Facebook Pixel Department of Chemistry | Western Kentucky University
Empowering Hilltoppers to meet Global Challenges through Chemistry

Department of Chemistry


Aspire to reach new heights with the Department of Chemistry.

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry at WKU.  Chemistry is often referred to as the “central science” because it helps connect the physical sciences and life sciences. 

We offer several tracks in our undergraduate chemistry major, serving students who are interested in becoming K-12 teachers, health professionals, professional chemists, or numerous other occupations that require a background in chemistry. Highly qualified and motivated undergraduates may also pursue a joint BS/MS degree in a rigorous 5-year JUMP curriculum (Joint Undergraduate-Masters Program).  Together with the Department of Biology, we jointly manage the biochemistry major for students interested in an interdisciplinary degree. 

The Department of Chemistry offers a 2 undergraduate majors and 1 minor, as well as a Master of Science in Chemistry.

 

What can you do with a Chemistry degree?

Earning a degree in Chemistry opens numerous opportunities, ranging from advanced educational pursuits to diverse career paths within the field. Graduates can pursue medical or pharmacy school to become physicians or pharmacists, or opt for advanced degrees like a Master's or Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Science, Toxicology, or Materials Science and Engineering, leading to specialized research and development roles. Many employment opportunities exist for graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, including roles as a Research Assistant as well as positions in Education, Quality Assurance, Public Health, or Sales and Marketing within Chemical, Pharmaceutical, or Biotech Companies.

 

FIND YOUR PROGRAM
in the Department of Chemistry

Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (623)


  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Chemistry

Overview

The major in chemistry requires a minimum of 33 semester hours and leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. Requirements of the major include selecting one of four concentrations:  ACS-Approved, Foundations, General, or Teacher Certification. The ACS-Approved Concentration does not require a minor or second major and is typically for students desiring graduate education in chemistry.  The Foundations Concentration requires a minor or a second major and is appropriate for a wide range of career targets.  The General Concentration requires a second major and is typically chosen by those in pre-health concentrations.  The Teacher Certification Concentration is for students desiring Secondary Teacher Certification and requires a second major in Science and Mathematics Education (Reference Number 774). Prior to a selection of a program of study, a student should consult with a chemistry advisor to determine the most appropriate option.

Concentrations

  • ACS Approved (CHCR)
  • General Chemistry (CHGC)
  • Teacher Education (TCHR)
  • Pre-Jump Chemistry Advising (PJMP)
  • Foundations Chemistry Major (FCHM)

Program Requirements (33-53 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

ACS Approved Concentration (53 hours)

WKU is on the approved list of the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. For the Chemistry Department to certify graduates in this concentration, the completion of a minimum of 53 hours of chemistry courses, 16-18 hours of math and science cognate courses, and the Colonnade general education courses for the Bachelor of Science is required. Required chemistry courses for the ACS Approved concentration are:

Course List
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
5
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
College Chemistry II
and College Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 320Inorganic Chemistry I3
CHEM 330Quantitative Analysis5
CHEM 340
CHEM 341
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
5
CHEM 342
CHEM 343
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 398Undergraduate Seminar1
CHEM 399Research Problems in Chemistry2
CHEM 420
CHEM 421
Inorganic Chemistry II
and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
4
CHEM 435
CHEM 436
Instrumental Analysis
and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory
5
CHEM 446Biochemistry I3
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
5
CHEM 452
CHEM 453
Physical Chemistry II
and Physical Chemistry II Laboratory
5
Total Hours53

Required Support Courses for ACS Approved Concentration (16-18 hours)¹

Course List
MATH 136Calculus I4
MATH 137Calculus II4
Select one series from the following:8-10
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
PHYS 332
PHYS 233
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
and Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II
or
PHYS 255
PHYS 256
PHYS 265
PHYS 266
University Physics I
and University Physics I Lab
and University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory
Total Hours16-18
1

Students initially ineligible for MATH 136 should consult their academic advisor for the proper first course in mathematics. It is recommended that students in this program take MATH 237, MATH 307 and MATH 331 in addition to the minimum math requirements listed above. The University Physics track is strongly recommended for this concentration. 

