Overview

The Department of Chemistry is one of the oldest departments in the university and has a long record of preparing students for careers in science. Since a significant portion of America's chemical industry is centered in the Philadelphia region, there is a wide range of career opportunities locally available. Although most of our students have gone on to medicine, dentistry or the chemical industry, recent graduates have also gone on to careers in law, forensics and even art restoration.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry prepares students for excellence in graduate or medical school, and employment in the chemical, biotechnological or pharmaceutical industries. Students learn a wide array of topics in chemistry, mathematics and physics. The program emphasizes the "hands-on" nature of chemistry in laboratory courses, giving students the tools that chemists need to pursue research. They also learn how to write scientific reports, analyze data and place these results in a broader scientific context. Accomplished majors are encouraged to pursue independent research with a professor, and to present their work internally and at national meetings.

Campus Location: Main

Program Code: ST-CHEM-BS

Distinction in Major

To graduate with distinction in this major, a student must have a minimum 3.33 GPA in all the Chemistry courses required for the major.

Accelerated Programs

Accelerated programs provide a pathway for students to pursue both an undergraduate degree and an advanced degree in a shorter amount of time. Below is a list of available accelerated programs for students in the BS in Chemistry.

​Undergraduate Contact Information

Ann Valentine, Chair
Beury Hall, Room 130
215-204-7118
ann.valentine@temple.edu

Vince Voelz, Vice Chair
Beury Hall, Room 240
215-204-1973
vincent.voelz@temple.edu

Steven Fleming, Faculty Advisor (Last names A-C)
Beury Hall, Room 446
215-204-0359
sfleming@temple.edu

Roy Keyer, Faculty Advisor (Last names D-G)
Beury Hall, Room 440
215-204-7286
roy.keyer@temple.edu

Dan Strongin, Faculty Advisor (Last names H-K)
Beury Hall, Room 246
215-204-7119
dstrongi@temple.edu

Jonathan Smith, Faculty Advisor (Last names L-O)
Beury Hall, Room 213
215-204-2252
jmsmith1@temple.edu

Vladi Wilent, Faculty Advisor (Last names P-S)
Beury Hall, Room 344
215-204-7186
vladi.wilent@temple.edu

Graham Dobereiner, Faculty Advisor (Last names T-Z)
Beury Hall, Room 342
215-204-3185
dob@temple.edu

Daniele Ramella, Faculty Advisor (Undergraduate research)
Beury Hall, Room 126B
215-204-1931
daniele.ramella@temple.edu

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2023-2024. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2023 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.

Bachelor of Science Requirements

Summary of Requirements for the Degree

  1. University Requirements (123 total s.h.)
    • Students must complete all University requirements including those listed below.
    • All undergraduate students must complete at least two writing-intensive courses for a total of at least six credits at Temple as part of their major. The specific writing-intensive course options for this major are:
      BIOL 2297Research Techniques in Genetics (S)3
      BIOL 3396Scientific Writing for Biology: The Art of Communicating3
      CHEM 3398Physical Chemistry Laboratory II2
      CHEM 4196Techniques of Chemical Measurement II5
      CHEM 4496Research Techniques in Biochemistry4
      EES 2096Climate Change: Oceans To Atmosphere (S - even years)4
      MATH 3098Modern Algebra (F)3
      MATH 4096Senior Problem Solving3
      PHYS 2796Introduction to Modern Physics (S)4
      or PHYS 4796 Experimental Physics
    • Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
      • See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
      • Students who complete CST majors receive a waiver for 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
    • Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
  2. College Requirements
    • A minimum of 90 total credits within the College of Science & Technology (CST), the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), and/or the College of Engineering (ENG).
      • A minimum of 45 of these credits must be upper-level (courses numbered 2000 and above).
    • Complete a one-credit first-year or transfer seminar.
      • SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar for every entering first-year CST student.
      • SCTC 2001 CST Transfer Seminar for every entering transfer CST student.
  3. Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (70-74 s.h.)
    At least 9 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple. At least 7 Chemistry courses must be completed at Temple.

  4. American Chemical Society (ACS) Certification Requirements (optional, see Footnote 2 below for more details)

    • A foundational course in each of the 5 areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical). General chemistry courses do not count as foundational courses.

    • In-depth courses in at least 4 of the 5 areas, where an in-depth course is defined as a second semester of study in that particular area. For example, CHEM 2202 Organic Chemistry II qualifies as an in-depth course in organic chemistry.

    • 400 laboratory hours.

