Academic Advising: 817-272-9687
Overview
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers four programs of study leading to a bachelor's degree and two leading to both a bachelor's and master's degree. They are the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - American Chemical Society certified, the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry - American Chemical Society certified, the Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry a combined Bachelor of Science-Master of Science in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Professional Chemist: Students who wish to become professional chemists or whose goals include graduate education in chemistry should pursue the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry - American Chemical Society certified. Alternatively, students may choose the Bachelor of Science-Master of Science combined program. Prospective students should contact the departmental undergraduate advisor.
- Professional Biochemist: Students who wish to become professional biochemists or whose goals include graduate education in biochemistry, should pursue the Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry - American Chemical Society certified. Prospective students should contact the departmental undergraduate advisor.
- Premedical and Predental Programs: Students who wish to prepare for entry into medical or dental school may choose to major in chemistry or biochemistry. While any of the four bachelor's programs will meet the minimum requirements, the department recommends either the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry or the Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry. Prospective students should contact both the departmental undergraduate advisor and the premedical advisor in the College of Science.
- Preallied Health Programs: Students who wish to prepare for entry into pharmacy or veterinary school, physical therapy, or occupational therapy may choose to major in chemistry. Prospective students should contact the departmental undergraduate advisor.
- Chemistry as a Teaching Field: Although students who intend to teach chemistry at the secondary school level may pursue any of the degrees, the Bachelor of Arts Degree offers the greatest flexibility.
Declaring a Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry
Beginning freshmen who intend to declare chemistry or biochemistry as a major must complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 2.25 in chemistry and an overall GPA of 2.25.
- CHEM 1441 and CHEM 1442.
- Six hours of mathematics approved by the department.
- Three hours of biology or geology.
- 12 hours from courses in the University core curriculum other than science or mathematics (English, history, political science, social and cultural studies, and fine arts).
Transfer students who transfer part or all of the above requirements must complete a minimum of 11 hours of approved science and mathematics courses in residence with a minimum GPA of 2.25 to be eligible to major in chemistry or biochemistry.
All new students who intend to major in chemistry or biochemistry should schedule an appointment for advising with the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Declaring a Second Major in Chemistry
A person who satisfies the requirements for any other baccalaureate degree qualifies for having chemistry named as a second major upon completion of the following courses:
Please note that a second major in Chemistry is not the same as a double major in which students complete the requirements for a second degree.
Please see the undergraduate chemistry advisor for additional information.
Teacher Certification
Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry with secondary teacher certification should refer to the “Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry with UTeach Physical Science Certification” degree plan or the "Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry with UTeach Chemistry Certification" degree plan for teacher certification requirements.
Calculation of Chemistry Grade Point Average
Only chemistry courses required in the degree program will be used in calculating the chemistry grade point average for chemistry degree candidates.
Honors Program
Students who qualify are encouraged to participate in the University Honors College. Students should enroll in honors sections of chemistry courses when available and should include CHEM 4381 as approved by the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Chemistry Course Registration & Requirements
Students may not be "pre-enrolled" in chemistry courses while pre-requisite courses at another institution are pending grades. Only UT Arlington credits may be used for pre-enrollment purposes.
Canvas grades (or other learning-management system grades) may not be used as proof of completion for a pre-requisite course. Students must submit either an official transcript to the registrar's office, or submit a transcript with a letter grade for the pre-requisite course to the undergraduate chemistry advisor in order to be enrolled in a chemistry course. If a student is submitting the transcript via email, the email must be sent from their UTA email address.
The ACS-certified degree programs (Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry) require the capstone course CHEM 3322. The capstone course is meant to test students in their knowledge of Math, Physics, and Chemistry in order to assess their cumulative knowledge of the sciences needed for success in their profession. This course requirement may not be satisfied with transfer credit without the approval of the undergraduate curriculum committee of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Academic Regulations
All students pursuing a degree in one of the academic programs from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry must abide by the academic regulations of the University and the following additional rules established by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Three-Attempt Rule: A student may not attempt a course (at UT Arlington and/or at any other institution) more than three times and apply that course toward a chemistry/biochemistry degree. Enrollment in a course for a period of time sufficient for assignment of a grade, including a grade of W, is considered an attempt.
