Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Empowering Hilltoppers to meet Global Challenges through Chemistry & Biochemistry

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 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). We also offer an undergraduate major in Biochemistry.

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

A WKU student wearing lab goggles uses a dropper to get purple liquid from a bottle in a Chemistry lab.

A WKU student wearing lab goggles works in a Chemistry lab.

What can you do with a Chemistry or Biochemistry 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 & Biochemistry

Undergraduate Chemistry Programs

Chemistry Majors

Chemistry, Bachelor of Science

Chemistry, Bachelor of Science (623)

Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science
Science and Engineering
Chemistry

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
Code	Title	Hours
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 320	Inorganic Chemistry I	3
CHEM 330	Quantitative Analysis	5
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 398	Undergraduate Seminar	1
CHEM 399	Research Problems in Chemistry	2
CHEM 420 & CHEM 421	Inorganic Chemistry II and Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory	4
CHEM 435 & CHEM 436	Instrumental Analysis and Instrumental Analysis Laboratory	5
CHEM 446	Biochemistry I	3
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 Hours		53

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

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
MATH 136	Calculus I	4
MATH 137	Calculus II	4
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 Hours		16-18

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
Code	Title	Hours
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 320	Inorganic Chemistry I	3
CHEM 330	Quantitative Analysis	5
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 398	Undergraduate Seminar	1
CHEM 446	Biochemistry I	3
CHEM 450 & CHEM 451	Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry I Laboratory	5
A minor or second major is required for this concentration
Total Hours		37

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

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
MATH 136	Calculus I	4
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 Hours		8-9

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
Code	Title	Hours
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 330	Quantitative Analysis	5
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 320	Inorganic Chemistry I	3
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 Hours		33

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

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
MATH 136	Calculus I	4
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 Hours		8-9

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
Code	Title	Hours
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 320	Inorganic Chemistry I	3
CHEM 330	Quantitative Analysis	5
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 Hours		33

Required Support Courses for Teacher Education (16 hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
MATH 136	Calculus I	4
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 Hours		16

SMED Major Requirements (34 hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
SMED 101	Step 1: Introduction to Inquiry-Based Approaches to Teaching	3
SMED 102	Step 2: Introduction to Inquiry-Based Lesson Design	3
SMED 310	Knowing and Learning in Mathematics and Science	3
SMED 320	Classroom Interactions	3
SMED 340	Perspectives on Mathematics and Science	3
SMED 360	Research Methods for Math and Science Teachers	3
SMED 470	Project-Based Instruction	3
SMED 489	SMED Student Teaching Seminar	3
SEC 490	Student Teaching	10
Total Hours		34

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.

ACS Approved Concentration

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 120 & CHEM 121	5	CHEM 222 & CHEM 223	5
MATH 136	4	MATH 137	4
ENG 100	3	COMM 145	3
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Sciences	3	ENG 200	3
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 330	5	CHEM 340 & CHEM 341	5
PHYS 255 & PHYS 256	5	PHYS 265 & PHYS 266	5
CHEM 320	3	MATH 237	4
ENG 300	3
	16		14
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 342 & CHEM 343	5	CHEM 399	1
CHEM 398	1	CHEM 446	3
CHEM 399	1	CHEM 452 & CHEM 453	5
CHEM 450 & CHEM 451	5	Colonnade - Arts & Humanities	3
HIST 101 or HIST 102	3	Colonnade - Social & Cultural	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 399	1	CHEM 399	1
CHEM 435 & CHEM 436	5	CHEM 420 & CHEM 421	4
Colonnade - Local to Global	3	Colonnade - Systems	3
General Elective	3	General Elective	3
General Elective	3	General Elective	4
	15		15
Total Hours 120

General Concentration

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 120 & CHEM 121	5	CHEM 222 & CHEM 223	5
MATH 136	4	COMM 145	3
ENG 100	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3	ENG 200	3
	15		14
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 340 & CHEM 341	5	CHEM 342 & CHEM 343	5
PHYS 231 & PHYS 232	4	PHYS 332 & PHYS 233	4
ENG 300	3	HIST 101 or HIST 102	3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 446 or CHEM 320	3	CHEM 330	5
Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3	Colonnade - Social & Cultural	3
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Sciences	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab	3
	15		14
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 450 & CHEM 451	5	Colonnade - Systems	3
Colonnade - Local to Global	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3	Elective or Course in 2nd Major	3
	17		15
Total Hours 120

Foundations Concentration

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 120 & CHEM 121	5	CHEM 222 & CHEM 223	5
MATH 136	4	MATH 137	4
ENG 100	3	COMM 145	3
Elective or Course in Minor	3	ENG 200	3
	15		15
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 330	5	CHEM 340 & CHEM 341	5
PHYS 255 & PHYS 256	5	PHYS 265 & PHYS 266	5
CHEM 320	3	HIST 101 or HIST 102	3
ENG 300	3	Elective or Course in Minor	3
	16		16
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 342 & CHEM 343	5	CHEM 399	3
CHEM 398	1	CHEM 446	3
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities	3	Colonnade - Social & Cultural	3
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Sciences	3	Elective or Course in Minor	3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab	3	Elective or Course in Minor	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 450 & CHEM 451	5	Colonnade - Systems	3
Colonnade - Local to Global	3	Elective or Course in Minor	3
Elective or Course in Minor	3	Elective or Course in Minor	3
Elective or Course in Minor	3	Elective or Course in Minor	3
		Elective or Course in Minor	3
	14		15
Total Hours 121

