Chemistry and Biochemistry

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Purpose and Focus

The science of chemistry deals with the composition, analysis, structure, and properties of matter and the various transformations matter may undergo. Chemical processes are at the heart of many diverse systems that are of great interest to mankind, including biological functions, the natural and polluted environment, industrial processes, biotechnology, food and agriculture, mining technology, etc. The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed to allow a student sufficient flexibility to obtain expertise in a discipline other than chemistry so that chemical knowledge can be applied to another field. The Bachelor of Science degree is an accredited program that requires more chemistry, math, and physics than the Bachelor of Arts degree and is intended for students wishing to pursue a career in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry is intended to provide a student with the theoretical and technical skills necessary for employment in industry or to pursue a graduate degree in biochemistry or a related field.

Accreditation

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
American Chemical Society (B.S. in Chemistry)

Undergraduate Majors

Biochemistry-Bachelor of Science
Chemistry-Bachelor of Arts
Chemistry-Bachelor of Science

Areas of Concentration

Education
Environmental Chemistry

Early Admit Fast-Track Program with UNLV — School of Dental Medicine

This program expedites the process of earning a doctor of dental medicine degree. Students admitted to the program complete three years of prerequisite course work at UNLV. Following completion of the second year, students take the DAT and apply to UNLV — School of Dental Medicine (UNLV-SDM) through the Associated American Dental School Application Service (AADSAS). Participation in this early-admit program does not guarantee acceptance following completion of the second year of undergraduate study. Students who are admitted to UNLV-SDM matriculate following completion of the third year at UNLV. Course work completed at UNLV-SDM during the first year is transferred to UNLV to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. The net result is reduction of the time required to earn the baccalaureate and DMD degrees from eight years to seven. To learn more about the specific details of this program, please contact the pre-health advisor.

Early Admit Fast-Track Program with Touro University — College of Osteopathic Medicine

This program expedites the process of earning an osteopathic medical degree. Students admitted to the program complete three years of prerequisite course work at UNLV. Following completion of the second year, students take the MCAT and apply to Touro University — College of Osteopathic Medicine (TU-COM) through the Association of American Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS). Participation in this Early Admit Program does not guarantee acceptance following completion of the second year of undergraduate study. Students who are admitted to TU-COM matriculate following completion of the third year at UNLV. Course work completed at TU-COM during the first two years is transferred to UNLV to complete the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. The net result is reduction of the time required to earn the baccalaureate and medical degrees from eight years to seven. To learn more about the specific details of this program, please contact the pre-health advisor.

Admission to the Major

Minimum GPA: 2.50

Admissions Policies

Students must meet minimum GPA requirements.

Students with a GPA less than 2.50, but at least 2.0, may be admitted on probationary status. Students on probation must meet with their advisor to devise a course of study that, when successfully completed, will remove the student from probationary status; the course of study must be approved by the department chair. The course of study shall consist of at least 15 units that apply toward a degree in the major; ordinarily, the course of study will be required to be completed in one calendar year (i.e., two semesters and the summer term). The advisor may request that completion time be extended by one semester for good cause (e.g., more than 15 units in the course of study, course offering schedules, etc.). Failure to satisfactorily complete the probationary course of study is grounds for suspension from the department.

Transfer Policies

Transfer students should first have their transcripts evaluated by the Office of the Registrar & Admissions, then schedule a meeting with the College of Sciences Advising Center. Based on the transcripts and catalog descriptions, equivalencies to UNLV courses will be determined and a plan for completion of the degree developed. In cases of questions regarding the transferability of a particular course, satisfactory performance (i.e., a grade of C or better) by a student in a higher numbered UNLV chemistry course for which the proposed UNLV transfer course is a prerequisite shall be accepted as proof that the student has mastery of the course content and the student shall be awarded transfer credit.

Department Policies

Academic Policies

Majors may count no more than one grade of D in chemistry courses toward meeting degree requirements. Chemistry courses taken more than eight years prior to the proposed date of graduation are subject to review by the department, and at the discretion of the department, such courses may not be allowed for application to a degree program. Students potentially affected by this policy should meet with the department chair.

Minors

No grade lower than a C (i.e., C- and below) may be applied to a chemistry minor. Credit toward the minor will not be allowed for both CHEM 220 and CHEM 241. At least nine credits must be earned at UNLV.

Nonchemistry Majors

Nonchemistry majors who seek rigorous preparation in chemistry for medical school, graduate school in other fields, or research positions should consider the sequence CHEM 121A, 121L, 122A, 122L, 241, 241L, 242, 242L, and possibly CHEM 421 and 474–475.

Probation

Students on probation must meet with their advisor to devise a course of study that, when successfully completed, will remove the student from probationary status; the course of study must be approved by the department chair. The course of study shall consist of at least 15 units that apply toward a degree in the major; ordinarily, the course of study will be required to be completed in one calendar year (i.e., two semesters and the summer term). The advisor may request that completion time be extended by one semester for good cause (e.g., more than 15 units in the course of study, course offering schedules, etc.). Failure to satisfactorily complete the probationary course of study is grounds for suspension from the department and the College of Sciences.

Advisement

See College of Sciences Advisement section for details.

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