow one of three tracks:
B.S. in Chemistry
American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Degree – Recommended for students who want the best preparation for a chemistry career, including graduate school. A strong high-school background in chemistry and algebra is recommended or the program may be delayed.
B.S. with a Major in Chemistry
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry has two options with different emphases (one for physical sciences and one for biochemistry). Both are less specialized degrees that prepare students to work in other areas. For example, the emphasis in physical science with additional course work by the Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education and Human Development is an excellent program for students planning to teach high school chemistry. The emphasis in biochemistry provides flexibility in electives that makes it a good choice for students going into medicine.
Physical Science Option – Also recommended for students who want a chemistry career or graduate school, but there are fewer requirements than the ACS Certified track. This track is a good fit for students who are pre-education or who want to minor with another program. Students choosing this option will be able to fit pre-med course requirements around this curriculum.
Biochemistry Option – Recommended for students who are pre-health professional or who want to double-major with another program. Because of the lower level of math required, this track is not suitable for students who are thinking of graduate school in chemistry.
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Traditionally, bachelors graduates have pursued one of three paths after receiving their degree: high school teaching, further education in a graduate program or professional school, or a job as an industrial chemist.
The recent focus by the government on improving the quality of secondary education, particularly in science and mathematics, has meant that more positions are available for chemistry teachers in post-elementary schools.
Chemistry students who attend graduate school following completion of their Bachelors degree are assured of complete financial assistance. Currently, graduate students in chemistry are in demand. Students with good academic records will have their choice of graduate schools to attend. Recent graduates from UND have pursued graduate studies at schools such as UC Berkeley, University of Utah, University of Minnesota and University of Indiana.
Chemistry Careers
The outlook for chemists is quite good, with a median annual wage of over $73,000 across all related industries. Between 2012 and 2022 the Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects a 5 to 6 percent increase in the employment of chemists and materials scientists.
Recent Career Statistics for Chemists
Bureau of Labor & Statistics job description and industry projections
UND Undergraduate Scholarships
for Freshmen Priority date March 1st, click here for more info
Additional Scholarships and Tuition waivers, click here for more info
Chemistry Department Scholarships
Chemistry scholarships in amounts typically ranging from $100 to $1000 (depending
on the award type and its availability) are awarded annually in recognition of academic
achievement by outstanding undergraduates. These awards are typically announced at
the time of Homecoming.
2015 Chemistry Awards 2014 Chemistry Awards 2013 Chemistry Awards 2012 Chemistry Awards 2011 Chemistry Awards
US MASTER Scholarships
Undergraduate Scholarships with Mathematics and Science Training in Environmental Research
The National Science Foundation has awarded to the University of North Dakota Science
Team a grant to support a scholarship program to students in biology, chemistry, geography
and mathematics. The goal is recruiting and providing support for the talented students
with financial needs who are completing a major in sciences. US MASTER scholarship
program will provide financial support for up to 4 years (if renewal criteria are
satisfied) covering tuition & fees with support of up to $10,000 a year, depending
on the financial aid eligibility and qualifying to the selection/eligibility criteria.
Click here for more information and application download. currenly closed, pending
funding
Research opportunities for undergraduate students are available by arrangement with various research groups through two routes: research credits and as an internship opportunity.
Research Credits can be received through Chem 392 (Special Problems in Chemistry) or Chem 492 (Senior Research). In both courses, each student is assigned (upon request by the student) to a specific research group, to work closely with faculty members and other researchers. The total credits for Chem 392 may not exceed 3 credits. The recommended Chem 392 starting time is the sophomore year. Starting the senior year, students should take Chem 492. Submission of a comprehensive final report is part of the Chem 492 requirements. This course may be used as a Capstone Course in Chemistry for 3 credits (also recognized as Advanced Communication credit). The Chem 492 may be repeated for up to 6 credits.
Research Projects can be found below. Students should contact an individual faculty member directly for further information. All faculty contact information is listed on the department website.
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| Qianli Rick Chu |
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| Lothar Stahl |
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| Min Wu |
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| Archana Dhasarathy |
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| James Foster |
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| Keith Henry |
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Summer Research
Another option is to apply for summer research programs, such as the Research Experience
for Undergraduates (REU) supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Students
are granted stipends and assistance with housing and travel. Students supported with
NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions.
