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Undergraduate - Concentration Programs

CHOICES IN CHEMISTRY

Chemistry
Biochemistry Minors in Chemistry

Specifications for Chemistry and Biochemistry programs are given in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts issue of the University of Michigan Bulletin. Both programs are American Chemistry Society certified.

Chemistry

The curricula in Chemistry serve those preparing for careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, chemical engineering, pharmacy, and allied fields as well as those seeking a general knowledge of chemistry and biochemistry as part of a liberal arts education. Beyond the first-year courses, there is an emphasis on development of technical knowledge and laboratory experience needed in chemistry and related scientific fields. The undergraduate concen-tration programs prepare students for work in research and testing laboratories, as well as for business positions in which a chemistry background is desirable. Graduate work is necessary for those planning to do college and university teaching or industrial research.

Introductory Courses. The Chemistry Department has three types of courses available to students starting toward careers in any of the sciences, engineering or medicine. Students are placed into these courses accord-ing to the results of the tests in chemistry and mathematics that they take during orientation. Either Chemistry 130 or Chemistry 210/211 can be the starting point for students interested in the sciences, engineering or medicine. Chemistry 130 has a section reserved for students who would benefit from more frequent contact with faculty. Honors students, students with Advanced Placement in chemistry, and other students with good preparation in high school chemistry have the opportunity to start their study in chemistry with courses 210/211, which introduce the major concepts of chemistry in the context of organic chemistry. This curriculum allows students to progress more rapidly to advanced courses in chemistry and to be able to participate earlier in undergraduate research.

Special Departmental Policies. The Department requires that a student earn a grade of at least C- in all chemistry courses which are prerequisite for subsequent elections. A concentration program grade point average of at least 2.0 is required; this includes chemistry courses, mathematics and physics prerequisites and advanced electives which are part of a concentration plan. Students must request any change in a grade before the end of the next regular academic term.

Concentration Program Options. The Department of Chemistry offers programs leading to a (1) Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in chemistry (B.S. degree, 120 credits); (2) Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree (B.S. Chem. degree, 124 credits); and (3) a B.S. Chem. degree with Honors in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S. Chem.) degree requires a more rigorous and more specialized program of study. The program leading to Honors in chemistry is available to qualified students. (4) The department participates in and administers an interdepartmental concentration "Biochemistry," which is described under that heading in the Bulletin. It is possible to incorporate a teaching certificate into any of these program options. In addition there is a five year joint degree program with the College of Engineering which leads to a B.S. Chem. and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical Engineering). Information about the program leading to the joint degree with the College of Engineering and general information about teaching certificate requirements are described elsewhere in this Bulletin; departmental requirements for these programs are described below. It is strongly recommended that students who are thinking of degrees in chemistry stop by Room 1500 Chemistry to talk to a chemistry advisor as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the freshman year but certainly before the end of the sophomore year.

Teaching Certificate. Those seeking a B.S. or B.S. Chem. degree with a teaching certificate in Chemistry must fulfill departmental as well as School of Education requirements. Students who plan to earn a teaching certificate with a major or minor in Chemistry should

Prerequisites to Concentration for Either Program. CHEM courses through 215, 216, 241/242, and 260 or 370; PHYSICS [135 or 140]/141 and [235 or 240]/241; and MATH 115, 116, 215, 216, or an equivalent sequence are required for any concentration program in Chemistry. PHYSICS 240 or 235 and MATH 215 are prerequisites for CHEM 461 and students should, wherever possible, complete both of these before the junior year.

Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Chemistry (120 credits). Students can complete the B.S. degree with a concentration in chemistry (120 credits) by taking Chemistry 302 or 303, 312, 402, 447, 461, 462, 463, 480, and 485. Two credit hours of research (399) culminating in a written report may be substituted for the projects lab, 485.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S. Chem.) (124 credits). The curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (B.S. Chem. degree) serves students who are interested in professional careers in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields. Require-ments include Chemistry 302 or 303, 312, 402, 447, 461, 462, 463, 480, and four credits of Chemistry 399 taken over at least two terms, as well as one advanced lecture course in chemistry.