Undergraduate Degrees
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry
This program is suitable preparation for admission to medical and dental schools, and other health-related professions.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
| UNIV 1131 | STUDENT SUCCESS | 1 |
| or UNIV 1101 | CAREER PREPARATION AND STUDENT SUCCESS |
| ENGL 1301 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | RHETORIC AND COMPOSITION II | 3 |
| 3 |
| POLS 2311 | GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES | 3 |
| POLS 2312 | STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT | 3 |
| 3 |
| HIST 1301 | HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES TO 1865 | 3 |
| HIST 1302 | HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1865 TO PRESENT | 3 |
| 3 |
| MATH 1426 | CALCULUS I | 4 |
| MATH 2425 | CALCULUS II | 4 |
| 3 |
| PHYS 1441 | GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS I | 4 |
| PHYS 1442 | GENERAL COLLEGE PHYSICS II | 4 |
| 1A | 14 |
| 1B | 8 |
| |
| CHEM 1341 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| CHEM 1181 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY I LABORATORY FOR ADVANCED CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES | 1 |
| CHEM 1342 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| CHEM 1182 | GENERAL CHEMISTRY II LABORATORY FOR ADVANCED CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGIES | 1 |
| CHEM 2321 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| CHEM 2322 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| CHEM 2335 | QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY 1C | 3 |
| CHEM 2283 | SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY I | 2 |
| CHEM 2284 | SYNTHESIS AND ANALYSIS LABORATORY II | 2 |
| CHEM 3315 | INTRODUCTION TO BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CHEM 3175 | BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 1 |
| CHEM 3317 | INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| CHEM 4101 | SEMINAR IN CHEMISTRY | 1 |
| CHEM 4311 | BIOCHEMISTRY I | 3 |
| 2 |
| INTRODUCTION TO POLYMER CHEMISTRY | |
| LABORATORY TECHNIQUES IN BIOCHEMISTRY | |
| BIOCHEMISTRY II | |
| INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | |
| ADVANCED SYNTHETIC METHODS | |
| 17 |
| |
| Total Hours | 120 |
The minimum biology requirement for premedical students is BIOL 1441 CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY and three additional courses. Specifically, BIOL 2444 GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY and BIOL 3442 HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY are recommended plus three additional hours.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry with Chemistry Teacher Certification (UTeach Program)
This program is suitable preparation for students who desire certification with a teaching field in chemistry and/or physical science.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry with Physical Science Teacher Certification (UTeach Program)
This program is suitable preparation for students who desire certification with a teaching field in chemistry and/or physical science.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry - American Chemical Society Certified
This program meets the standards for professional baccalaureate programs established by the American Chemical Society. It is recommended to students who plan to enter into graduate study in chemistry and for those who anticipate professional careers as chemists.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry - American Chemical Society Certified
This program is recommended to students who plan to enter into graduate study in biochemistry and for those who anticipate professional careers as biochemists. This program is also suitable for premedical and predental students and for training in allied health sciences.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Chemistry
This program is recommended to students who plan to enter into medical and dental school and for training in allied health sciences. This program is also suitable for students who anticipate professional careers in the field of biotechnology or graduate training in biochemistry.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for Fast-Track Program: Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Chemistry
This program is recommended for students who wish to earn graduate level course credit and who wish to obtain graduate level research experience. This program is suitable for those students who plan to pursue doctoral graduate studies in chemistry and for those who anticipate professional careers as chemists. B.S. in Chemistry degree of this Fast-Track program is an American Chemical Society Certified degree.
FOUNDATION COURSES
Students must take the following 4 specific undergraduate CHEM courses in order to be admitted into the Fast Track program. The cumulative GPA required for the foundation courses is a 3.25. Students must also maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher in all CHEM courses completed at UTA, and have a cumulative GPA of a 3.3 or higher.
| CHEM 2322 | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY II | 3 |
| CHEM 2335 | QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY | 3 |
| 3 |
| INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | |
| INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | |
| 3 |
| PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY I | |
| PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY II | |
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Requirements for Fast Track Program: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
This program is recommended for students who wish to earn graduate level course credit and who wish to obtain graduate level research experience. This program is suitable for those students who plan to pursue doctoral graduate studies in chemistry and for those who anticipate professional careers as chemists. B.S. in Biochemistry degree of this Fast-Track program is an American Chemical Society Certified degree.
FOUNDATION COURSES
Students must take the following 3 specific undergraduate courses in order to be admitted into the Fast Track program. The cumulative GPA required for the foundation courses is a 3.3. Students must also maintain a 3.3 GPA or higher in all CHEM courses completed at UTA, and have a cumulative GPA of a 3.3 or higher.
The University Core Curriculum consists of 42 credit hours from University Core Curriculum.
Suggested Course Sequence
Oral Communication and Computer Competency Requirements
For all chemistry degree programs except the UTeach certification degree programs, the university computer competency requirement will be met by: completion of CHEM 2335 QUANTITATIVE CHEMISTRY with the grade of "C" or above or taking CSE 1301 or by passing the University computer proficiency examination. For the UTeach certification degree programs, completion of EDUC 4331 KNOWING AND LEARNING IN MATH AND SCIENCE fulfills the requirement.
The University oral communication competency requirement may be satisfied by taking CHEM 4101 (required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, the Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, and the combined BS-MS degree in Chemistry) or by taking CHEM 4313 or CHEM 4314 (required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Chemistry). For the UTeach certification degree programs, completion ofSCIE 1201 or SCIE 1334 (required for the UTeach programs) fulfills the requirement.
Students should refer to the specific degree plans and the chemistry undergraduate advisor for details regarding these requirements.
Declaring a Minor in Chemistry
Students who wish to obtain a minor in Chemistry must take at least 18 semester hours of chemistry, of which at least 6 semester hours must be at the 3000/4000 level. Only lecture courses, which satisfy a degree requirement for one of the degrees offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry may be used. Research courses, Chemistry Readings, and Internship credits may not be used towards the chemistry minor.
Declaring a Minor in Biochemistry
Students who wish to obtain a minor in Biochemistry must take at least 18 semester hours of chemistry which must include CHEM 4311 and CHEM 4312. Only courses which satisfy a degree requirement for one of the degrees offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry may be used.