      Chemistry
      Select one of the following:4
      General Chemistry I
      and General Chemistry Laboratory I
      Honors General Chemical Science I
      and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
      Select one of the following:4
      General Chemistry II
      and General Chemistry Laboratory II
      Honors General Chemical Science II
      and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
      Select one of the following:4
      Organic Chemistry I
      and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
      Organic Chemistry for Majors I
      and Organic Majors Laboratory I (F)
      Organic Chemistry for Honors I
      and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
      Select one of the following:4
      Organic Chemistry II
      and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
      Organic Chemistry for Majors II
      and Organic Majors Laboratory II (S)
      Organic Chemistry for Honors II
      and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
      CHEM 3001Inorganic Chemistry3
      CHEM 3103
      CHEM 3105
      Techniques of Chemical Measurement I
      and Introduction to Chemical Research Techniques
      4
      CHEM 3301Physical Chemistry Lecture I3
      CHEM 3302Physical Chemistry Lecture II3
      CHEM 3303Physical Chemistry Laboratory I2
      CHEM 3398Physical Chemistry Laboratory II2
      CHEM 4196Techniques of Chemical Measurement II5
      Two Advanced Chemistry courses (4002 or above) 1,26-8
      Two Advanced Science courses - select from the following: 26-8
      Introduction to Undergraduate Research 3
      Cooperative Research 3
      Undergraduate Research 3
      Cooperative Research 3
      Undergraduate Research 3
      All other Chemistry courses numbered 4002 and above
      Genetics
      and Research Techniques in Genetics 4
      Cell Structure and Function (F)
      Developmental Biology (F)
      Mammalian Physiology
      All other Biology courses numbered above 3334
      Mineralogy I
      All other EES courses numbered above 2011
      Linear Algebra
      Probability Theory I
      All other Math courses numbered above 3031
      Classical Mechanics (S)
      Mathematical Physics (S)
      Introduction to Modern Physics (S)
      Analytical Mechanics (F)
      Electricity and Magnetism (F)
      Classical Electromagnetism (S)
      Thermal Physics (F)
      Electronics
      All other Physics courses numbered above 4301
      Mathematics
      MATH 1041Calculus I4
      or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I
      MATH 1042Calculus II4
      or MATH 1942 Honors Calculus II
      MATH 2043Calculus III4
      or MATH 2943 Honors Calculus III
      Physics
      Select one of the following:4
      Elementary Classical Physics I
      Honors Elementary Classical Physics I (F)
      General Physics I
      Honors General Physics I (F)
      Select one of the following4
      Elementary Classical Physics II
      Honors Elementary Classical Physics II (S)
      General Physics II
      Honors General Physics II (S)
      Total Credit Hours70-74
      (F) - Fall only course
      (S) - Spring only course
      1

      CHEM 4881 and CHEM 4891 will not fulfill an Advanced Chemistry elective for the Chemistry BA or BS degree.

      2

      There are several course choices that can be used to meet the ACS certification requirements. See an advisor if you have any questions. The most straightforward pathway is for students to take the elective courses CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I and CHEM 4003 Inorganic Synthesis. Alternately, students could take CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I and CHEM 4002 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, but this pathway would require additional lab courses (see a Chemistry faculty advisor). Another option is for students to take the elective courses CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I and CHEM 4196 Techniques of Chemical Measurement II or BIOL 4344 Research Techniques in Biochemistry. In order to fulfill the ACS-mandated requirement of 400 laboratory hours, students must complete either CHEM 4207 Synthesis and Identification of Organic and Medicinal Compounds OR any two (2) of the following: CHEM 3881 Cooperative Research and/or CHEM 3891 Undergraduate Research, CHEM 4004 Crystallography and Diffraction, CHEM 4103 Instrumental Design, CHEM 4107 Drug Analysis, CHEM 4108 Investigative Chemistry, or CHEM 4503 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry.

      3

      One advanced science course, for a total of 4 credits, may be satisfied by a total of 4 credits of any combination of CHEM 2891, CHEM 3881, CHEM 3891, CHEM 4881, or CHEM 4891. No more than 1 credit of CHEM 2891 may be used toward this total. The research courses may only be used as one advanced science course.

      4

      BIOL 2207 and BIOL 2297 are co-requisites to each other.

