Chemistry, BS

All programs

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry · 66 credits

Catalog page

Typical path

+ First Year Seminar

+ SBC

+ First Year Seminar

+ SBC

+ SBC ×2

+ SBC ×3

+ Upper-division SBC

+ SBC ×3

+ Upper-division CHE Elective

+ Upper-division Elective

+ SBC ×2

All options

Hide courses not offered in

TrackChemical Science1 group of options

Pick 2 courses

12 courses to choose from

100s

None

200s

300s

400s

TrackBiological Chemistry1 group of options

Pick 1 course

9 courses to choose from

100s

None

200s

None

300s

400s

TrackChemical Physics2 groups of options

Pick 1 course

4 courses to choose from

100s

None

200s

300s

400s

None

Pick 1 course

7 courses to choose from

100s

None

200s

300s

400s

None

TrackMarine and Atmospheric Chemistry1 group of options

Pick 2 courses

8 courses to choose from

100s

None

200s

None

300s

400s

None

Core Requirements

One of
- CHE 131General Chemistry IB4 cr
- or
  All of
  - CHE 129General Chemistry IA4 cr
  - CHE 130Problem Solving in General Chemistry1 cr
- CHE 132General Chemistry II4 cr
- or
  CHE 152Molecular Science I4 cr
One of
- All of
  - CHE 133General Chemistry Laboratory I1 cr
  - CHE 134General Chemistry Laboratory II1 cr
- or
  CHE 154Molecular Science Laboratory I2 cr
CHE 301Physical Chemistry I4 cr
CHE 302Physical Chemistry II4 cr
CHE 303Solution Chemistry Laboratory2 cr
CHE 321Organic Chemistry I4 cr
One of
- CHE 322Organic Chemistry IIA4 cr
- or
  All of
  - CHE 331Molecular Science II4 cr
  - CHE 332Molecular Science III4 cr
CHE 375Inorganic Chemistry I3 cr
- CHE 327Organic Chemistry Laboratory2 cr
- or
  CHE 383Introductory Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques2 cr
CHE 385Tools of Chemistry1 cr
One of
- All of
  - MAT 131Calculus I4 cr
  - MAT 132Calculus II4 cr
- or
  All of
  - MAT 125Calculus A3 cr
  - MAT 126Calculus B3 cr
  - MAT 127Calculus C3 cr
- or
  All of
  - MAT 141
  - MAT 142
- or
  MAT 171
- or
  All of
  - AMS 151Applied Calculus I3 cr
  - AMS 161Applied Calculus II3 cr
- MAT 203Calculus III with Applications4 cr
- or
  AMS 210Applied Linear Algebra3 cr
- or
  MAT 211Introduction to Linear Algebra3 cr
- or
  AMS 261Applied Calculus III4 cr
One of
- All of
  - PHY 131Classical Physics I3 cr
  - PHY 133Classical Physics Laboratory I1 cr
  - PHY 132Classical Physics II3 cr
  - PHY 134Classical Physics Laboratory II1 cr
- or
  All of
  - PHY 141Classical Physics I: Honors3 cr
  - PHY 133Classical Physics Laboratory I1 cr
  - PHY 142Classical Physics II: Honors3 cr
  - PHY 134Classical Physics Laboratory II1 cr
- or
  All of
  - PHY 125Classical Physics A3 cr
  - PHY 126Classical Physics B3 cr
  - PHY 133Classical Physics Laboratory I1 cr
  - PHY 127Classical Physics C3 cr
  - PHY 134Classical Physics Laboratory II1 cr

Catalog text

CHE 131 - General Chemistry IB OR CHE 129 - General Chemistry IA AND CHE 130 - Problem Solving in General Chemistry; CHE 132 - General Chemistry II OR CHE 152 - Molecular Science I; CHE 133 - General Chemistry Laboratory I, CHE 134 - General Chemistry Laboratory II OR CHE 154 - Molecular Science Laboratory I; CHE 301 - Physical Chemistry I; CHE 302 - Physical Chemistry II; CHE 303 - Solution Chemistry Laboratory; CHE 321 - Organic Chemistry I; CHE 322 - Organic Chemistry IIA OR CHE 331 - Molecular Science II and CHE 332 - Molecular Science III; CHE 375 - Inorganic Chemistry I; CHE 327 - Organic Chemistry Laboratory OR CHE 383 - Introductory Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques; CHE 385 - Tools of Chemistry; MAT 131 - Calculus I; MAT 132 - Calculus II; MAT 203 - Calculus III with Applications (See note 1 for possible substitutions); PHY 131 - Classical Physics I; PHY 133 - Classical Physics Laboratory I; PHY 132 - Classical Physics II; PHY 134 - Classical Physics Laboratory II (See note 2 for possible substitutions) Note: the alternate calculus, linear algebra and physics sequences are built into this requirement.