Honors Concentration in Chemistry. The B.S. Chem. degree is the basis of the Honors degree in Chemistry. Maintenance of a satisfactory GPA (3.4) in concentration courses, including prerequisites, and satisfactory completion of an Honors thesis (CHEM 499) based on the research done in CHEM 399 are required for Honors. All students, whatever their program, who are interested in an Honors degree should see the Chemistry Honors advisor (Room 1500 Chemistry) for approval for participation in the Junior-Senior Honors Program in Chemistry.

Advising. Students develop a concentration plan in consultation with a program advisor. Those interested in a B.S. degree with a concentration in chemistry (120 credits) or the specialized program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (124 credits) are urged to consult a program advisor during the freshman and/or sophomore years. Prospective con-centrators are advised that further study in chemistry requires adequate performance in early chemistry courses (preferably B- or better) as well as in the mathematics and physics prerequisites. Students interested in an Honors degree should see the Chemistry Honors advisor. Appointments are scheduled at the Chemistry Advising Office (1500 Chemistry, 647-2858). Students interested in the joint program with the College of Engineering should make an appointment with Chalmers Knight (Academic Advising Center, 1255 Angell Hall, 764-0332) and then make an appointment to see a chemistry concentration advisor.

Teaching Certificate. Those seeking a B.S. or B.S. Chem. degree with a teaching certificate in Chemistry must fulfill departmental as well as School of Education requirements. Students who plan to earn a teaching certificate with a major or minor in Chemistry should contact the School of Education Office of Academic Services.

Special Departmental Policies. The Department requires that a student earn a grade of at least C- in all chemistry courses which are prerequisite for subsequent elections. A concentration program grade point average of at least 2.0 is required; this includes chemistry courses, mathematics and physics prerequisites and advanced electives which are part of a concentration plan. Students must request any change in a grade before the end of the next regular academic term.

Safety Regulations. No contact lenses will be allowed in any chemistry laboratory. In laboratory classes students must wear either prescription or safety glasses at all times.

Student Associations. Chemistry concentrators are eligible to become student affiliates of the American Chemical Society. An active chapter exists in the Chemistry Department and provides opportunities for a variety of activities related to chemistry. In addition, Alpha Chi Sigma fraternity maintains a chapter house near campus. Men and women concentrating in chemistry, chemical engineering, and other related fields are eligible for membership. Phi Lambda Upsilon, an honorary chemical society, maintains a chapter at the University of Michigan. Its members have achieved academic excellence in chemistry, chemical engineering, or pharmacy.

Biochemistry

"May be elected as an interdepartmental concentration program administered by the Department of Chemistry.

Prerequisites to Concentration. BIO 171 and 172*; MATH 115, 116, 215 (or the equivalent); PHYSICS [135 or 140]/141 and [235 or 240]/241; CHEM 210/211, CHEM 215. *In cases where a student is transferring to Biochemistry from outside the University or is entering later, from another concentration, the student may be awarded an override for Genetics after completion of only one of either Bio 171 or 172, and where taking the other would be a burden for timely graduation. The override request must come from a Biochemistry concentration advisor along with the assurance that the student has been informed of the material from 171 or 172 that he or she needs to review prior to enrolling in the Genetics course.

Concentration Program. Must include: [CHEM 241, or CHEM 245, or CHEM 302, or CHEM 303], [CHEM 216, or CHEM 242, or CHEM 246/247], CHEM 260, CHEM 351, CHEM 352, CHEM 451, CHEM 452, CHEM 453; BIOLOGY 305. Two electives from the following: CHEM 419 or CHEM 420, 447, 454, 461, 485/500; MCDB 417, 427, 428; MED CHEM 410 (instructor consent required); BIOLCHEM 550, 576, 640, 650, 673, 675. An advanced laboratory course: CHEM 480, MCDB 429 or two terms (2 credits each) of undergraduate research course CHEM 398/BIOLCHEM 398. Students electing the undergraduate research option must execute an extended research project under the supervision of a faculty member who agrees to oversee the project.