The detailed information is available via the REU link.
For other summer undergraduate research placements in over 800 programs see this link.
The Chemistry Club is a campus organization for undergraduate chemistry
majors and other interested students which promotes interest in chemistry and is affiliated with the American Chemical Society. The group sponsors visits to local schools, demonstrations at community hands-on learning events, and social events and has regularly scheduled meetings. Recent activities have included:
* Super Science Day – 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
* Chemistry Fun Day – Nov. 2010, Nov. 2011, Mar. 2012, Nov. 2012, Mar. 2013, Mar. 2015, Oct. 2015
* Century School Science Night – Oct. 2011, Oct. 2012
* Sacred Heart School Science Night – Jan. 2014
Interested students are encouraged to contact faculty advisor, Dr. Julie Abrahamson. julie.abrahamson@und.edu
What are the advantages of a chemistry major?
From making pioneering discoveries in a variety of science-related fields to working
in a hospital laboratory, there is no career shortage for graduates with a chemistry
degree. Utilizing your skills and taking your research interests to the next level,
you could find the career that’s perfect for you in many areas including the following:
- Biotechnology
- Oil and petroleum
- Environmental protection
- Public health
- Formulation chemistry
- Pharmacology
- Medicinal chemistry
- University education
- High school education
- Chemical engineering
- Academic research
A degree in chemistry also provides a great foundation for graduate study in fields
such as medicine, engineering and law.
For those interested in teaching certification, the UND BS degree in Chemistry and
B.S. degree with a major in Chemistry are approved by the North Dakota Standards and
Practices Board. By completing one of these two BS degree tracks as well as the Department
of Teaching and Learning requirements in Secondary Education, a student can obtain
teacher certification.
How many students graduate annually in Chemistry?
Generally, about 15 to 20 students graduate with chemistry majors each year, including
transfer students and those who switch to chemistry from other majors after the first
year. The majority of chemistry majors complete the degree requirements in four years.
How long is required to complete a chemistry major?All chemistry major tracks can be completed in a four year plan.
How can you ensure you are well prepared coming from high school?
Students are recommended to take high school Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics courses
at the highest possible levels.
Is it feasible to pursue the ACS-certified BS in chemistry if I did not take advanced
math and science courses in high school?
If you like chemistry and work hard, this chemistry major can still be pursued, starting
with Chem 121 General Chemistry I. A student then takes Chem 254 in the second year.
Your chemistry advisor can help guide you in the necessary course selections.
If I am a Pre-med student, why should I pursue a Chemistry degree instead of another
B.S. degree, particularly one in Biology?
Being a Pre-med student, you will be expected to take many biology courses, these
provide a biology background sufficient for application to Medical School. Having
a chemistry degree gives you an opportunity to understand biochemistry and other biology-
and medicine-related topics from the chemistry point of view. Biology majors will
lack this broader understanding. Earning a B.S. in Chemistry degree allows you to
make a stronger impression on an admission committee and be a high achiever in Medical
School. As a rule, graduates with chemistry degrees are capable of understanding biology-related
issues better than biology majors can understand problems associated with chemistry.
Which Chemistry track should I select?
Students choosing chemistry for their major can follow one of three tracks:
B.S. in Chemistry
American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Degree – Recommended for students who want the best preparation for a chemistry career,
including graduate school. A strong high-school background in chemistry and calculus
is recommended.
B.S. with a Major in Chemistry
Physical Science Option – Also recommended for students who want a chemistry career and/or further study
in graduate school. However, this track has fewer requirements than the ACS Certified
path. This option is a good fit for students who are considering Teaching Certification,
double majors, or who want to have a minor in another program. Students choosing this
option can easily fit Pre-med course requirements around the curriculum leading to
this degree.
Biochemistry Option – Recommended for Pre-health and Pre-med students or who want to have a second major.
Because of the lower level of math required, this track is not suggested for students
who are considering graduate programs in chemistry.
