Chemistry (B.S. in Natural Sciences w/Polymer Chemistry Concentration and M.S. in Polymer Science)

Fundamentals of five-year B.S./M.S. Program

Outstanding chemistry majors admitted by the Honors College can complete the undergraduate phase of the study in three years, earning a B.S. in Natural Science in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences that is heavily weighted toward chemistry. Students then begin two years of courses and research to earn an M.S. in the College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.

• Undergraduate students will have an adviser in the Department of Chemistry and a co-adviser in the Department of Polymer Science
• Theory taught in the classroom is applied in undergraduate laboratory classes and research projects

Professional Preparation

• Coursework prepares you for advanced study in chemistry or a career in industry or government.
• A B.A. in Chemistry is offered for those who plan to pursue careers which use chemistry - such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or education.

Our Faculty

• All have received federal and industrial support for their research projects
• All regularly publish in scientific journals

Akron Advantage

Hands-on Research

Undergraduates are encouraged to do independent research in a field such as organic, inorganic or polymer synthesis, nanotechnology, drug design, laser spectroscopy or environmental analysis. The Department of Chemistry maintains:

• $8.6 million worth of nuclear magnetic resonance instrumentation
• mass spectrometers
• X-ray diffractometers
• IR-UV-Vis spectrometers
• liquid and gas chromatographs to identify, purify and characterize chemical compounds

Real-world Experience

Internships, cooperative education experiences and volunteer opportunities are available.

Curriculum Guide

B.S. in Natural Sciences w/Polymer Chemistry Concentration
and M.S. in Polymer Science

First Year:		Third Year:
Fall Semester		Fall Semester
Principles of Chemistry I and Lab	4	Physical Chemistry I	3
Calculus I	4	Humanities from Honors Distribution	3
English Composition I, II	4	Biochem I	3
Introduction to Public Speaking	3	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry	3
Social Science from Honors distribution electives	3	Intro to Elastomers	3
Total	18	Honors Project in Polymer Science	2
		Total	17
Spring Semester
Principles of Chemistry II	3	Spring Semester
Qualitative Analysis	2	Physical Chemistry II	3
English Composition II or Technical Report Writing	3	Honors colloquium	2
Social Science from Honors distribution electives	3	Intro to Plastics	3
Physical Education from Honors distribution electives	1	Honors Project in Polymer Science	2
Calculus II	4	Elective	3
Total	16	Elective	3
		Elective	3
Summer Semester		Total	19
Organic Chemistry I, II, Labs	10
		Summer Semester
Second Year		Polymer M.S. Thesis research
Fall Semester
Analytical Chemistry I	3	Fourth Year
Advanced Chemistry Lab I	2	Fall Semester
Physics I	4	Polymer Concepts	2
Calculus III	4	Physical Properties of Polymers I	2
Area studies from Honors distribution electives	2	Polymer Structure and Characterization	2
Polym. Res.	2	Polymer Technology	2
Honors colloquium	2	Total	8
Total	19
		Spring Semester
Spring Semester		Polymer Synthesis	2
Analytical Chemistry II	3	Polymer Science Lab	3
Advanced Chemistry Lab II	2	Elective	2-3
Physics II	4	Elective	2-3
Intro to Ordinary Differential Equations	3	Total	9-11
Polymer Resins	2
Elective	3	Summer Semester
Honors colloquium	2	Polymer M.S. Thesis research
Total	19
		Fifth Year
Summer Semester		Fall Semester
Humanities in Western Tradition I	4	Elective	2-3
Area Studies from Honors distribution electives	2	Polymer M.S. Thesis research
Area Studies from Honors distribution electives	3
Honors Project in Polymer Science	2	Spring Semester
Total	11	Elective	2-3
		Polymer M.S. Thesis research
		Summer Semester
		Polymer M.S. Thesis research

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