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 with Teaching is part of Temple's innovative "TUteach" secondary education teacher-training program. The BS in Chemistry with Teaching provides broad training in chemistry and prepares students for a career in secondary school teaching, graduate study or an entry level position as a chemist. The education courses in this major include supervised teaching in school district classrooms and emphasize inquiry-based approaches to learning. Students in the BS in Chemistry with Teaching degree program become eligible for a Pennsylvania teacher certification when they complete all the requirements for the degree that include theoretical and practical courses in education specifically designed for science and mathematics majors. In order to be recommended for Pennsylvania teacher certification, students must graduate with:
- a BS with Teaching degree and
- meet GPA and testing requirements of the state of Pennsylvania.
Students will be scheduled once each semester to meet with the TUteach advisor to ensure that students have knowledge of academic programming, internships opportunities and testing options that include test preparation. The state of Pennsylvania has specific candidacy requirements. The TUteach advisor will also help the students complete and submit the candidacy documents. All students joining the program in their freshman year must complete the PAPA examination or acquire the PAPA waiver within their first 72 credits. Transfer students, from within Temple and those from other institutions, will build a tailored program with the academic and testing benchmarks structured for efficient degree completion with the TUteach advisor. Students are encouraged to complete the appropriate PRAXIS II examination prior to student teaching. Students are encouraged to take internship courses to expand their teaching portfolio or select elective courses that will extend their knowledge of science and teaching practice.
Campus Location: Main
Program Code: ST-CHTC-BS
Distinction in Major
To graduate with distinction in this major, a student must satisfy the following criteria:
- achieve a minimum 3.5 major GPA
- achieve a minimum 3.33 GPA in all Chemistry courses required for the major
- achieve a minimum 3.9 GPA in the following courses:
Undergraduate Contact Information
Susan Varnum, Program Director and Professor of Chemistry
Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs and Science Education
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 629
215-204-6390 or 215-204-4073
susan.varnum@temple.edu
George Mehler, TUteach Faculty Advisor
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 644
215-204-4074
george.mehler@temple.edu
Kenneth Ruff, TUteach Faculty Advisor
College of Science and Technology
Gladfelter Hall, Room 656
215-204-3628
kruff@temple.edu
Ann Valentine, Chemistry Department Chair
Beury Hall, Room 130
215-204-7118
ann.valentine@temple.edu
Vince Voelz, Chemistry Department Vice Chair
Beury Hall, Room 240
215-204-1973
vincent.voelz@temple.edu
Steven Fleming, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names A-C)
Beury Hall, Room 446
215-204-0359
sfleming@temple.edu
Elizabeth Cerkez, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names D-G)
Beury Hall, Room 222C
215-204-7821
cerkez@temple.edu
Daniele Ramella, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names H-K)
Beury Hall, Room 126B
215-204-1931
daniele.ramella@temple.edu
Jonathan Smith, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names L-M)
Beury Hall, Room 213
215-204-2252
jmsmith1@temple.edu
Robert Levis, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names N-R), Undergraduate Research Coordinator
Beury Hall, Room 244
215-204-5241
robert.levis@temple.edu
Vladi Wilent, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names S-T)
Beury Hall, Room 344
215-204-7186
vladi.wilent@temple.edu
Graham Dobereiner, Chemistry Department Faculty Advisor (Last names U-Z)
Beury Hall, Room 342
215-204-3185
dob@temple.edu
Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Teaching.
These requirements are for students who matriculated in academic year 2025-2026. Students who matriculated prior to fall 2025 should refer to the Archives to view the requirements for their Bulletin year.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Summary of Requirements for the Degree
- University Requirements (124 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:
Course List Code Title Credit Hours CHEM 4196 Instrumental Analysis 5 MGSE 3796 Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) 3 - Students must complete the General Education (GenEd) requirements.
- See the General Education section of the Undergraduate Bulletin for the GenEd curriculum.
- Students who complete TUteach majors receive a waiver for 1 Human Behavior (GB), 2 Science & Technology (GS) and 1 Quantitative Literacy (GQ) GenEd courses.
- Students must satisfy general Temple University residency requirements.
- 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.
- 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).
- Major Requirements for Bachelor of Science (87-89 s.h.)1
At least 9 courses required for the major must be completed at Temple. At least 5 Chemistry courses and 3 Education courses must be completed at Temple. Though not required, students are strongly encouraged to increase training and field work experience by enrolling in SCTC 1385, SCTC 2385, or SCTC 2389. Students will also benefit from directed laboratory projects offered through SCTC 3185. These courses are offered every semester.Course List Code Title Credit Hours Chemistry Select one of the following: 4 General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry Laboratory IHonors General Chemical Science I
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory I (F)Select one of the following: 4 General Chemistry II
and General Chemistry Laboratory IIHonors General Chemical Science II
and Honors Chemical Science Laboratory II (S)Select one of the following: 4 Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory IOrganic 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 IIOrganic Chemistry for Majors II
and Organic Majors Laboratory II (S)Organic Chemistry for Honors II
and Organic Honors Laboratory II (S)CHEM 3091 Research Methods (S) 3 CHEM 3103
& CHEM 3105Analytical Chemistry
and Analytical Chemistry Lab4 Select one of the following: 3 Inorganic Chemistry Applications of Biochemistry Biochemistry I CHEM 3301 Physical Chemistry Lecture I 3 CHEM 3302 Physical Chemistry Lecture II 3 CHEM 4196 Instrumental Analysis (WI) 5 Mathematics MATH 1041 Calculus I 4 or MATH 1941 Honors Calculus I MATH 1042 Calculus II 4 or MATH 1942 Honors Calculus II Select one of the following: 2-4 Multivariable Calculus Calculus III Honors Calculus III Physics PHYS 1061 Elementary Classical Physics I 4 or PHYS 1961 Honors Elementary Classical Physics I or PHYS 2021 General Physics I or PHYS 2921 Honors General Physics I PHYS 1062 Elementary Classical Physics II 4 or PHYS 1962 Honors Elementary Classical Physics II or PHYS 2022 General Physics II or PHYS 2922 Honors General Physics II College of Science & Technology SCTC 1013 Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences 3 SCTC 1389 Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners 2 SCTC 2021 Quantitative Modeling and Problem Solving in STEM 1 SCTC 3001 History of Science 3 SCTC 3312 Coding STEM Lessons 2 1 Education EDUC 2179 Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science 3 EDUC 4388 TUteach Apprentice Teaching 4 EDUC 4802 TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar 3 SPED 2231 Introduction to Special Education 3 MGSE 2189 Classroom Interactions (F) 3 or SCTC 3485 Science and Mathematics in the Classroom MGSE 3796 Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) (WI) 3 MGSE 4189 Project-Based Instruction (S) 3 or SCTC 4485 Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments Total Credit Hours 87-89 Course List Code Title Credit Hours (F) - Fall only course (S) - Spring only course - 1
The certification requirements need to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and are subject to change. All students are strongly recommended to check with the TUteach Advisor in the College of Science and Technology to affirm the requirements that pertain to their specific major. In addition, students should check the Undergraduate Bulletin web site for the most current information about these programs, or the TUteach web site. It is also recommended that all students meet with an advisor before enrolling in classes specific to these majors and leading to certification as a teacher. This is to assure that a candidate's intended program of study will be compatible with the new requirements.
- 2
All students are required to complete a minimum of one credit.
Suggested Academic Plan
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Teaching
Suggested Plan for New Students Starting in the 2025-2026 Academic Year
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit 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 or MATH 1941 | Calculus I or Honors Calculus I | 4 |
| SCTC 1001 | CST First-Year Seminar | 1 |
| SCTC 1013 | Elements of Data Science for the Physical and Life Sciences | 3 |
| SCTC 1389 | Step 1 and 2: Inquiry-Based Lesson Design in Science and Mathematics Modified for English Learners | 2 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| 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 or MATH 1942 | Calculus II or Honors Calculus II | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Elementary Classical Physics I | ||
| Honors Elementary Classical Physics I (F) | ||
| General Physics I (F) | ||
| Honors General Physics I (F) | ||
| SPED 2231 | Introduction to Special Education | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| 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: | 2-4 | |
| Multivariable Calculus | ||
| Calculus III | ||
| Honors Calculus III | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Elementary Classical Physics II | ||
| Honors Elementary Classical Physics II (S) | ||
| General Physics II (S) | ||
| Honors General Physics II (S) | ||
| EDUC 2179 | Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science | 3 |
| Elective | 3-1 | |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| 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) | ||
| ENG 0802 | Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] or Analytical Reading and Writing: ESL [GW] or Honors Analytical Reading and Writing [GW] | 4 |
| MGSE 3796 | Differentiated Literacy Instruction in the Disciplines (grades 7-12) [WI] | 3 |
| SCTC 2021 | Quantitative Modeling and Problem Solving in STEM | 1 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 18 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 3103 | Analytical Chemistry | 3 |
| CHEM 3105 | Analytical Chemistry Lab | 1 |
| CHEM 3301 | Physical Chemistry Lecture I | 3 |
| SCTC 3001 | History of Science | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Classroom Interactions (F) | ||
| Science and Mathematics in the Classroom | ||
| IH 0851 or IH 0951 | Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] or Honors Intellectual Heritage I: The Good Life [GY] | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| CHEM 3091 | Research Methods (S) | 3 |
| CHEM 3302 | Physical Chemistry Lecture II | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Inorganic Chemistry | ||
| Applications of Biochemistry | ||
| Biochemistry I | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Project-Based Instruction (S) | ||
| Integrating STEM Practice in Diverse Teaching Environments | ||
| IH 0852 or IH 0952 | Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] or Honors Intellectual Heritage II: The Common Good [GZ] | 3 |
| Elective | 2 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| CHEM 4196 | Instrumental Analysis [WI] | 5 |
| SCTC 3312 | Coding STEM Lessons 1 | 1 |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3-4 | |
| GenEd Breadth Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 2-1 | |
| Credit Hours | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| EDUC 4388 | TUteach Apprentice Teaching | 4 |
| EDUC 4802 | TUteach Apprentice Teaching Seminar | 3 |
| Elective | 1 | |
| Credit Hours | 8 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 124 | |
- 1
All students are required to complete a minimum of one credit.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| (F) - Fall only course | ||
| (S) - Spring only course | ||