Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry Pathway Guide


Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.

Preparation for Transfer as a Chemistry Major


The following sequences are suggested courses to take in your semesters prior to transferring to SMU as a chemistry major. For students attending a Texas public community college or university, Texas Common Course Numbers (TCCNS) are listed.  If you are transferring from a college or university outside of Texas, click on the SMU course for a course description which may be used to select/compare courses at your current institution.

CC listings refer to SMU’s Common Curriculum, which all undergraduates are required to complete. Refer to the Common Curriculum Transfer Guide   for a list of courses satisfying CC components. Interactive equivalency guides organized by transfer institution are available on the Transfer and Transition Services’ website.

Save all of your course syllabi! 

Please note: These plans assume students are ready to take calculus. If you are not “calculus ready,” take math courses to prepare you for calculus so that you advance to calculus as soon as possible. Also, if you are planning a minor, typically only one or two transfer courses will be applied.

B.S. in Chemistry


SCHs = Semester Credit Hours

First Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I    ENGL 1301 3
CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry  / CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory        CHEM 1411 4
MATH 1337 - Calculus I  (or pre-calc, if needed)  MATH 2413 3
World Language* 4
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 3
  SCHs 17
Spring TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10YY - First Year Writing II   ENGL 1302 3
CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry  / CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory   CHEM 1412 4
MATH 1338 - Calculus II   MATH 2414 3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 17

Second Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
CHEM 3371 - Organic Chemistry      CHEM 2423 3
MATH 3302 - Calculus III: Multi–Variable and Vector Calculus   MATH 2415 3
PHYS 1303 - Introductory Mechanics  / PHYS 1105 - Mechanics Laboratory   PHYS 2425 4
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 3
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371,PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 3
  SCHs 16 
Spring TCCN SCHs
CHEM 3372 - Organic Chemistry    CHEM 2425 3
PHYS 1304 - Introductory Electricity and Magnetism  / PHYS 1106 - Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory    PHYS 2426 4
SPCH 10XX SPCH 1315 3
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious and Ethical Inquiry Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances in Society Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 3
  SCHs 17

B.A. in Chemistry


First Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10XX - First Year Writing I     ENGL 1301 3
CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry  / CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory     CHEM 1411 4
MATH 1337 - Calculus I  (or pre-calc, if needed)  MATH 2413 3
CC Breadth Course - Literary Analysis and Interpretation Choose One: ENGL 2321, ENGL 2322, ENGL 2323, ENGL 2326, ENGL 2327, ENGL 2328, ENGL 2331, ENGL 2332, ENGL 2333 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 17
Spring TCCN SCHs
WRTR 10YY – First Year Writing II     ENGL 1302 3
CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry  / CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory   CHEM 1412 4
MATH 1338 - Calculus II   MATH 2414 3
CC Breadth Course - Creativity and Aesthetics Choose One: ARTS 1301, ARTS 1316, ARTS 2316 , ARTS 2326, ARTS 2333, ARTS 2346, ARTS 2356, DRAM 1351, HUMA 1315, MUSI 1306 3
World Language* 4
  SCHs 17

Second Year

Fall TCCN SCHs
CHEM 3371 - Organic Chemistry **     CHEM 2423 3
PHYS 1303 - Introductory Mechanics  / PHYS 1105 - Mechanics Laboratory   PHYS 2425 4
CC Breadth Course - Historical Contexts Choose One: ARTS 1303, ARTS 1304, HIST 1301, HIST 1302, HIST 2321, HIST 2322 3
CC Breadth Course - Social and Behavioral Sciences Choose One: ANTH 2351, GOVT 2305, GOVT 2371, PSYC 2301, PSYC 2314, PSYC 2319, SOCI 1301 3
Second major, minor or elective course   3
  SCHs 16 
Spring TCCN SCHs
CHEM 3372 - Organic Chemistry ** CHEM 2425 3
PHYS 1304 - Introductory Electricity and Magnetism  / PHYS 1106 - Electricity and Magnetism Laboratory   PHYS 2426 4
SPCH 10XX SPCH 1315 3
CC Breadth Course - Philosophical, Religious & Ethical Inquiry Choose One: PHIL 1301, PHIL 1304, PHIL 2303, PHIL 2306 3
CC Breadth Course - Technological Advances in Society Choose One: COSC 1301/1401, BCIS 1305, COSC 1309 3
  SCHs 16

Notes


*The second language requirement may be satisfied by (1) transferring two terms of college courses in the same world language, (2) placing out of four terms of a world language by taking an SMU placement test or through AP or IB credit, or (3) being literate in a native language other than English.
**Students pursuing a B.A. in Chemistry  must complete 18 hours of advanced chemistry coursework in residence at SMU, which could result in more chemistry classes if organic chemistry is transferred to SMU.

