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Curricula in Chemistry
An understanding of chemistry is critical
to an understanding of life and its associated activities. Chemistry
and chemical principles profoundly influence the way we live,
communicate and interact with one another so it is little wonder
that a strong background in chemistry provides a solid foundation
for a variety of careers of major importance in the twenty-first
century. Chemistry is uniquely positioned at the crossroad between
the biological and physical sciences. By exploiting their understanding
of both realms, chemists and other professionals with strong
backgrounds in chemistry have made, and continue to make, major
contributions to improve the human condition. Major technological
and biological discoveries almost always depend on a fundamental
understanding of chemistry and the pursuit of these discoveries,
as a way to improve the world in which we live, drives those
who seek to be a part of the process.
The Department of Chemistry offers course
work and research in all the major areas of chemistry, organized
into programs leading to the degrees of Bachelor
of Arts and
Bachelor of Science. Both degree programs are suitable as terminal
degree programs as well as for preparation for more advanced
study in chemistry and related areas or as preparation for many
professional programs in a variety of career fields. The B.S.
program is more rigorous with respect to required mathematics,
physics and chemistry courses. It is particularly appropriate
for those students who plan a career in the chemical industry
or who intend to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry, biochemistry,
chemical physics or forensics. An attractive number of free electives
in this degree program allows students to take courses in interdisciplinary
focus areas. The B.A. program offers the greatest degree of flexibility
for students who see chemistry as a springboard into a related
career field such as medicine, pharmacy, law, science writing,
teaching or business for example. Chemistry majors are counseled
by Ph.D. chemistry faculty advisors fully familiar with the many
options available in the chemistry and other departments, so
as to optimize each student's program of study to meet individual
needs. The Department of Chemistry website www.chem.tamu.edu provides additional information about the degree plans, advising,
and career opportunities for chemistry majors.
Although students may choose a variety
of electives and/or minors in either the B.A. or B.S. degree
programs, the following chemistry tracks have been developed
to guide students in choosing electives.
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 (consultation with the College
of Education is required).
Cooperative Education Program in Chemistry.
Under suitable circumstances, chemistry majors may participate
in a cooperative education program
in which the student alternates periods of attendance at
the University with periods of employment in industry. This
year-round cooperative program of college study and industrial
experience is educationally enriching and meaningful, and
also has the benefit of providing substantial financial assistance
to the student without unduly prolonging the completion of
the B.S. or B.A. degree program.
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