Foundations Concentration (37 hours)

Course List
Required Courses:
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
5
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
College Chemistry II
and College Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 320Inorganic Chemistry I3
CHEM 330Quantitative Analysis5
CHEM 340
CHEM 341
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
5
CHEM 342
CHEM 343
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 398Undergraduate Seminar1
CHEM 446Biochemistry I3
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
5
A minor or second major is required for this concentration
Total Hours37

Required Support Courses for the Foundations Concentration (8-9 hours)

Course List
MATH 136Calculus I4
Select one of the following course sequences:
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
4-5
or PHYS 255
PHYS 256
University Physics I
and University Physics I Lab
Total Hours8-9

General Chemistry Concentration (33 hours)

The General Chemistry Concentration is recommended for pre-health professions students majoring in chemistry and other students who desire a double major.

Course List
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
5
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
College Chemistry II
and College Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 330Quantitative Analysis5
CHEM 340
CHEM 341
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
5
CHEM 342
CHEM 343
Organic Chemistry II
and Organic Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 320Inorganic Chemistry I3
or CHEM 446 Biochemistry I
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
5
A second major is required for this concentration.
Total Hours33


Additional Support Courses for the General Chemistry Concentration (8-9 hours)

Course List
MATH 136Calculus I4
Select one of the following sequences:
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
4-5
or PHYS 255
PHYS 256
University Physics I
and University Physics I Lab
Total Hours8-9

Chemistry Major with Teacher Certification Concentration (33 hours)

Students interested in teaching chemistry must declare a second major in Science and Mathematics Education (SMED) available through the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

Course List
Chemistry Major Requirements
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
College Chemistry I
and College Chemistry I Laboratory
5
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
College Chemistry II
and College Chemistry II Laboratory
5
CHEM 320Inorganic Chemistry I3
CHEM 330Quantitative Analysis5
CHEM 340
CHEM 341
Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
5
CHEM 446
CHEM 447
Biochemistry I
and Biochemistry Laboratory
5
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
5
Total Hours33

Required Support Courses for Teacher Education (16 hours)

Course List
MATH 136Calculus I4
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
4
PHYS 332
PHYS 233
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II
4
GEOL 111
GEOL 113
The Earth
and The Earth Laboratory
4
Total Hours16

SMED Major Requirements (34 hours)

Course List
SMED 101Step 1: Introduction to Inquiry-Based Approaches to Teaching3
SMED 102Step 2: Introduction to Inquiry-Based Lesson Design3
SMED 310Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science3
SMED 320Classroom Interactions3
SMED 340Perspectives on Mathematics and Science3
SMED 360Research Methods for Math and Science Teachers3
SMED 470Project-Based Instruction3
SMED 489SMED Student Teaching Seminar3
SEC 490Student Teaching10
Total Hours34

The Department of Chemistry offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in an accelerated timeframe. See https://catalog.wku.edu/graduate/enrollment/ or contact the chemistry graduate program coordinator for additional information.

This JUMP program allows students to start working toward their MS in chemistry while completing their bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry. Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Up to 9 credit hours can be double-counted toward both degrees, and up to 12 hours of graduate courses can be taken while a student is completing the undergraduate degree. The key benefit of the JUMP program is that it allows students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. For more information, see https://www.wku.edu/chemistry/.

A student must be a chemistry or biochemistry major, and they must have completed at least one semester long research experience with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry to be considered for admission to the chemistry JUMP program. Note that admissions are competitive and dependent upon graduate program capacity.