Area Requirements (one option)

One track

Chemical Science
All of
- CHE 304Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory2 cr
- CHE 357Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Laboratory2 cr
  or
  CHE 377Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory3 cr
- CHE 328Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr
  or
  CHE 384Intermediate Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr
- One of
  CHE 487Research in Chemistry0–6 cr
  or
  All of
  CHE 495Senior Research3 cr
  CHE 496Senior Research3 cr
- Choose 2 courses
  CHE 345Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 461Selected Topics in Chemistry1–3 cr
  CHE 346Biomolecular Structure and Reactivity3 cr
  CHE 348Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 351Quantum Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 353Chemical Thermodynamics3 cr
  CHE 358Computing in Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 376Inorganic Chemistry II3 cr
  CHE 377Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory3 cr
  CHE 378Materials Chemistry3 cr
  PHY 251Modern Physics3 cr
  ESG 281Engineering Introduction to the Solid State3 cr
Biological Chemistry
All of
- CHE 328Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr
  or
  CHE 384Intermediate Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr
- BIO 202Fundamentals of Biology: Molecular and Cellular Biology3 cr
- CHE 346Biomolecular Structure and Reactivity3 cr
  or
  BIO 361Biochemistry I3 cr
- BIO 310Cell Biology3 cr
  or
  BIO 362Biochemistry II3 cr
- Choose 1 course
  CHE 345Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 346Biomolecular Structure and Reactivity3 cr
  CHE 348Reaction Mechanisms in Organic Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 376Inorganic Chemistry II3 cr
  CHE 377Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory3 cr
  CHE 378Materials Chemistry3 cr
  CHE 461Selected Topics in Chemistry1–3 cr
  CHE 495Senior Research3 cr
  CHE 496Senior Research3 cr
Chemical Physics
All of
- CHE 304Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory2 cr
- CHE 351Quantum Chemistry3 cr
  or
  CHE 353Chemical Thermodynamics3 cr
- CHE 357Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Laboratory2 cr
- Choose 1 course
  AMS 210Applied Linear Algebra3 cr
  MAT 211Introduction to Linear Algebra3 cr
  AMS 261Applied Calculus III4 cr
  MAT 303Calculus IV with Applications4 cr
- PHY 251Modern Physics3 cr
- PHY 252Modern Physics Laboratory1 cr
- Choose 1 course
  CHE 358Computing in Chemistry3 cr
  PHY 277Computation for Physics and Astronomy3 cr
  PHY 300Waves and Optics4 cr
  PHY 307Physical and Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics4 cr
  PHY 301Electromagnetic Theory I3 cr
  PHY 303Mechanics3 cr
  PHY 306Thermodynamics, Kinetic Theory, and Statistical Mechanics3 cr
Environmental Chemistry
All of
- CHE 304Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory2 cr
- CHE 310Chemistry in Technology and the Environment3 cr
- CHE 357Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Laboratory2 cr
  or
  CHE 377Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory3 cr
  or
  CHE 311Environmental Chemistry Lab2 cr
- CHE 328Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr
  or
  CHE 384Intermediate Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr
- BIO 201Fundamentals of Biology: Organisms to Ecosystems3 cr
  or
  BIO 113General Ecology3 cr
- ATM 397Air Pollution and Global Warming3 cr
Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry
All of
- ATM 205Introduction to Atmospheric Sciences3 cr
- MAR 308Environmental Instrumental Analysis3 cr
- MAR 333Coastal Oceanography3 cr
- MAR 351Introduction to Ocean Chemistry3 cr
- Choose 2 courses
  MAR 301Environmental Microbiology4 cr
  MAR 302Marine Microbiology and Microbial Ecology3 cr
  MAR 334Remote Sensing of the Environment3 cr
  MAR 336Marine Pollution3 cr
  MAR 394Environmental Toxicology and Public Health3 cr
  ATM 305Global Atmospheric Change3 cr
  ATM 345Atmospheric Thermodynamics and Dynamics3 cr
  ATM 397Air Pollution and Global Warming3 cr

Catalog text

One of the following options: Chemical Science Option (CHE 304; CHE 357 OR CHE 377; CHE 328 OR CHE 384; CHE 487 - Research in Chemistry 0-6 credits OR CHE 495 - Senior Research 3 credits, CHE 496 - Senior Research 3 credits (see note 3); two electives from CHE 345, CHE 461, CHE 346, CHE 348, CHE 351, CHE 353, CHE 358, CHE 376, CHE 377, CHE 378, PHY 251, ESG 281). Biological Chemistry Option (CHE 328 OR CHE 384; BIO 202; CHE 346, CHE 461 (recommended) OR BIO 361; BIO 310 OR BIO 362; one organic or inorganic chemistry elective from CHE 345, CHE 461, CHE 346, CHE 348, CHE 376, CHE 377, CHE 378, CHE 495, CHE 496). Chemical Physics Option (CHE 304; CHE 351 OR CHE 353; CHE 357; AMS 210 OR MAT 211 OR AMS 261 OR MAT 303 (see note 6); PHY 251; PHY 252; one elective from CHE 358, PHY 277, PHY 300, PHY 307, PHY 301, PHY 303, PHY 306). Environmental Chemistry Option (CHE 304; CHE 310; CHE 357 OR CHE 377 OR CHE 311; CHE 328 OR CHE 384; BIO 201 OR BIO 113; ATM 397 (see note 6 for possible substitutions)). Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry Option (ATM 205; MAR 308; MAR 333; MAR 351; two electives from MAR 301, MAR 302, MAR 334, MAR 336, MAR 394, ATM 305, ATM 345, ATM 397).