Suggested Academic Plan

All prospective majors should schedule an appointment with one of the departmental advisors (names of current faculty advisors are available in the Overview section) to plan a program of study. The recommended order of courses for the major is listed below; a different order is acceptable as long as the student adheres to prerequisite requirements.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2023-2024 Academic Year

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
FallCredit Hours
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory I
Honors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)
MATH 1041
Calculus I
or Honors Calculus I
4
SCTC 1001 CST First Year Seminar 1
ENG 0802
Analytical Reading and Writing
or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL
or Honors Writing About Literature
4
Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory II
Honors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)
MATH 1042
Calculus II
or Honors Calculus II
4
IH 0851
Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life
or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life
3
Electives 5
 Credit Hours16
Year 2
Fall
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
Organic Chemistry for Majors I
and Organic Majors Laboratory I (F)
Organic Chemistry for Honors I
and Organic Honors Laboratory I (F)
Select one of the following: 4
Elementary Classical Physics I
Honors Elementary Classical Physics I (F)
General Physics I
Honors General Physics I (F)
MATH 2043
Calculus III
or Honors Calculus III
4
IH 0852
Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good
or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good
3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Select one of the following: 4
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
Organic Chemistry for Majors II
and Organic Majors Laboratory II (S)
Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)
Select one of the following: 4
Elementary Classical Physics II
Honors Elementary Classical Physics II (S)
General Physics II
Honors General Physics II (S)
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Electives 5
 Credit Hours16
Year 3
Fall
CHEM 3103 Techniques of Chemical Measurement I 1 3
CHEM 3105 Introduction to Chemical Research Techniques 1 1
CHEM 3302 Physical Chemistry Lecture II 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Elective 2
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CHEM 3001 Inorganic Chemistry 3
CHEM 3301 Physical Chemistry Lecture I 3
CHEM 3398 Physical Chemistry Laboratory II 2
GenEd Breadth Course 3
Electives 5
 Credit Hours16
Year 4
Fall
CHEM 3303 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I 2
Advanced Chemistry Course - 4002 or above 2,3 3-4
Advanced Science Course 3 3-4
GenEd Breadth Course 3-4
Elective 4-1
 Credit Hours15
Spring
CHEM 4196 Techniques of Chemical Measurement II 5
Advanced Chemistry Course - 4002 or above 2,3 3-4
Advanced Science Course 3 3-4
Elective 4-2
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours123
1

It is strongly encouraged that CHEM 3103/CHEM 3105 be taken before all chemistry laboratory courses numbered above 3105.

2

Advanced Chemistry Courses for B.S. students consist of all courses in Chemistry having a number of 4002 or above (except CHEM 4881 and CHEM 4891). If the student has successfully completed the appropriate prerequisite course, a graduate course in Chemistry may be included in this category.

3

There are several course choices that can be used to meet the ACS certification requirements. See an advisor if you have any questions. The most straightforward pathway is for students to take the elective courses CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I and CHEM 4003 Inorganic Synthesis. Alternately, students could take CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I and CHEM 4002 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, but this pathway would require additional lab courses (see a Chemistry faculty advisor). Another option is for students to take the elective courses CHEM 4401 Biochemistry I and CHEM 4196 Techniques of Chemical Measurement II or BIOL 4344 Research Techniques in Biochemistry. In order to fulfill the ACS-mandated requirement of 400 laboratory hours, students must complete either CHEM 4207 Synthesis and Identification of Organic and Medicinal Compounds OR any two (2) of the following: CHEM 3881 Cooperative Research and/or CHEM 3891 Undergraduate Research, CHEM 4004 Crystallography and Diffraction, CHEM 4103 Instrumental Design, CHEM 4107 Drug Analysis, CHEM 4108 Investigative Chemistry, or CHEM 4503 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry.

Advanced Science Courses for BS students consist of:

Advanced Science Courses6-8
Only one Advanced Science course may be satisfied by a total of 4 credits in any combination of the following:4
Introduction to Undergraduate Research 1
Cooperative Research
Undergraduate Research
Cooperative Research
Undergraduate Research
All other Chemistry courses numbered 4002 or above3-4
BIOL 2296Genetics (S)4
BIOL 3096Cell Structure and Function (F)4
BIOL 3265Developmental Biology (F)3
BIOL 3334Mammalian Physiology4
All other Biology courses numbered above 33343-4
EES 2011Mineralogy I4
All other EES courses numbered above 20113-4
MATH 2101Linear Algebra3
MATH 3031Probability Theory I3
All other Math courses numbered above 30313-4
PHYS 2101Classical Mechanics (S)3
PHYS 2502Mathematical Physics (S)4
PHYS 2796Introduction to Modern Physics (S)4
PHYS 3101Analytical Mechanics (F)3
PHYS 3301Electricity and Magnetism (F)4
PHYS 3302Classical Electromagnetism (S)3
PHYS 4101Thermal Physics (F)3
PHYS 4301Electronics3
All other Physics courses numbered above 43013-4
(F) - Fall only course
(S) - Spring only course
1

No more than one credit of CHEM 2891 may be used toward this total.