2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog
Chemistry
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Daniel A. Higgins, Head
213 CBC Building
785-532-6665
Fax: 785-532-6666
E-mail: chemdept@k-state.edu
www.k-state.edu/chem
The Department of Chemistry occupies modern research and teaching facilities in two adjoining buildings: the CBC Building and the H. H. King Chemical Laboratory. The chemistry faculty possess a wide range of expertise in both traditional and cross-disciplinary areas of the chemical sciences, and are committed to excellence in their teaching. The department offers programs leading to the BS and BA degrees in chemistry. In addition to the undergraduate program, the department offers MS and PhD degrees: the graduate program includes approximately 60 students.
Chemistry is a vibrant discipline whose broad impact extends from fundamental inquiry about molecular structure and interaction, to the design and syntheses of new pharmaceuticals, to the creation of new materials for energy conversion, to the detection and remediation of environmental threats. An education in chemistry provides both a satisfying conceptual framework with which to understand the workings of the material world and the practical skills with which to explore it. A degree in chemistry provides many different career possibilities. For example, a research chemist might synthesize and explore new compounds and materials, or develop new analytical instrumentation and techniques. Other chemists work in federal- or state-sponsored activities broadly concerned with health, the environment, forensic science, energy, and safety. Students often use chemistry degrees as preparation for advanced study in medicine, pharmacy, and related areas. Students who plan to become high school science teachers may choose to earn dual degrees in chemistry and education.
High school preparation
High school students who plan to major in chemistry must have a good background in mathematics and science. Trigonometry and two years of algebra are essential, as are courses in chemistry and physics.
Transfer students
Community college students should take a year of general chemistry, two to three semesters of calculus, a year of physics for scientists and engineers (i.e. physics with calculus) English composition, and communication studies (speech) classes for transfer credit.
Independent study and research
Many chemistry students are engaged in independent study and research, some beginning as early as their first year. Two credit hours of research experience, under the supervision of a faculty member of the student’s choice, are required for the BS degree in the chemistry program. A formal, written report describing the research is also required.
General requirements for undergraduate majors
Students majoring in chemistry must earn grades of C or better in all courses prescribed for this curriculum, as outlined below. A total of 120 credit hours are required for graduation. The BA program is obtained by following the curriculum for the BS degrees with the additional modern language requirement of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Accelerated
Bachelor of Science
Minor
Other Program Choices
Chemistry
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