Finish in Four Plans

ACS Approved Concentration 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
5CHEM 222
CHEM 223
5
MATH 1364MATH 1374
ENG 1003COMM 1453
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Sciences3ENG 2003
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 3305CHEM 340
CHEM 341
5
PHYS 255
PHYS 256
5PHYS 265
PHYS 266
5
CHEM 3203MATH 2374
ENG 3003 
 16 14
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 342
CHEM 343
5CHEM 3991
CHEM 3981CHEM 4463
CHEM 3991CHEM 452
CHEM 453
5
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
5Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3
HIST 101 or HIST 1023Colonnade - Social & Cultural3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 3991CHEM 3991
CHEM 435
CHEM 436
5CHEM 420
CHEM 421
4
Colonnade - Local to Global3Colonnade - Systems3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective4
 15 15
Total Hours 120

General Concentration 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
5CHEM 222
CHEM 223
5
MATH 1364COMM 1453
ENG 1003Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major3ENG 2003
 15 14
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 340
CHEM 341
5CHEM 342
CHEM 343
5
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
4PHYS 332
PHYS 233
4
ENG 3003HIST 101 or HIST 1023
Elective or Course in 2nd Major3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 446 or CHEM 3203CHEM 3305
Elective or Course in 2nd Major3Colonnade - Social & Cultural3
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Sciences3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3 
 15 14
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
5Colonnade - Systems3
Colonnade - Local to Global3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major3Elective or Course in 2nd Major3
 17 15
Total Hours 120

Foundations Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
5CHEM 222
CHEM 223
5
MATH 1364MATH 1374
ENG 1003COMM 1453
Elective or Course in Minor3ENG 2003
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 3305CHEM 340
CHEM 341
5
PHYS 255
PHYS 256
5PHYS 265
PHYS 266
5
CHEM 3203HIST 101 or HIST 1023
ENG 3003Elective or Course in Minor3
 16 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 342
CHEM 343
5CHEM 3993
CHEM 3981CHEM 4463
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Colonnade - Social & Cultural3
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Sciences3Elective or Course in Minor3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3Elective or Course in Minor3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 450
CHEM 451
5Colonnade - Systems3
Colonnade - Local to Global3Elective or Course in Minor3
Elective or Course in Minor3Elective or Course in Minor3
Elective or Course in Minor3Elective or Course in Minor3
 Elective or Course in Minor3
 14 15
Total Hours 121

Teacher Certification Concentration 

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
5CHEM 222
CHEM 223
5
MATH 1173MATH 1364
SMED 1013SMED 1023
ENG 1003COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023ENG 2003
 17 18
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 3305CHEM 340
CHEM 341
5
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
4PHYS 332
PHYS 233
4
SMED 3103SMED 3403
SMED 3203ENG 3003
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 3203SMED 3603
GEOL 111
GEOL 113
4CHEM 450
CHEM 451
5
SPED 3303LTCY 4213
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Colonnade - Local to Global 3
Colonnade - Social & Cultural3 
 16 14
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 446
CHEM 447
5SEC 49010
SMED 4703SMED 4893
Colonnade - Systems3 
General Elective 1 
 12 13
Total Hours 120

Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science (519)


  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • OCSE Interdisciplinary Programs

Overview

Advisor:
Dr. Kevin Williams, Department of Chemistry
Kelly Thompson Hall, Office 4056
Phone: 270-745-8899    

Faculty:
Department of Chemistry: M. Kim, K. Williams, D. Wolfgang
Department of Biology: R. King, A. Srivastava

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical basis of living organisms. The subject includes the investigation of the various classes of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates) and their metabolic interactions.

Training in biochemistry offers many exciting opportunities in teaching, research, and public service. It provides excellent preparation for students intending to enter professional programs such as Dentistry and Medicine as well as graduate study in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Biology. The Biochemistry program is the only stand-alone Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry at a public institution in the Commonwealth. It is administered jointly through the Departments of Biology and Chemistry. Students may enroll for biochemistry courses through either the Department of Biology or the Department of Chemistry, depending upon their major emphasis.

Biochemistry I (BIOL 446|/CHEM 446|) is strongly recommended for pre-medicine and pre-dentistry students as well as for chemistry and biology majors.

Program Requirements (60 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in biochemistry requires a minimum of 60 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. This sequence of required chemistry and biology courses along with elective courses from biology, chemistry, agriculture, and physics offers the student a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary training.