The Chemistry Department


Chemistry, the study of the materials that make up the universe, is the most central of sciences. The Department of Chemistry  at SMU is part of Dedman College , home to the humanities and social and natural sciences.  The department emphasizes personal interaction with students in the classroom and hands-on research experience in the laboratory, with a goal of preparing students for future employment and further achievements in a variety of fields. Whether you aspire to a career in industry, medicine or academia, the Chemistry Department’s comprehensive curriculum provides students with the necessary knowledge and experience to excel. 

Research Opportunities


Research endeavors within the Department of Chemistry  involve students at every stage of their careers. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in the laboratory from their first semester on campus. Students have the opportunity to work closely with scientists who are experts in their fields and take pride in providing a quality education.

All chemistry majors are encouraged to join a faculty research group. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research as part of a team with faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral scientists. State-of-the-art instruments and newly-renovated facilities provide an environment conducive to productivity and ingenuity. For additional information on research activities within the Department, go to our SMU webpage.

Graduate School and Careers in Chemistry


Majoring in chemistry at SMU is appropriate preparation for a wide variety of paths, including graduate school, scientific research, medicine, dentistry, teaching, and many areas of business and technology.  

The Chemistry Department  has a consistent record of placing students into top graduate programs. Our graduates have completed or are currently enrolled in Ph.D. programs at Scripps Institute, Harvard, MIT, Berkeley, Cal Tech, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, Rice, UT Austin, Texas A&M, University of Michigan, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, and the M.D./Ph.D. programs at Baylor, UT Southwestern, and the University of Wisconsin. Recent SMU Chemistry graduates are currently employed by Merck, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, IBM, the Environmental Protection Agency, and Tyco Electronics. 

Chemistry Society


The SMU Chemistry Society is a student-run organization whose purpose is to encourage the understanding of chemistry. Students studying chemistry or biochemistry are encouraged to join.

Chemistry Degree Plans


The Chemistry Department  offers two degree plans from which to choose.

The traditional degree program is the B.S. in Chemistry , which is the most versatile option. It is the only degree program that satisfies the certification requirements of the American Chemical Society and is therefore appropriate preparation for graduate school or for employment in the chemical industry.

The B.A. in Chemistry  is a flexible alternative to the B.S., designed for students who wish to combine the study of chemistry with training in science, business, engineering or liberal arts. Its reduced course requirements make it especially suitable as part of a double major. If you are interested in a double major, careful planning is recommended for course sequencing and course load.

A Minor in Chemistry  is also available.

Admission as a Chemistry Major


To enter SMU as a declared chemistry major, transfer students must have 24 or more hours of transfer credit.  Additionally, students must complete equivalent courses to SMU’s CHEM 1303 - General Chemistry  and CHEM 1113 - General Chemistry Laboratory , CHEM 1304 - General Chemistry  and CHEM 1114 - General Chemistry Laboratory , and MATH 1337 - Calculus I . Although these courses are transferable with a C- or better, transfer students are more likely to be successful as chemistry majors if grades in these courses are significantly higher.

Preparing for a Smooth Transition


A seamless transfer to SMU and the Chemistry Department  requires planning. The following are a few important points to remember:

  • Completion of CHEM 1303 , CHEM 1113 , CHEM 1304 , CHEM 1114 , and MATH 1337  is required for students transferring as juniors for a B.A. in Chemistry . For students pursuing a B.S. in Chemistry , the completion of Organic Chemistry and MATH 1338 - Calculus II  is also required.  If these courses are not completed before transferring, completion of the degree will take longer than two years.
  • SMU awards CHEM 1303  and CHEM 1113  for a Chemistry AP score of  5 or a Chemistry IB score of 7.
  • If a course is part of a two-course sequence, finish the sequence at the same institution.
  • A solid math background is important for success in chemistry.
  • Math and physics should be completed before your third year of college.
  • Many chemistry courses at SMU are sequenced and are offered only in the fall or only in the spring.
  • Students pursuing entrance into graduate programs in the health professions (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-vet, pre-PT, etc.) should refer to the Pre-Health Program for further advice and preparation.
  • Compare Course Descriptions  found in SMU’s University Catalog to course descriptions at your current institution to maximize your awarded transfer credits. 
  • For additional information on the Chemistry major, visit our department homepage or contact Professor Werner Horsthemke.
  • For more information about transferring to SMU, click here or call 214-768-3417.

The Common Curriculum (CC)


The Common Curriculum is required of all undergraduate students and consists of three main components: 

  1. Foundations - 6 hours of Writing courses, 3 hours of Quantitative Reasoning courses, proficiency in a second language. 
  2. Breadth - 7 Breadth courses which may double count with majors and minors.
  3. Proficiencies and Experiences - 8 Proficiencies and Experiences requirements, met through coursework or approved, noncredit activities.

NOTE: If you transfer with 23 or fewer credit hours and/or transfer in your first year out of high school, transfer work earned prior to high school graduation (dual/concurrent credit) will not satisfy CC requirements.

 

Apply Now!


Click here for more information about transferring to SMU.