Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments.  MSU does not have a single Department of Biology.  For additional options see   Biological Sciences at MSU.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers approved programs emphasizing modern areas in chemistry and biochemistry at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry provides basic education in chemistry with sufficient breadth and flexibility to allow students to enter a variety of chemistry-related careers. Several curricular options are available, each of which is career- and employment-directed. Employment opportunities are extensive. For example, at least 36 percent of the research and development workforce in the United States have degrees in Chemistry, more than any other discipline. The different options allow the student to emphasize his or her personal choices in course selection.

All of the options emphasize current aspects of chemistry and biochemistry with particular attention given to instrumentation, modern concepts and methods, and use of computers to help solve chemical problems. Participation in undergraduate research within an active research group in the department is an important and rewarding part of the overall program. A wide range of fundamental research programs are ongoing in all major areas of chemistry: organic, analytical, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry participates in several instructional and research programs of an interdisciplinary nature. These include nanomaterials, optical technology, thermal biology, biofilm engineering, computer modeling of proteins and nucleic acids, and the WWAMI medical education program. The department has active graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy. These degrees may be obtained in either chemistry or biochemistry.

The department encourages majors in allied fields to consider either a chemistry or a biochemistry minor.

Chemistry (Professional) Option

This option includes a central core of chemistry courses that, together with technical electives, allows the students to prepare for careers in chemistry or related fields such as medicine, patent law, chemical business, or science writing. Students interested in the more quantitative and physical aspects of chemistry may wish to include additional mathematics and/or physics courses. Students electing this option will be well prepared both for advanced study and for immediate employment in industry, government, or business.

Biochemistry Option

This option includes a core of chemistry, biochemistry, and biology courses for the student interested in the molecular nature of biological materials and life processes. A broad choice of biological science electives will allow the students to prepare for careers in human, animal, plant, or microbial biochemistry. Trained biochemical scientists are in demand for research and teaching in universities and for research and development work in chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnical industries, in medical laboratories, and in state and federal governments. Students who complete the curriculum satisfactorily will be prepared to assume responsible professional positions or undertake graduate level work in the life sciences. The curriculum also provides an excellent preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary school.

Teaching Option

This option is designed to prepare prospective teachers of chemistry at the secondary level. It provides a thorough background in the basic fields of chemistry and an acquaintance with aspects of chemistry in society that are essential to the practicing teacher of chemistry. The Chemistry Teaching option certifies graduates to be qualified to teach secondary school chemistry. Employment opportunities will be enhanced by obtaining a second area of certification, usually a teaching minor. Obtaining a teaching major, a teaching minor, and certification will require more than 120 credits.

Chemistry/Biochemistry Minors (Non-teaching)

A minor in either chemistry or biochemistry is offered for students with other majors who wish to receive formal acknowledgement for taking a core of intermediate-level chemistry and/or biochemistry courses. The minor is designed to strengthen the students' opportunities for admission to graduate school or for industrial employment.

Curricula in Chemistry and Biochemistry

• Chemistry (Professional) Option
• Biochemistry Option
• Teaching Option
• Biochemistry Minor (Non-Teaching)
• Chemistry Minor (Non-Teaching)

CHEMISTRY (PROFESSIONAL OPTION)

*Six (6) credits of Chemistry 489/490 are tabulated. It is expected that substantially more than this minimum will be taken by prospective graduates.

**Chemistry 451 (Senior year) is required for majors who are writing a thesis for Departmental Honors consideration.

***BIOL 214 is strongly recommended, because it is a pre-requisite to BCHM 340.

A computer science (CS) course is highly recommended. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. All students are encouraged to take a 200 level English writing course. Please note that this course would be in addition to the ENGL 121W core requirement.

BIOCHEMISTRY OPTION

*Students with a B or better in CHEM 311/312 or 314/315 may take BCHM 441 in place of BCHM 340 in their junior year.

**Chemistry 451 (Senior Year) is required for majors who are writing a thesis for Departmental Honors consideration.

All students are encouraged to take a 200 level English writing course. Please note that this course would be in addition to the ENGL 121 core requirement.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above.

TEACHING OPTION

*Any BCHM or CHEM class 301 or higher (except 401,470,489, & 490).

**BIOL 214 is strongly recommended, because it is a pre-requisite to BCHM 340.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation; 42 of these credits must be in courses numbered 300 and above. The Chemistry Teaching option certifies graduates to be qualified to teach secondary school chemistry. Employment opportunities will be enhanced by obtaining a second area of certification, usually a teaching minor. Obtaining a teaching major, a teaching minor, and certification will require more than 120 credits.

CHEM 451 (Senior Year) is required for majors who are writing a thesis for Departmental Honors consideration. Twelve credits (14 weeks) of EDSD 410 is optional.

BIOCHEMISTRY MINOR ( NON-TEACHING)

*Students with a B or better in CHEM 311/312 or 314/315 may take BCHM 441 without first taking BCHM 340.

CHEMISTRY MINOR (NON-TEACHING)

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