College of Science
Chemistry Tracks
In addition to the traditional B.S. degree (which allows for optional minors) and the traditional B.A. degree (minor required), the Department of Chemistry offers five tracks to guide students in their selection of electives for particular career paths in biological chemistry, environmental chemistry, chemical education, medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. A traditional minor requires that all minor courses must be taken from the same department and approved by the department granting the minor. These tracks provide the student an opportunity to replace a traditional minor with a broad spectrum of elective courses focused, not in a single department, but in an area of emphasis. A list of the recommended elective courses for each track may be obtained from the Office of the Undergraduate Advisor in Room 104 Chemistry Building or from the Department of Chemistry website at www.chem.tamu.edu. The approved tracks are:
Biological Chemistry Track for the B.S. Degree
The biological chemistry track has been designed for students interested in pursuing graduate study in biological chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology or related fields or a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Students who wish to enter an M.D./Ph.D. program or medical, dental or pharmacy school will, in most cases, need to take an additional advanced biology course beyond those recommended for this track and should check the admission requirements for these programs with the Office of Professional School Advising. Courses in biology, biochemistry, genetics and statistics are recommended as electives.
Biological Chemistry or Medical, Dental, Pharmacy School Track for the B.A. Degree
Many students planning to enter medical, dental, or pharmacy school prefer a bachelor of arts degree that contains a large number of elective courses which may be used to satisfy pre-professional school requirements. With that in mind, this track recommends an effective way to use some of the available free electives in the B.A. chemistry program to satisfy the pre-professional requirements for these programs. Courses in anatomy, biochemistry, biology, genetics, and microbiology are recommended. Additional free electives, of which there will be many, may be used to strengthen the student’s program of study in a manner decided by the student and the academic advisor.
Environmental Chemistry Track for the B.S. Degree
Chemistry plays a major role in most environmental issues and this track recommends electives in a broad spectrum of courses designed to prepare students to address environmental problems from a variety of perspectives. Electives may be chosen from recommended courses in atmospheric sciences, bioenvironmental science, biology, geography, geology, microbiology and oceanography.
Environmental Chemistry Track for the B.A. Degree
This environmental chemistry track contains a very large number of elective courses and provides even greater opportunity for students to select electives which provide for a career focus in environmental chemistry. The large number of electives makes it possible for students to combine interests in environmental issues with other interests such as business, law, and politics. Electives may be chosen from recommended courses in atmospheric sciences, bioenvironmental science, biology, geography, geology, geosciences, microbiology and oceanography.
Chemical Education Track
The chemical education track provides the student an opportunity to obtain secondary teacher certification in addition to completion of the requirements for a degree in chemistry. Many students who plan to become high school chemistry teachers or to pursue a master’s degree in chemical education will find this track attractive. Students must complete the requirements for secondary teacher certification as defined by the College of Education and Human Development (consultation with the College of Education and Human Development is required).