Department of Chemistry

West Chester University

Chemistry Information
Office: 119 Schmucker
Science Center South
West Chester, PA 19383
Phone (610) 436-2631
Fax (610) 436-2890
Email: Department Chair


Bachelor of Science – Chemistry

The B.S. in CHEMISTRY  is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). It provides a rigorous scientific foundation in all major areas of chemistry. This degree prepares the graduate for a career in a wide variety of areas including the chemical, petroleum, environmental, quality control and pharmaceutical sectors. In addition, it serves as a basis for graduate and professional study leading to higher level industrial positions, teaching at the college level, or involvement in technical aspects of related fields such as law.


B. S. Chemistry (ACS Approved)


1st Year

____ CHE 103 General Chemistry I 3 ____ CHE 104 General Chemistry II 3
____ CRL 103 Exp. Gen. Chem. I 1 ____ CRL 104 Exp. Gen. Chem. II 1
____ MAT 161 Calculus I 4 ____ MAT 162 Calculus II 4
____ WRT 120 Effective Writing I 3 ____ WRT XXX Writing Course ♣ 3
____ GEd XXX B/SS (1) 3 ____ SPK XXX Communication Studies ♦ 3
        14         14

2nd Year
____ CHE 231 Organic Chemistry I 4 ____ CHE 232 Organic Chemistry II 3
____ CRL 231 Exp. Org. Chem. I 2 ____ CRL 232 Exp. Org. Chem. II 2
____ CHE 321 Analytical Chemistry I 3 ____ BIO 110 General Biology ♥ 3
____ CRL 321 Exp Analyt Chem I 2 ____ PHY 180 Physics II 4
____ PHY 170 Physics I 4 ____ GEd XXX Diverse Communities 3
        15         15

3rd Year
____ CHE 341 Physical Chemistry I 4 ____ CHE 342 Physical Chemistry II 3
____ CRL 341 Exp. Phys. Chem I 2 ____ CRL 342 Exp. Phys. Chemistry II 2
____ CHE 409 Descriptive Inorg Chem 3 ____ CHE YYY Chemistry Elective (A) ♠ 3
____ GEd XXX Humanities (1) 3 ____ CHE 424 Analytical Chemistry II 3
____ CHE 418 Chemical Information 1 ____ CRL 424 Exp. Analyt. Chem II 2
____ GEd XXX Arts 3 ____ GEd XXX Student Elective 3
        16         16

4th Year
____ CHE 476 Biochemistry I 3 ____ CHE 411 Adv. Inorg. Chem 3
____ CHE YYY Chemistry Elective (B)§ 3 ____ CRL 411 Inorganic Syntheses 2
____ GEd XXX Humanities (2) 3 ____ CHE 491 Chemistry Seminar 1
____ GEd XXX Student Elective 3 ____ CHE YYY Chemistry Elective (B)§ 3
____ GEd XXX B/SS (2) 3 ____ GEd XXX Interdisciplinary 3
          ____ GEd XXX Student Elective 3
        15         15
    Total Credits 120



Refer to the University catalog for writing emphasis and interdisciplinary requirements, particularly if transfer credits are involved.

*Advanced Science Electives usually are chosen from: CHE 342, 381, 424 and 477; or from BIO 480 and 431; or from SCC 327.

____ Department Safety Examination ♣ Students may take WRT 206, 208, or 220 ♥ or CSC 141; fulfills a General Education Science Elective ♦ Choose from SPK 208 or 230 ♠ Chemistry electives in Group A include: CHE 333 (Organic III), or CHE 477 (Biochemistry II) This elective can be taken in the 4th year of study rather than the 3rd year of study. § Chemistry electives in Group B include any approved 300 or 400 level elective in chemistry. § Students must take sufficient elective credits to attain 120 credits. Two semesters of a foreign language and one extra chemistry elective are strongly recommended for free electives.