Honors Concentration. Qualified students may elect an Honors concentration. This program requires a thesis which describes and analyzes independent experimental work. The research topic and advisor must be approved by the Honors advisor in Biochemistry. Students in this program are expected to maintain an overall grade point average above 3.4 and at least a 3.4 in field of concentration. CHEM 398/BIOLCHEM 398 (4 credits) and the thesis course, CHEM 498, replaces the requirement for an upper-level laboratory course outlined above.

Advising: Appointments

Special Departmental Policies. The Chemistry Department requires that a student earn a grade of at least C- in all chemistry courses which are prerequisite for subsequent elections. A concentration program grade point average of at least 2.0 is required; this includes chemistry courses, biology, mathematics and physics prerequisites and any courses which are part of a concentration plan. Students must request any change in grade before the end of the next regular academic term.

Academic Minors in Chemistry

For complete information about academic minors please consult the LSA Bulletin. An academic minor will require no less than 15 credits of course work, will show structure and coherence, and will contain some upper-level courses. At least 10 out of the 15 credits must be taken in-residence. Students who declare and complete an approved academic minor will receive a notation on their student transcript but not on their diploma.

Students may not use more than one course to meet the requirements of both a concentration plan and an academic minor, but one course may overlap and count for both.

NO course may be used to satisfy the requirements of more than one Minor.

If the academic minor has prerequisites, students taking courses to meet the prerequisites to a concentration may also count those courses as prerequisites to the academic minor.

Advanced Placement credits may not be used to meet the requirements of an academic minor, but may be used to meet prerequisites to an academic minor.

Since students electing an academic minor are required to meet the area distribution requirement, courses elected to meet the requirements of an academic minor also may be part of the student's area distribution plan.

A student must earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 in courses taken to meet requirements of an academic minor, including any prerequisites.

A course or courses that are part of a student's academic minor may also meet the Language Requirement, the Upper-Level Writing Requirement, the Race & Ethnicity Requirement, or the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement.

Effective, Winter term 2008, the Department of Chemistry will offer 5 academic Minors. They are as follows:

Biochemistry 
(The Biochemistry Academic Minor is not open to students concentrating in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, General Biology, Neuroscience, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, and Microbiology)

Chemistry
(The Chemistry Academic Minor is not open to students concentrating in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, General Biology, Neuroscience, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Plant Biology, and Microbiology)

Chemical Measurement Science
(The Chemical Measurement Science Academic Minor is not open to students concentrating in Biochemistry or Chemistry)

Chemical Physics
(The Chemical Physics Academic Minor is not open to students concentrating in Biochemistry or Chemistry)

Polymer Chemistry
(The Polymer Chemistry Academic Minor is not open to students concentrating in Biochemistry or Chemistry)

AREA DISTRIBUTION

By means of this requirement the College seeks to instill an understanding and an appreciation of the major areas of learning. Students are not expected to master all areas in detail, but should develop a coherent view of essential concepts, structures, and intellectual methods that typify these disciplines.
Courses offered by the academic departments and programs of the College are divided into five area categories: the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, mathematics and symbolic analysis, and creative expression. Each of these divisions represents a different perspective on human knowledge and learning; some departments and programs overlap these divisions while others may stand outside them. Interdisciplinary courses combine the approaches of more than one area category in order to examine the differences and similarities between disciplines and explore alternative ways of discovering and organizing knowledge.

All candidates for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from the College must fulfill the 30-credit Distribution Requirement. This broad intellectual experience, which forms an essential part of a liberal arts education, is to be achieved in the following way:

Students must complete 7 credits in each of the following three areas: Natural Science (NS), Social Science (SS), and Humanities (HU), for a total of 21 credits. Students must also complete 3 additional credits in three of the following five areas: (NS), (SS), (HU), Mathematical and Symbolic Analysis (MSA), and Creative Expression (CE), for a total of 9 credits. Credits in courses designated Interdisciplinary (ID) may be used to satisfy up to 9 credits of this part of the requirement.