Sample schedule

Year 1 · Fall16 cr

First Year Seminar 1011
WRT 101Introductory Writing Workshop3
MAT 131Calculus I4
CHE 131General Chemistry IB4
CHE 133General Chemistry Laboratory I1
SBC3

Year 1 · Spring16 cr

First Year Seminar 1021
WRT 102Intermediate Writing Workshop3
CHE 132General Chemistry II4
CHE 134General Chemistry Laboratory II1
MAT 132Calculus II4
SBC3

Year 2 · Fall16 cr

CHE 321Organic Chemistry I4
CHE 327Organic Chemistry Laboratory2
MAT 203Calculus III with Applications3
PHY 131Classical Physics I4
SBC3

Year 2 · Spring15 cr

CHE 322Organic Chemistry IIA4
CHE 328Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3
CHE 385Tools of Chemistry1
PHY 132Classical Physics II4
SBC3

Year 3 · Fall15 cr

CHE 301Physical Chemistry I4
CHE 303Solution Chemistry Laboratory2
CHE 375Inorganic Chemistry I3
SBC3
SBC3

Year 3 · Spring15 cr

CHE 302Physical Chemistry II4
CHE 304Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory2
SBC3
SBC3
SBC3

Year 4 · Fall17 cr

CHE 357Molecular Structure and Spectroscopy Laboratory2
CHE 487 / CHE 495Research in Chemistry3
Upper-division SBC3
SBC3
SBC3
SBC3

Year 4 · Spring15 cr

CHE 496Senior Research3
Upper-division CHE Elective3
Upper-division Elective3
SBC3
SBC3

Program rules

Letter grades
Courses in “Core Requirements”, “Area Requirements (one option)” must be taken for a letter grade.
Minimum grade
C- or higher in “Core Requirements”, “Area Requirements (one option)”.
Credits at Stony Brook
At least 12 credits in “Core Requirements”, “Area Requirements (one option)” must be taken at Stony Brook.

Stony Brook Curriculum

WRTD satisfied by

CHE 303Solution Chemistry Laboratory2 cr
or
CHE 304Chemical Instrumentation Laboratory2 cr
or
CHE 384Intermediate Synthetic and Spectroscopic Laboratory Techniques3 cr

Catalog text

Each student majoring in Chemistry must use CHE 303, CHE 304, or CHE 384 to satisfy the writing requirement for the Chemistry major (a satisfactory grade is required). These courses ... satisfy the university Stony Brook Curriculum WRTD learning objective.

Notes

Advising: ACS certification is recommended for students pursuing chemical sciences careers. Requirements differ by option: chemical science option needs CHE 346/CHE 461 or BIO 361; biological chemistry option needs one more chemistry or related elective, CHE 304, and one of several research/lab routes; chemical physics option needs CHE 346/CHE 461 plus 6 additional credits or an approved 180-hour research experience; marine and atmospheric chemistry and environmental chemistry options have their own ACS routes. See the catalog note on ACS certification.
Advising: Students who fulfill ACS requirements with an off-campus research experience must register for CHE 487 (0 credits) and prepare a written research report evaluated by a Stony Brook Chemistry faculty member.
Advising: Computer programming knowledge is valuable; CHE 358 or another computer programming course is recommended.
Note: The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is a separate degree with more elective flexibility. Students may also see the Interdisciplinary Program in Engineering Chemistry for materials science combinations.
Note: Chemistry Honors Program: students with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 in science and mathematics through the junior year are eligible; requires a senior thesis based on senior-year research, an oral examination, and a 3.40 senior-year chemistry GPA for conferral. Honors is optional and not part of the major requirements.
Note: Chemistry Secondary Teacher Education Program: see the Education and Teacher Certification entry.
Note: B.S./M.S. program in Chemistry: applications at the end of the junior year; includes two 500-level CHE courses, GRD 500, and a fifth-year CHE 599 research sequence. Not evaluated here.
Grading: Three major courses may be passed with C- (not identified on the page). G/P/NC grades are not acceptable in courses taken for the major.
SBC: Sample sequence footnote: CHE 496 is taken in the spring of senior year only if CHE 495 was taken the prior fall.
Note: The page lists a 66-credit minimum for the major.
Grading: Policy is set to C- as the floor because three major courses may be C-; at most three courses may be below C, and no transferred course below C may be used. Confirm this yourself.
Note: The upper-division writing requirement is met by CHE 303 (required in the core), CHE 304 or CHE 384 with a satisfactory grade; it is satisfied by CHE 303 and has no separate course.
Note: At least 12 credits of upper-division work in chemistry must be taken at Stony Brook; these must be taken in at least two of the major subdisciplines (inorganic, physical, and organic chemistry).