What is the main difference between the ACS track and the Major in Chemistry, Physical
Science emphasis track?
The ACS-certified B.S. in Chemistry requires more extensive chemistry coursework than
the B.S. degree with major in Chemistry. The latter option may be more compatible
for those seeking a double major. For details, see catalog descriptions for each major, and questions below.
Which courses should I take in the first semester if I’m on the Chem ACS track?
- Chem 221/221L Fundamentals of Chemistry & Lab, 4 cr. Pre-requisite: Math 103 or higher. (Instead of Chem 221/221L students may take less challenging Chem 121/121L followed by Chem 122/122L next semester; however, this option may delay your graduation.)
- Math 165, Calculus I, 4 cr. (requires ACT score ≥ 28), or the highest math course for which the student is eligible based on the ACT score or the COMPASS Placement Test.
- Engl 110, Composition I, 3 cr. (Note that this course is waived if your ACT score is ≥ 27. Engl 130 will be required later for all students.)
- Lang 101 (Any) Foreign Language, 4 cr. (Lang 201 will be required later.)
*Current listings of requirements can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Which courses should I take in the first semester if I’m on the Physical Science Option?
- Chem 121/121L, General Chemistry I & Lab, 4 cr. Co-requisite: Math 103. (You are encouraged to take the more challenging Chem 221/221L instead of Chem 121/121L if you have a solid high school background in chemistry and algebra).
- Math 165, Calculus I, 4 cr. (requires ACT score ≥ 28), or the highest math course for which the student is eligible based on the ACT score or the COMPASS Placement Test.
- Engl 110, Composition I, 3 cr. (Note that this course is waived if your ACT score is ≥ 27. Engl 130 will be required later for all students.)
- Lang 101 (Any) Foreign Language, 4 cr. (Lang 201 will be required later.)
*Current listings of requirements can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Which courses should I take in the first semester if I’m on the Biochemistry Option?
- Chem 121/121L, General Chemistry I & Lab, 4 cr. Co-requisite: Math 103. (You are encouraged to take the more challenging Chem 221/221L instead of Chem 121/121L if you have a solid high school background in chemistry and algebra).
- Math 146, Applied Calculus, 4 cr. (Math 165 is encouraged instead if you have solid background in mathematics, e.g., ACT ≥ 28.)
- Engl 110, Composition I, 3 cr. (Note that this course is waived if your ACT score is ≥ 27. Engl 130 will be required later for all students.)
- Lang 101 (Any) Foreign Language, 4 cr. (Lang 201 will be required later.)
*Current listings of requirements can be found in the Academic Catalog.
Which date should I select for Orientation?
You need to select the earliest possible date because courses can fill up very quickly.
Which courses should I take as a Pre-professional (for example, Pre-med) major student?
Open the UND website and click on A-Z index: http://und.edu/a-z/ and then select P.
This will show a number of Pre-professional options, for example, Pre-med. Select
the site of your choice, e.g., Pre-health programs: http://arts-sciences.und.edu/pre-health/
and then choose a Pre-health program you desire to pursue.
Which Math should I take?
If you are pursuing a B.S. degree in Chemistry (“ACS track”) or a B.S. degree with
a Major in Chemistry, Physical Science option, you need to take Calculus I, II and
III (Math, 165, 166 and 265).Students on the Biochemistry emphasis track need to take
Math 146, Applied Calculus I; however, the higher level course Math 165, Calculus
I, is recommended instead as this path opens more career options.
Which Math course can I take based on my ACT score?
- ACT Math sub-scores 0-18 – may enroll in Math 92
- ACT Math sub-scores 19-20 - may enroll in Math 93
- ACT Math sub-scores 21-25 – may enroll in Math 103,105, or 107
- ACT Math sub-scores 26-27 – may enroll in Math 103, 105, 107, 146, or 208*
- ACT Math sub-scores 28-36 – may enroll in Math 103, 105, 107, 146, 165 or 208*
*Math 208 is not recommended for first semester freshmen.
Another option is to take the COMPASS placement test, which can be also taken remotely. It is recommended to take the test before Orientation. The UND Testing Services
office phone number is 701-777-4157.
What is the COMPASS placement test?