General Policies for Area Distribution Plans
An area distribution plan may include:

1. Prerequisites to a concentration elected outside the department of concentration
2. Courses elected pass/fail, credit/no credit, or by any other non-graded pattern
3. Courses elected to satisfy one of two concentration plans by students who elect a double concentration (see "Double Concentration" below in this chapter).
4. Transfer credit from other schools and colleges of the University of Michigan and from other academic institutions
5. A course elected outside the department of concentration or concentration requirements used to meet the Upper-Level Writing Requirement, the Race & Ethnicity Requirement, or the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
6. Courses in Non-LS&A Units offering courses with Creative Expression designation (Credits are counted as Non-LS&A).

An area distribution plan may not include:
Any course from the department of concentration Required cognates in a concentration plan Courses at the 400-level and above. Experiential courses, Independent Study, and University (UC) mini-courses < Advanced Placement credits.

It should be noted that for chemistry concentrators the 8 credits of Physics 140-41, 240-41 must be augmented by at least 1 more credit hour in a natural science course for Pattern I distribution. As of Spring 1995 Physics 140-241 series is 10 credits total.

Chemistry concentrators are encouraged to complete, as early as possible, the mathematics, physics, and language courses that are necessary for the concentration and to plan their distribution from among upper level courses which are open to juniors and seniors in social science, art, and humanities departments, often without prerequisites.

OFFICES OF ASSISTANCE

LSA ACADEMIC ADVISING, 1255 Angell Hall, 764-0332, 764-0330
PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISING, 3200 SAB, 764-7460 (Pre-Medical, Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Osteopathy, and Pre-Veterinary)
COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES, 3100 Michigan Union, 764-8312
PSYCHOLOGICAL CLINIC, East Hall 2463, 764-3471
SWEETLAND WRITING CENTER,, 1139 Angell Hall, 764-0429
OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID, 2011 SAB, 763-6600
WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (WISE), 1140 USB
CENTER FOR THE EDUCATION OF WOMEN (CEW), 330 E. Liberty, 764-2005

STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES
Office of International Programs (OIP), 1712 CHEM, 764-4311
Chemistry students planning to take laboratory courses abroad need to be aware that laboratory space and equipment may present problems and need to be checked out in advance. The department has some information on foreign programs. (In recent years several chemistry concentrators have found the courses of study in England and Germany fit in well with their chemistry program).

Overseas Opportunities, International Center, 747-2259, Room 23

DECLARING A CHEMISTRY CONCENTRATION
Prospective chemistry or biochemistry concentrators should have demonstrated some natural aptitude in science and mathematics. The student should note that good performance in the prerequisite mathematics and physics courses is essential to the more advanced chemistry courses. Math and physics courses are required cognates and may not be elected by the Pass/Fail grading option.

When you decide you would like to become a concentrator, make an appointment to see a concentration advisor. The advisor, who is a member of the faculty, will be glad to go over your schedule, answer questions, point out possible difficulties, and generally welcome you. The sooner you declare a concentration the more flexibility you will have in planning your college schedule.

CONCENTRATION RELEASE
When you have completed 90 credit hours toward your program and are within one year of graduation, it is wise to make an appointment with a concentration advisor to have your requirements reviewed and to fill out a Concentration Release Form. Honors students must make an appointment with an Honors advisor. This concentration release form, signed by a concentration advisor, will indicate the additional courses you need to complete during your final term in order to receive a B.S. in Chemistry, a B.S. with a concentration in chemistry, or a B.S. in Biochemistry. By having the Concentration Release Form signed more than one full term in advance, you allow yourself time to correct any errors in election during your last term on campus.



LSA DISTRIBUTION PLAN & ECB CERTIFICATION
IIn your junior-senior year you must also arrange through the advising offices in Angell Hall for a Distribution Plan and English Composition Board (ECB) certification.


