Degree Requirements: Honors in Chemistry
Qualified students may be invited to work for the citation "Honors in Chemistry."
Admission Requirementsfor Direct-From-High-School and First-Time Freshman
Admission
The Honors program is open to all chemistry majors studying toward the B.S. degree and to other students with the consent of the Departmental Honors advisor and the chair of the department. The program may be undertaken concurrently with University Honors. Admission to the Departmental Honors program is based on academic standing, recommendations by instructors and an interview with the Departmental Honors advisor. A minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in chemistry course work are typically required for admission and for retention in the program. Any student may petition the Departmental Honors advisor for admission to the program. A student should normally begin the program no later than the end of the sophomore year.
Requirements
Each Honors student must satisfactorily complete CHEM 4910, independent research, with a written thesis and an oral research report upon completion of the research project. A minimum of 6 hours of chemistry courses at the 3000 and 4000 level in addition to CHEM 4910 must be taken for Honors. These courses must be in at least two different areas of chemistry, to be selected from among analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. The instructor in each of these courses will plan activities above the normal requirements of the course for the Honors student, in line with the aims of the Honors program, to encourage independent scholarship. Outside reading and writing may be important components of each Honors course assignment. Students enrolled in the departmental Honors program also are encouraged to participate in the department’s colloquium program. For good standing, a minimum overall GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 in chemistry course work must be maintained throughout the program.