Course List
Required Courses
CHEM 120College Chemistry I3
CHEM 121College Chemistry I Laboratory2
CHEM 222College Chemistry II3
CHEM 223College Chemistry II Laboratory2
CHEM 330Quantitative Analysis5
CHEM 340Organic Chemistry I3
CHEM 341Organic Chemistry Laboratory I2
CHEM 342Organic Chemistry II3
CHEM 343Organic Chemistry II Laboratory2
BIOL 120Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics3
BIOL 121Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab1
BIOL 122Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology3
BIOL 123Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab1
BIOL 319Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology3
BIOL 322Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory1
BIOL 411Cell Biology3
BIOL/CHEM 446Biochemistry I3
BIOL/CHEM 447Biochemistry Laboratory2
BIOL/CHEM 467Biochemistry II3
Electives
Select at least 12 hours of the following courses:12
BIOL 212
Genome Discovery Exploration
BIOL 222
Plant Biology and Diversity
BIOL 223
Plant Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 224
Animal Biology and Diversity
BIOL 225
Animal Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 226
Microbial Biology and Diversity
BIOL 227
Microbial Biology and Diversity Lab
BIOL 312
Bioinformatics
BIOL 316
Evolution: Theory and Process
BIOL 327
Genetics
BIOL 337
Genetics Laboratory
BIOL 328
Immunology
BIOL 330
Animal Physiology
BIOL 331
Animal Physiology Laboratory
BIOL 335
Neurobiology
BIOL 350
Introduction to Recombinant Genetics
BIOL 382
Introductory Biostatistics
BIOL 399
Research Problems in Biology
BIOL 403
Molecular Basis of Cancer
BIOL 404
Techniques and Theory of Electron Microscopy
BIOL 407
Virology
BIOL 412
Cell Biology Laboratory
BIOL 420
Introduction to Toxicology
BIOL 440
Developmental Genetics
BIOL 450
Recombinant Gene Technology
BIOL 464
Endocrinology
BIOL 475
Selected Topics in Biology
BIOL 495
Molecular Genetics
BIOL 496
Plant Biotechnology
CHEM 320
Inorganic Chemistry I
CHEM 399
Research Problems in Chemistry
CHEM 420
Inorganic Chemistry II
CHEM 430
Forensic Chemistry
CHEM 435
Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 450
Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 451
Physical Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 452
Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 453
Physical Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 462
Bioinorganic Chemistry
CHEM 475
Selected Topics in Chemistry
AGRO 320
Crop Physiology
AGRO 350
Soils
AGRO 351
Soils Laboratory
AGRO 352
Soil Fertility and Fertilizers
AGRO 409
Weed Science
AGRO 410
Weed Science Laboratory
AGRO 452
Soil Microbiology
ANSC 345
Principles of Animal Nutrition
ANSC 437
Physiology of Reproduction in Domestic Animals
ANSC 438
Physiology of Reproduction in Domestic Animal Laboratory
ANSC 448
Animal Feeds and Feeding Practices
AGRI 399
Research Problems in Agriculture
PHYS 335
General Biophysics
PHYS 431
Radiation Biophysics
Total Hours60

Additional Courses (12-14 Hours)

Course List
MATH 136Calculus I4
Select one of the following groups:
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
PHYS 233
PHYS 332
Introduction to Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics I
and Laboratory for Physics and Biophysics II
and Introduction to Physics and Biophysics II
8
PHYS 255
PHYS 256
PHYS 265
PHYS 266
University Physics I
and University Physics I Lab
and University Physics II
and University Physics II Laboratory
10

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 120
BIOL 121
4BIOL 122
BIOL 123
4
CHEM 120
CHEM 121
5CHEM 222
CHEM 223
5
ENG 1003MATH 1364
COMM 1453HIST 101 or HIST 1023
 15 16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 3305BIOL 319
BIOL 322
4
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
4CHEM 340
CHEM 341
5
ENG 2003PHYS 332
PHYS 233
4
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Science3Colonnade - Arts & Humanitites3
 15 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
CHEM 342
CHEM 343
5BIOL 4463
Biochemistry Elective3BIOL 4472
Colonnade - Writing in the Disciplines3BIOL 4113
World Language or Elective3Biochemistry Elective3
 Colonnade - Social & Cultural3
 14 14
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
BIOL 399 or CHEM 3993BIOL 4673
Biochemistry Elective3Elective3
Biochemistry Elective3Elective3
Colonnade - Local to Global3Elective3
Colonnade - Systems3Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 120

Chemistry minors can be paired with any other major, but common examples include criminal justice, biology, physics, and earth and Atmospheric Sciences, where an enhanced, but not full treatment of chemistry is needed.

The Chemistry minor requires 20 credit hours. At least ten semester hours must be earned in courses numbered 300 and above and at least one upper-division laboratory-based course must be taken in residence at the WKU Bowling Green campus.

Chemistry (059)


  • Graduate
  • Master of Science
  • Science and Engineering
  • Chemistry

Overview

The graduate program in chemistry provides a unique learning and research environment and many opportunities for students to develop as independent researchers. Graduate faculty members provide personal and professional mentoring in an intrinsically collegial, yet challenging graduate experience. Available resources efficiently support the learning needs and academic ambitions of students with varied backgrounds and interests. The program is designed to offer students comprehensive training in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, materials chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.  

Concentration(s)

  • General Thesis (CTGN)
  • Biochemistry Thesis (CTBC)
  • Research Intensive Thesis (CRIT)

Program Admission

In addition to Graduate Studies admission requirements, the Department of Chemistry requires:

  1. Bachelor's degree in chemistry or equivalent including supporting courses in mathematics1
  2. GPA in chemistry courses of 3.0 or greater (on 4.0 scale)
  3. GRE general scores (Q+V) and Analytical Writing.2,3
1|<p>Exceptions to possessing a chemistry degree may be made for students with undergraduate degrees in chemistry-related areas (e.g. chemical engineering, pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, forensic chemistry). However, additional courses may be required and will be determined by the graduate program coordinator and/or the student's thesis committee.</p> 2|<p>Scores from MCAT, PCAT, or DAT may be substituted for equivalent GRE scores.</p> 3|<p>Although there are no formal minimum GRE scores, admission is competitive.</p>

Program Requirements (30-32 hours)

The program requirements include 12 hours of common courses and an additional 18 - 20 hours of coursework, depending on the concentration. The additional 18-20 hours of coursework must include a minimum of two lecture courses at the 500 level, and no more than 12 hours may be taken at the 400G level.

All master's degree-seeking students must complete the following common courses:

Course List
Required Courses
CHEM 516Chemical Literature Review2
CHEM 588Research Proposal2
CHEM 598Graduate Seminar 12
CHEM 599Thesis Research/Writing 26
Total Hours12
1

Requirements are to be satisfied according to the current departmental policy.

2

Requirements are to be satisfied by preparing a thesis on the project chosen by the student and approved by the members of the student's graduate committee. Theses are to be prepared in accordance with the specifications established by Graduate Studies. A thesis grade will be given after the final thesis has been approved by the student's graduate committee and the department chair.

Master's degree-seeking students must select one of the following concentrations:

  1. General thesis concentration
  2. Biochemistry thesis concentration
  3. Research intensive concentration (only recommended in special circumstances and with approval of a research advisor)

General Thesis Concentration

Course List
Required Courses
Select 3 courses from 3 of the 5 core areas below:9
CHEM 531
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
or CHEM 435G
Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 562
Advanced Biochemistry
or CHEM 535
Analytical Biochemistry
or CHEM 446G
Biochemistry
CHEM 520
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
or CHEM 420G
Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 541
Advanced Organic Chemistry
or CHEM 540
Organic Reactions
CHEM 550
Advanced Physical Chemistry
or CHEM 452G
Physical Chemistry II
or CHEM 450G
Physical Chemistry I
Electives
Select 9 hours of graduate lecture courses *9
Total Hours18
*

Graduate lecture courses include the following:

CHEM 420G, CHEM 425G, CHEM 430G, CHEM 435G, CHEM 446G, CHEM 450G, CHEM 452G, CHEM 462G, CHEM 470G, CHEM 475G, CHEM 490G, CHEM 520, CHEM 531, CHEM 535, CHEM 540, CHEM 541, CHEM 550, CHEM 560, CHEM 562, and CHEM 590

Biochemistry Thesis Concentration

Course List
Required Courses
Select 3 courses from at least 3 of the 5 core areas below:9
CHEM 531
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
or CHEM 435G
Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 562
Advanced Biochemistry
or CHEM 535
Analytical Biochemistry
or CHEM 446G
Biochemistry
CHEM 520
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
or CHEM 420G
Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 541
Advanced Organic Chemistry
or CHEM 540
Organic Reactions
CHEM 550
Advanced Physical Chemistry
or CHEM 452G
Physical Chemistry II
or CHEM 450G
Physical Chemistry I
Required Concentration Courses
CHEM 535Analytical Biochemistry3
or CHEM 562 Advanced Biochemistry
or CHEM 446G Biochemistry
CHEM 467GBiochemistry3
CHEM 447GLab Biochemistry2
Electives
Select 3 hours of graduate lecture courses *3
Total Hours20
*

Graduate lecture courses include the following:

CHEM 420GCHEM 425GCHEM 430GCHEM 435GCHEM 446GCHEM 450GCHEM 452GCHEM 462GCHEM 470GCHEM 475GCHEM 490GCHEM 520CHEM 531CHEM 535CHEM 540CHEM 541CHEM 550CHEM 560CHEM 562and CHEM 590

Research Intensive Thesis Concentration

Candidates for the research intensive concentration are required to complete 30 semester hours of graduate work, including 12 hours of coursework and 18 hours of research-related graduate work. Candidates must apply to the Department Graduate Committee in order to be considered for this concentration. As part of the concentration application, they must select a research advisor and meet with the committee to demonstrate they understand the requirements for this concentration. The Committee must consider factors such as previous research experience of the student, publication record of the student, and the research advisor’s publication record when determining if the student can pursue this concentration. The student and advisor must submit a progress report to the Committee by the end of the second semester. If the committee determines there is insufficient progress towards research and publication, the student will be moved to the normal thesis concentration. A student in the Research Intensive Thesis concentration may also opt to pursue the Thesis option at the end of the first or second semester after consulting with their research advisor.

A student moving to another concentration within the first or second semester should be able to complete the requirements within the average two year period. A student who wishes to move to another concentration in the second year of graduate study must get permission from the Graduate Committee and will probably require an additional semester of coursework to complete the degree.  

Course List
Required Courses
Select one of the following advanced lecture courses:3
CHEM 520
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 531
Advanced Analytical Chemistry
CHEM 541
Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 550
Advanced Physical Chemistry
CHEM 562
Advanced Biochemistry
CHEM 596Practicum Research Experience in Chemistry 16
CHEM 595Scientific Writing in Chemistry 26
Elective
Select one additional advanced lecture course above or one of the following:3
CHEM 535
Analytical Biochemistry
CHEM 540
Organic Reactions
CHEM 560
Chemical Agents and Explosives
CHEM 590
Material Chemistry
CHEM 591
Material Chemistry Laboratory
Total Hours18
1

Requirements are to be satisfied by conducting a research project under the direction of the student's research advisor. This course provides faculty-mentored research experiences and emphasizes skill based training for students. Bridging the gap between academic study and professional development, this course will help students to develop and enhance problem solving and communication skills. This course emphasizes mastery of advanced technical skills, independent of thesis research.

2

Requirements include preparing and submitting two manuscripts based on their research to peer-reviewed journals under the guidance of the thesis committee. At least one paper must be accepted to receive credit and graduate.

Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) in chemistry.

The Department of Chemistry offers a Joint Undergraduate Master's Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in an accelerated timeframe. See https://catalog.wku.edu/graduate/enrollment/ or contact the chemistry graduate program coordinator for additional information.

This JUMP program allows students to start working toward their MS in chemistry while completing their bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry. Undergraduate students admitted into JUMP may take graduate courses that count toward both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Up to 9 credit hours can be double-counted toward both degrees, and up to 12 hours of graduate courses can be taken while a student is completing the undergraduate degree. The key benefit of the JUMP program is that it allows students to earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. For more information, see https://www.wku.edu/chemistry/.

A student must be a chemistry or biochemistry major, and they must have completed at least one semester long research experience with a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry to be considered for admission to the chemistry JUMP program. Note that admissions are competitive and dependent upon graduate program capacity.

The graduate courses accepted for the undergraduate program meet student learning outcomes for both the undergraduate and graduate programs linked in this JUMP program.

Consistent with the WKU JUMP policy, the Department of Chemistry proposes to allow no more than 9 hours from the following graduate CHEM courses to be used by students in the JUMP program toward their bachelor’s degree: CHEM 420G, CHEM 435G, CHEM 446G, CHEM 450G, CHEM 452G, CHEM 520, CHEM 531, CHEM 535, CHEM 540, CHEM 541, CHEM 550, and CHEM 562.

Learning outcomes in the undergraduate program are fulfilled through core courses or restricted electives, and every graduate course listed above maps directly onto one of these learning outcomes. Thus, all learning outcomes of the undergraduate program are maintained, but at a more rigorous level, through completion of these graduate courses.

We offer a Joint Undergraduate-Masters Program (JUMP) which provides academically outstanding students the opportunity to complete both an undergraduate and graduate degree in approximately five years. Interested students can apply prior to completion of 90 hours of undergraduate credits. For more information about JUMP, please contact Dr. Bangbo Yan.

In this five-year course of study, students will earn a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Chemistry.

 

Chemistry Tutoring Resources


As a Chemistry student at WKU, you are encouraged to seek out faculty-led research opportunities. Participating in faculty-led research offers a unique chance to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems, enhancing your understanding of Chemistry. This experience also provides valuable mentorship, boosts your resume, and significantly improves your prospects for graduate school or industry positions.

Chemistry Research at WKU


Seminar Schedule (Fall 2024)

8/23

All full-time graduate students meet to discuss schedules (no seminar)

Course schedules, CHEM 588 and 598 schedule, and other grad program business

8/30

Alicia Pesterfield
Western Kentucky University

RA training (Zoom link TBA)

(all TAs, faculty and staff supervising academic labs)

9/6

Alicia Pesterfield
Western Kentucky University

TA training (Zoom link TBA)
(all TAs, faculty and staff supervising academic labs)

9/13

Eric Conte
Western Kentucky University

TBD

9/20

John Anthony
University of Kentucky

Classic organic synthesis for modern technology - from LEDs to quantum computing

9/27

Robert Grossman
University of Kentucky

1,2-Diamination of alkenes via 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with N–N–N dipoles

10/4

James Ashenhurst

www.masterorganicchemistry.com

TBD

10/11

Kevin Basemann
University of Louisville

TBD

10/18

No seminar

No seminar

10/25

Alexandru B. Georgescu
Indiana University, Bloomington

 

11/1

No seminar (KAS meeting)

No seminar (KAS meeting)

11/8

Lisa Szczepura
Illinois State University

TBD

11/15

Ganiyu Ademola
Loveth Marcel

Graduate student literature presentations

11/22

Md Towhidul Islam Tareqe

Graduate student research presentation

Date

Speaker/Affiliation

Seminar Title

Download Seminar Schedule

 

 

Candice Schlabach, a WKU Chemistry student

Through my time at WKU, I've had a series of professors, especially in the Chemistry department, who not only engaged students in class, but also helped me become more involved with the Chemistry and Biology community. The people in Ogden have made my college experience more than just a series of lectures. It has become a welcoming community where I can meet others genuinely excited about science and learning.

Candice Schlabach

  • (270) 745-3457
  • chemistry@wku.edu
  • Western Kentucky University
    Kelly Thompson Hall 4016
    Bowling Green, KY 42101



 

 


Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.

 Last Modified 10/21/24