BS Chemistry ACS Certified

The Chemistry Department offers two options for a chemistry degree: a BS Chemistry or a BS Chemistry ACS Certified. Students interested in the chemistry major should consult regularly with the chemistry major advisor, Dr. Marta K. Maroń (marta.maron@ucdenver.edu). The Advisor can help you select the track that best fits your future goals. A complete description of the chemistry major programs may be obtained in the Department of Chemistry office (Science 3071) or Department website.

Qualified majors are strongly urged to participate in directed research with a research faculty member and in the departmental honors program. We also strongly encourage chemistry majors to participate in the Department by serving as graders, learning assistants, and/or teaching assistants. Contact the chemistry major advisor for more information and/or questions.

Students planning chemistry as a career should be familiar with the recommendations of the American Chemical Society (ACS) for the professional training of chemists. The ACS certification requires students following the BS program of study take foundation courses in the five sub-disciplines of chemistry: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. In addition, students take an in-depth (second semester) course in four out of the five sub-disciplines and are required to complete 400 hours of laboratory work post General Chemistry Laboratories. Laboratory work has to encompass four of the five sub-disciplines. General Chemistry I and II with laboratories are considered introductory courses and are prerequisites to foundation courses. No chemistry course with a grade of less than C (2.0) can be applied toward ACS certification. Students should check with the undergraduate chemistry major Advisor for details.

These degree requirements are subject to periodic revision by the academic department, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences reserves the right to make exceptions and substitutions as judged necessary in individual cases. Therefore, the College strongly urges students to consult regularly with their major advisor and CLAS advisor to confirm the best plans of study before finalizing them.