Curricular Flexibility for BS/BA Chemistry degree programs
“The chemistry background you need; the flexibility you desire.” The department has defined an essential core of ten chemistry courses that every chemistry major should take. Then additional courses for specialization in areas such as analytical/physical, materials, health professions, pharmaceutical, polymers, business, and others enable students to customize their academic background for the career they wish to pursue.
Interactive Group Study
Several courses in the core and in the customizable curriculum have integrated interactive group approaches to study such as studio in introductory chemistry, workshops in organic and project groups in analytical and physical laboratories. Working in groups enhances learning and student satisfaction.
High Levels of Research Participation
Research is an option that 70% of the majors in chemistry and biochemistry select. Faculty in Chemistry welcome undergraduates into their research groups. Students work on important projects in areas that have a direct impact on society: new diagnostic assays for HIV antigens, pharmaceuticals for rage suppression, drug delivery by novel liposomes, new catalysts for synthesis of fuels and smart surfaces are only a few of the research projects available to undergraduates.
B.A. in Chemistry
The B.A. program in the College of Arts and Sciences is not a pre-professional program and may be elected by students who do not plan to do graduate work in chemistry or allied science but wish a stronger background in chemistry than is provided in the chemistry minor program. The B.A. program also affords a useful tie-in with health-related chemistry, environmental chemistry, geochemistry or chemistry management options. Students may transfer from the B.S. to B.A. programs or vice-versa as late as the junior year, since basic requirements are the same for the two. Students who are in the B.A. program and make a late decision to attend graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry, or allied science should speak to one of the department advisors to discuss optional course material which will prepare them for graduate course work.
View the Chemistry BA requirements
B.S. in Biochemistry
An interdepartmental BS biochemistry major is offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. The BS in biochemistry degree is managed by an interdepartmental committee composed of biochemists, bioorganic chemists, and molecular/cellular biologists. The committee administers the degree, monitors the academic program, provides research possibilities, and advises student majors. The director of the program is currently Linda J. Lowe-Krentz. Faculty in both Biological Sciences (Behe, Lowe-Krentz, Lang, and Iovine) and Chemistry (Glover and Thévenin) serve as advisors.
View the Biochemistry degree requirements
B.S. in Chemistry
Our BS Chemistry program begins with an introductory freshman course, Chemistry 40 & 41, enhanced by an integrated, advanced laboratory, including extensive workstation-based molecular modeling and computer-interfaced experiments. This course, which averages 30 students, is designed specifically for those considering the pursuit of chemistry-oriented degrees. The course work in the first three years offers an introduction to the breadth of the classical areas of chemistry. The fourth year is largely open for specialization in topics that may be integrated with graduate level course work or courses outside chemistry, such as business. Senior undergraduates typically join research groups, but highly motivated students may begin research earlier, even in their freshman year. The Chemistry Department participates in the existing university Co-op Program, and study abroad is best done in the junior year. Degrees in chemistry are offered in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Applied Science, while biochemistry degrees are offered in Arts and Sciences only. Some students with significant advanced placement have completed B.S./M.S. programs in four years, including two summers. The environment and opportunities at Lehigh combine to produce successful chemists who are well-prepared to start satisfying careers.
View the Chemistry BS degree requirements
Minor in Chemistry
The minor in chemistry requires 16 course credits.