DIPLOMA APPLICATION
Diploma Applications can be completed online via Wolverine Access. The deadline for submitting the form and the Concentration Release form is four weeks after classes begin in your final term (one week after classes begin Summer half-term). Diplomas are awarded in May, August and December, but graduation exercises are held only in May and December. If you do not complete your degree requirements after you file a Diploma Application, you must file a new Diploma Application to be placed on any later degree list. Students who have met degree requirements but have not yet been graduated may obtain a Letter of Certification from the Senior Auditors in 1401 Mason Hall. This letter is usually acceptable as evidence that requirements have been met and a degree will be awarded.


TRANSCRIPTS
A transcript is an official copy of your complete U-M academic record with an official seal and the Registrar's signature. It is a confidential document issued only at the written request of the student. Official transcripts can be ordered in three different ways: online, by mail, or in person See the Registrar’s website for more details on how to order your transcript.

Students applying to graduate school or looking for a job are usually required to submit an official transcript. In the case of employment, the recruiting company will probably ask you to sign a transcript release form so they can order (and pay for) your transcript. Graduate schools require an official transcript sent directly to them. Once the transcript leaves the transcript office, it cannot be returned for forwarding. There is no charge to send official transcripts. You will not be charged for first class postage, but if you want it to go by Special Delivery, Registered Mail, or Certified Mail, you will be expected to pay the extra postage charges. In addition, you will not be charged to have a transcript sent to any department within the University. Students may also pick up an unofficial student copy (without the official seal and registrar's signature) for their own use free of charge. At least two days are usually required (longer during times of high volume) for preparation of an official transcript. You can also print your transcript on Wolverine Access.


CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
The curriculum requires research in some form beyond any research done as Chem 219. This can be fulfilled through the Projects Lab (Chem 485(2)) or Undergraduate Research (Chem 399) for 2 or 4 credits depending on your program. (Many students get their first undergraduate research experience by taking Chem 219, Independent Study, during their Freshman or Sophomore year.) Check for descriptions of research in the Departmental Graduate Brochure or check the website and speak with professors. Read the procedures for research and independent study courses (p. 48-49 of the Undergraduate Handbook), fill out the Student-Professor Agreement Form and turn in the form and research description to Room 1500 to obtain an electronic override. You will receive an email when you can register.

BIOCHEMISTRY RESEARCH
Research is required for Honors and optional for non-honors concentrators in biochemistry. Students may get their first undergraduate research experience by taking Chem 218, Independent Study in Biochemistry, in their Freshman or Sophomore year. Chem 398, Undergraduate Research in Biochemistry, is an option for all junior and senior concentrators, required for Honors. Check the list of biochemistry research faculty. Web address for Biological Chemistry is http://www.med.umich.edu/biochem/ and for Chemistry is http://www.umich.edu/~michchem/. Read the procedures for research and independent study courses (p. 48-49 of the Undergraduate Handbook), fill out the Student-Professor Agreement Form and turn in the form and research description to Room 1500 to obtain an electronic override. You will receive an email when you can register.

REGISTRATION PROBLEMS
We try to ensure that all of our concentrators can elect the courses they need when they need them. If a course closes, you should add the electronic waitlist if one exists and follow the waitlist procedures found here: http://www.umich.edu/~michchem/undergrad/Waitlist.pdf. Questions regarding a course without a waitlist should be directed to ChemUndergrad@umich.edu.


CONCENTRATION ADVISING

Appointments

Concentration Advisors are faculty members in the Chemistry Department or in the Biological Chemistry Department with knowledge and experience in various fields of chemistry and biochemistry. It is appropriate to discuss with them the implications of your concentration and such matters such as chemistry's or biochemistry's relationship to other disciplines on campus, graduate school prospects, and career choices and their requirements. Concentration advisors have authority to modify departmental requirements, but not College-level requirements.
There are four times when students are required to see advisors: