Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS)
The B.S. degree in Chemistry is designed for those students who wish to acquire more extensive knowledge of chemistry than is possible in the curriculum leading to the B.A. degree. This program is also certified by the American Chemical Society as meeting its professional training standards.
Program Goals
The undergraduate program in the Department of Chemistry has two primary missions. One of these is to help its majors attain a mastery of the discipline in preparation for further study in chemistry or a chemical science, or for immediate employment in chemistry. The other is to provide an opportunity for students majoring in other disciplines to acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamental areas of chemistry.
The program for majors is designed to enable students to develop in-depth understanding of chemical principles; a working knowledge of the properties of chemical substances; a familiarity with the use of the chemical literature; skill in basic laboratory methods, including modern instrumentation; the ability to observe, record, critically interpret, and communicate experimental results; and a facility in analytical and logical problem solving.
The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, a rigorous program certified by the American Chemical Society, consists of a full spectrum of chemistry courses as well as supporting courses in mathematics and physics, and is designed to prepare students for a professional career in chemistry. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program, with fewer required courses, allows students to obtain a broader knowledge of areas outside of chemistry, or to tailor their chemistry program for specific or unique objectives.
What do our former students think of our undergraduate program? In a recent poll of alumni, over 90 percent of the 350 survey participants gave the responses listed below.
The KU Chemistry undergraduate curriculum...
- is highly flexible.
- is well conceived.
- is academically and intellectually stimulating.
- provides an excellent knowledge base.
The KU Chemistry faculty...
- is of high quality.
- has a relationship of mutual respect with its students.
The KU undergraduate chemistry degree...
- has a national reputation.
- is very effective in helping achieve career goals.