The COMPASS placement is the mathematics test used to determine which Math course
to take. It can be taken remotely and it is recommended to be taken before coming
for summer orientation.More details about this test are available at UND Testing Services. The UND Testing Services office phone number is 701-777-4157.
What research is most appropriate for students pursuing biochemistry or physical science emphases?A number of research projects from our current faculty members are listed on the Chemistry Department website “Undergraduate Studies/Research.” In general, all these research areas are suitable for undergraduate students pursuing a degree with either a biochemistry or physical science emphasis. Students should contact individual faculty members directly for further information.
How can I pursue research?
Research opportunities for undergraduate students are available by arrangement with
various research groups in the Chemistry Department as well as with adjunct chemistry
faculty working in the Medical School through two routes: research credits and as
an internship opportunity.
Potential projects offered can be also found on the undergraduate website under the “Research” tab.
How can I take research credits?
Research Credits can be received by taking Chem 392 (Special Problems in Chemistry)
and/or Chem 492 (Senior Research). In both courses, each student is assigned (upon
request by the student) to a specific research group to work closely with a faculty member and other researchers. The total number of credits for Chem 392 may not exceed 3. It is recommended to
take Chem 392 during the sophomore or junior year. Beginning in the senior year, students
should take Chem 492. Submission of a comprehensive final report is a part of the
Chem 492 requirements. This course may be used as a Capstone Course in Chemistry for
3 credits. Chem 492 is also approved as an Advanced Communication course. Chem 492
may be repeated for up to 6 credits.
How can I choose a research project?
Students should contact an individual faculty member directly for further information.
All faculty contact information is listed on the department website.
A list of the projects currently offered by chemistry faculty can also be found on
the undergraduate website under the “Research” tab.
Are there opportunities for Summer Research?
Students may apply for summer research programs either by inquiring with an individual
research faculty member, or through the Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU)
program supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Students selected for
participation in the REU program are granted stipends and assistance with housing
and travel. Students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents
of the United States or its possessions. The detailed information about REU programs
at UND and other universities is available via the REU link. For other summer undergraduate research placements in over 800 programs, see this link.
What do I need to complete a chemistry minor?
A minimum of 20 semester hours are required for a chemistry minor, unless all twenty
are required for the student’s current major. The 20 semester hours shall include
one year of general/inorganic chemistry with laboratory, a semester of analytical
chemistry with laboratory, and one year of organic chemistry with laboratory. CHEM 340 Survey of Organic Chemistry and BMB 301 Biochemistry can be substituted for one year of organic chemistry. If all twenty
hours are required by the student’s major, a minor may be achieved by taking 2 semester
hours at or above the 300 level beyond the chemistry courses required for the major.
(See details in Academic Catalog)
What options are there for those considering changing to a chemistry major?
If you are considering switching to a chemistry major after the first or second year
of coursework, be sure your math courses will be sufficient for your intended choice.
Additionally, two semesters of physics will be needed in order to take the physical
chemistry courses required.
What options are there for those considering changing from a chemistry major?
If you truly enjoy chemistry, we would like to encourage you to stay with the chemistry
major. Two semesters of General Chemistry with labs will fulfill the Essential Studies
(ES) requirements in quantitative reasoning or they can be used towards ES requirements
of 9 credits in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Additionally, two semesters of
Organic Chemistry (with labs), plus one semester of Analytical Chemistry (with lab),
are sufficient for a minor in chemistry. Essentially all non-chemistry courses required
by chemistry majors and taken during the first two years can be used to fulfill ES
requirements.
Can I obtain a scholarship?
Various scholarships are listed on the on the undergraduate website under the scholarship tab
How can I find my advisor?
You can find your advisor by logging to Campus connection. Besides your Chemistry advisor, you can also meet our Art and Sciences College Academic Advisors
Why should I meet my advisor?
Chemistry advisors can help you with the selection of chemistry courses ensuring effective
progress through studies in your major. The academic advisors are familiar with the
spectrum of University resources that can help you meet your goals and make the most
of your time at UND.
How can I improve study habits and strategies?
Take advantage of the resources provided by the Student Success Center.