Chaminade University of Honolulu

School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Chemistry

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B.S. Chemistry

Chemistry is dubbed “the central science.” And for good reason. Chemists study matter – everything that makes up the universe. With observations, theory, and field and laboratory work, they work to better understand the properties of all the substances that we can see along with the stuff that we can’t – and how and why those substances combine, separate and interact.

Our Chemistry major is designed to be foundational, hands-on and interdisciplinary. Our students turn their knowledge in the classroom into interactive research projects, along the way testing hypotheses and working with mentors to plot their academic and professional journeys.

Upon completion of the B.S. undergraduate program in Chemistry, students will be able to:

  1. Apply the scientific method as it is used in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and molecular sciences
  2.  Recognize and explain chemical theory as it applies to the physical world
  3. Visualize, evaluate, validate and interpret results of chemical analyses as part of an integral and quality education (This PLO is a link to our Marianist Values of to provide an integral, quality education)
  4.  Solve problems using analytical reasoning, professional resources, professional conduct, and ethical behavior
  5.  Communicate chemical information effectively in oral and written formats

View a sample 4-year plan: Chemistry

In addition to the general education requirements, these are the pre-major and major requirements below:

Pre-Major Requirements
  • CH 203/L General Chemistry I and Laboratory
  • CH 204/L General Chemistry II and Laboratory
  • PHY 251/L University Physics I and Laboratory
  • PHY 252/L University Physics II and Laboratory
  • MA 210 Calculus I
  • MA 211 Calculus II

Note: EN 102 and COM 101 are prerequisites for all upper division courses

Major Requirements
  • BI 300 Science Writing I
  • BI 302 Science Writing II
  • BI 420
  • CH 323/L Organic Chemistry I and Laboratory
  • CH 324/L Organic Chemistry II and Laboratory
  • CH 334/L Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory
  • CH 360/L Biochemistry I and Laboratory
  • CH 362/L Biochemistry II and Laboratory
  • CH 403 Inorganic Chemistry
  • CH 422 Physical Chemistry I
  • CH 423/L Physical Chemistry II and Laboratory
  • CH 430L Instrumental Analysis
  • CH 440/L Natural Product Chemistry and Laboratory
  • CH 447 Pharmacology
  • CH 490 Chemistry Seminar
  • CH 495 Research
  • Two upper division electives*

*Recommended electives are BI 499 (Research II: Honors Research) or BI 450 (Science Technology and Social Entrepreneurship) and one other upper division science course. Any two upper division Forensic Sciences, Biology, Data Science or Environmental Studies courses may fulfill the upper division elective requirements.

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Our faculty members are leaders in their fields. They believe in the power of personal experience—stressing mentorship, collaboration and project-based learning inside and outside the classroom.

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Accreditation

Chaminade University of Honolulu is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.