Department of Chemistry

Division of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

NCF Science Annex 333 - (504) 520-5082 - http://www.xula.edu/chemistry/index.html

The study of Chemistry, the science of matter and the changes it undergoes, is central to any understanding of the universe in which we live. A major in Chemistry combined with the Core Curriculum provides a superb liberal and professional education.

The department offers seven degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Science degree. These are the Chemistry (A.C.S. Certified) program, the Biochemistry program, the Chemistry (Preprofessional) program, the Chemistry (Prepharmacy) program, the Chemistry program, the Dual Degree Chemistry/Chemical Engineering, and the Chemistry Education program. All of these programs provide the basic grounding in physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, and biochemistry necessary for an overall understanding of the subject. Additional advanced courses and courses in related subjects such as mathematics, physics, and biology are required as needed for the student’s desired specialty.

The Chemistry (A.C.S. Certified) program is approved by the American Chemical Society. With its required minor in Mathematics, students are prepared for graduate studies in Chemistry and for careers as professional chemists.

The Biochemistry program prepares students for graduate study and careers in this fast-moving and exciting area of science. This program has two options: students can minor in biology or mathematics depending on their career plans.  Students declaring a major in biochemistry should work with their advisors to choose the track that will best prepare them for the graduate or professional school of their choice.

The objective of the Chemistry (Preprofessional) program is to prepare students for success in medical, dental, and related health professional schools. The courses in the major and its required biology minor have been selected to give the graduates of this program the greatest chance of success in their chosen professional field. Students following this course of study have the option of choosing an accelerated program if they seek early admission to professional school. Courses taken in the first year of professional school substitute for courses ordinarily taken in the senior year.

The Chemistry (Prepharmacy) program is designed to prepare students for success in pharmacy school. Students wishing to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree through Xavier’s College of Pharmacy must complete 66 credit hours of the Chemistry (Prepharmacy) curriculum, as specified, prior to being admitted to the Pharm.D. program. Students interested in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at another institution are also advised to follow the Chemistry (Prepharmacy) curriculum while at Xavier. For those students following this course of study who may opt not to pursue an advanced degree in pharmacy, the four-year curriculum provides preparation for other careers or advanced study requiring significant background in chemistry. Students choosing to complete the full four-year program should work closely with their academic advisor in choosing elective courses.

The Chemistry program is more flexible; it does not require the student to minor in a specific area. Rather, students must choose their own minor which must include at least 18 semester hours. The student also must follow the requirements of the University and the Department in which he/she wishes to minor. This program also allows for more free electives than other chemistry programs. This program is designed to allow a student the option to design a program to fit career and life goals that combine chemistry with other subjects. It is especially relevant for students with nontraditional goals and those transferring from another major who have already accumulated significant hours in another field. It is important for students following the Chemistry program to plan their course of study in close consultation with their academic advisors.

The Dual Degree Chemistry/Chemical Engineering program allows students to earn both a B.S. in Chemistry from Xavier and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from an engineering school in five years. Students follow a modified chemistry program for three years at Xavier, and then transfer to an engineering school to complete the last two years.

The department offers a program in Chemistry Education jointly with the Division of Education and Counseling. The objective of this program is to provide students with the proper combination of chemistry and education courses to prepare them to teach chemistry at the 6-12 grade levels.

In all of its courses of study, the goal of the Chemistry Department is to provide its students with knowledge of basic ideas in the field, so that they may be able to provide explanations, interpret data, and solve problems by applying these concepts. The department also provides practice in the use of the tools of research and the scientific method in chemistry, so that students can explore and organize topics, solve problems and perform investigations, and present their findings using acceptable scientific formats.

Requirements for All Students Taking Chemistry Courses - To register for any chemistry course, a grade of “C” or better is required in all the chemistry prerequisite courses.

Requirements for all Chemistry Majors - The department requires a grade of “C” or better in each chemistry course required for a degree with a major in chemistry. Also, majors are required to complete a capstone experience as part of a senior comprehensive exam during their senior year. At least 18 hours of chemistry credits must be earned at Xavier.

Admitting Students Changing Majors/Readmitted Students - A student having a cumulative and Chemistry GPA of 2.75 or above will be admitted into the department by the department head. A student having a cumulative and Chemistry GPA of 2.0 or below will not be considered for admission into the department. Any students with GPAs not in the categories listed above will have their records reviewed by the Department’s Academic Standing Committee. Admission into the department for these students will require a majority vote of the committee.

Honors in Chemistry - Students majoring in Chemistry qualify for the distinction “Honors in Chemistry” by completing their course of study with a 3.5 overall cumulative average and a 3.5 cumulative average in chemistry. Students minoring in chemistry must have a 3.5 overall average and a 3.7 average in their chemistry courses to earn this distinction. At least 18 hours of chemistry must have been earned at Xavier.

Programs

• Biochemistry, B.S. (Biology and Math Double Concentration)
• Biochemistry, B.S. (Biology Minor)
• Biochemistry, B.S. (Math Minor)
• Chemistry (A.C.S. Certified), B.S.
• Chemistry (Prepharmacy), B.S.
• Chemistry (Preprofessional) Accelerated 3 + 1 Program, B.S.
• Chemistry (Preprofessional), B.S.
• Chemistry Dual Degree Program in Chemical Engineering, B.S.
• Chemistry Education (Grades 6-12) (Certification - Chemistry), B.S.
• Chemistry, B.S.

• Chemistry Minor
• PrePharmacy Program