Chemistry
Program Details
Chemistry is the study of matter, including its composition, properties and structure. It’s a broad and complex field that helps make sense of the world around us, from how fossil fuels are created to why onions make people cry. As a chemistry major at Xavier, you’ll get to harness your curiosity about how things work through studying the five major branches of chemistry: organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry and biochemistry. You’ll also complete individual research alongside expert faculty, conduct experiments and have access to multiple campus labs.
This program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and leads to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree.
Chemistry Major Specializations
Chemistry for Business, Chemical Education, Computational Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Chemistry and International Studies, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Health
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Curriculum
The sample course sequence below illustrates class offerings for the Chemistry major. Consult the official Xavier University course catalog for detailed registration and advising information.
Fall
- CHEM 160: General Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 161: General Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- MATH 170: Calculus I............ 4cr.
- Second Language 102............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101/115 English Composition/Rhetoric ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101............ 0cr.
Spring
- CHEM 162: General Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CORE 102............ 0cr.
- CHEM 163: General Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- MATH 171: Calculus II............ 4cr.
- CHEM 180: Intro to Chemical Enterprise............ 1cr.
- Second Language 201............ 3cr.
- CORE 100: First-Year Seminar ............ 3cr.
Fall
- CHEM 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- MATH 220: Calculus III............ 4cr.
- PHYS 170: University Physics I............ 3cr.
- PHYS 161: Introductory Physics Lab I............ 1cr.
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philosophy ............ 3cr.
Spring
- CHEM 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 242: Organic Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 226: Quantitative Analysis............ 3cr.
- CHEM 227: Quantitative Analysis Lab............ 1cr.
- PHYS 172: University Physics II............ 3cr.
- PHYS 163: Introductory Physics Lab II............ 1cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
Fall
- CHEM 320: Physical Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 340: Instrumental Analysis............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature & Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- CHEM 322: Physical Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 325: Physical Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 341: Instrumental Analysis Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 330: Quantum Chemistry............ 2cr.
- CHEM 400: Research............ 1cr.
- PHIL 290: Theory of Knowledge ............ 3cr.
- Theological Elective............ 3cr.
- Creative Perspectives............ 3cr.
Fall
- CHEM 420: Inorganic Chemistry............ 3cr.
- CHEM 450: Topics in Organic Chemistry............ 3cr.
- CHEM 400: Research............ 1cr.
- E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
- CHEM 421 Inorganic Chemistry Lab ............ 1cr.
- Diversity Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- CHEM 400: Research ............ 1cr.
- CHEM 440: Biochemistry............ 3cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Chemistry Courses
Sample courses within the chemistry major curriculum:
- General Chemistry I /Lab (CHEM 160/161) - This is a pre-professional course approved by the American Chemical Society for chemistry majors. It covers the fundamental principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, stoichiometry, energy relationships, periodic table and solution chemistry. The following mathematical concepts are used: scientific notation, logarithms, the quadratic equation and proportionality. Lab work includes practice in the basic operations of chemical laboratory work.
- Intro to Chemical Enterprise (CHEM 180) - An introduction to concepts and techniques needed to succeed as a professional chemist. Topics to be discussed include the chemical literature, scientific ethics, guidelines for presenting talks, and molecular modeling.
- Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 240) - This course is the first in a two semester sequence of organic chemistry. This is a pre-professional course approved by the American Chemical Society for chemistry majors and required of many other science majors. This course examines the basic structure, properties, preparation and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds.
- Chemistry Research/Seminar (CHEM 400) - Undergraduate students engage in hands-on research guided by faculty mentors, culminating in a comprehensive thesis. Weekly seminar sessions provide opportunities for students to present their findings, engage with guest speakers, and foster discussion around diverse scientific topics.
- Biochemistry (CHEM 440) - This course covers into the intricacies of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. This course explores their structural components, distinctive properties, and their vital roles in cellular metabolism.
Chemistry Careers
99% of Xavier students, including those in the chemistry major, are working, volunteering or in graduate school within six months of graduation (Class of 2022). Additionally, Xavier students have an 86% acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2022), compared to 40 percent nationally. Explore Xavier's Career Outcomes Dashboard to view career outcomes by major.
Career Opportunities: Analytical Chemist, Biotechnologist, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Technician, Clinical Scientist, Dentist, Food Scientist, Organic Chemist, Forensic Lab Analyst, Industrial Chemist, Pharmacist, Physician, Research and Development Chemist, Synthetic Chemist, Toxicologist, Water Quality Analyst
Discover more career options with the career portals at the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
More: Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
Chemistry Clubs
- Alchemyst Club- Ever been to a liquid nitrogen ice cream social? This club is made up of chemistry enthusiasts who love to experiment and discuss the ins and outs of the study of matter.
- Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together- Become part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering minority STEM majors. Discover a space where you can thrive, connect with peers and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.
- Physics Club- Students in the Physics Club organize trips to national labs, host cool experiment series and events that connect to physics, like ice skating (friction!) and water balloon launches.
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Learn in Dedicated Chemistry Labs and Facilities
As a student in the chemistry major, you'll have access to campus labs that include a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer, infra-red spectrometers, gas chromatographs, a multichannel analyzer, a high performance liquid chromatograph and more.
Research Alongside Xavier's Esteemed Chemistry Faculty
Undergraduate research is a major component of the chemistry major curriculum. At Xavier you'll engage in hands-on research guided by faculty mentors, present your work at regional and national meetings and showcase your research at the annual Celebration of Student Research.
Kickstart Your Chemistry Career in Cincinnati, Ohio
In Cincinnati, Ohio, students in the chemistry major can access numerous internship and mentorship opportunities at major companies like Kroger and Procter & Gamble. Additionally, the city boasts some of the nation's premier hospitals and healthcare networks.
Graduate With Honors
Are you looking for an academic challenge? The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Chemistry Major at Xavier University
The Chemistry major at Xavier University is a minimum 120-hour degree program that is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Students completing the program graduate as "ACS certified" majors. The curriculum covers the five major fields (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry), the preparation and identification of compounds, and the literature on the subject.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."