Teacher Certification Concentration

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 120 & CHEM 121	5	CHEM 222 & CHEM 223	5
MATH 117	3	MATH 136	4
SMED 101	3	SMED 102	3
ENG 100	3	COMM 145	3
HIST 101 or HIST 102	3	ENG 200	3
	17		18
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 330	5	CHEM 340 & CHEM 341	5
PHYS 231 & PHYS 232	4	PHYS 332 & PHYS 233	4
SMED 310	3	SMED 340	3
SMED 320	3	ENG 300	3
	15		15
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 320	3	SMED 360	3
GEOL 111 & GEOL 113	4	CHEM 450 & CHEM 451	5
SPED 330	3	LTCY 421	3
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities	3	Colonnade - Local to Global	3
Colonnade - Social & Cultural	3
	16		14
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 446 & CHEM 447	5	SEC 490	10
SMED 470	3	SMED 489	3
Colonnade - Systems	3
General Elective	1
	12		13
Total Hours 120

Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science

Biochemistry, Bachelor of Science (519)

Undergraduate
Bachelor of Science
Science and Engineering
OCSE Interdisciplinary Programs

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
Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
CHEM 120	College Chemistry I	3
CHEM 121	College Chemistry I Laboratory	2
CHEM 222	College Chemistry II	3
CHEM 223	College Chemistry II Laboratory	2
CHEM 330	Quantitative Analysis	5
CHEM 340	Organic Chemistry I	3
CHEM 341	Organic Chemistry Laboratory I	2
CHEM 342	Organic Chemistry II	3
CHEM 343	Organic Chemistry II Laboratory	2
BIOL 120	Biological Concepts: Cells Metabolism and Genetics	3
BIOL 121	Biological Concepts: Cells, Metabolism, and Genetics Lab	1
BIOL 122	Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology	3
BIOL 123	Biological Concepts: Evolution, Diversity, and Ecology Lab	1
BIOL 319	Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology	3
BIOL 322	Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory	1
BIOL 411	Cell Biology	3
BIOL/CHEM 446	Biochemistry I	3
BIOL/CHEM 447	Biochemistry Laboratory	2
BIOL/CHEM 467	Biochemistry II	3
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 Hours		60

Additional Courses (12-14 Hours)

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
MATH 136	Calculus I	4
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 Plan

First Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
BIOL 120 & BIOL 121	4	BIOL 122 & BIOL 123	4
CHEM 120 & CHEM 121	5	CHEM 222 & CHEM 223	5
ENG 100	3	MATH 136	4
COMM 145	3	HIST 101 or HIST 102	3
	15		16
Second Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 330	5	BIOL 319 & BIOL 322	4
PHYS 231 & PHYS 232	4	CHEM 340 & CHEM 341	5
ENG 200	3	PHYS 332 & PHYS 233	4
Colonnade - Social & Behavioral Science	3	Colonnade - Arts & Humanitites	3
	15		16
Third Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
CHEM 342 & CHEM 343	5	BIOL 446	3
Biochemistry Elective	3	BIOL 447	2
Colonnade - Writing in the Disciplines	3	BIOL 411	3
World Language or Elective	3	Biochemistry Elective	3
		Colonnade - Social & Cultural	3
	14		14
Fourth Year
Fall	Hours	Spring	Hours
BIOL 399 or CHEM 399	3	BIOL 467	3
Biochemistry Elective	3	Elective	3
Biochemistry Elective	3	Elective	3
Colonnade - Local to Global	3	Elective	3
Colonnade - Systems	3	Elective	3
	15		15
Total Hours 120

Chemistry Minor

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.

Graduate Chemistry Programs

Chemistry (059)

Graduate
Master of Science
Science and Engineering
Chemistry

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:

Bachelor's degree in chemistry or equivalent including supporting courses in mathematics¹
GPA in chemistry courses of 3.0 or greater (on 4.0 scale)
GRE general scores (Q+V) and Analytical Writing.^2,3

1|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. 2|Scores from MCAT, PCAT, or DAT may be substituted for equivalent GRE scores. 3|Although there are no formal minimum GRE scores, admission is competitive.

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
Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
CHEM 516	Chemical Literature Review	2
CHEM 588	Research Proposal	2
CHEM 598	Graduate Seminar ¹	2
CHEM 599	Thesis Research/Writing ²	6
Total Hours		12

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:

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

General Thesis Concentration

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
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 Hours		18

*

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
Code	Title	Hours
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 535	Analytical Biochemistry	3
or CHEM 562	Advanced Biochemistry
or CHEM 446G	Biochemistry
CHEM 467G	Biochemistry	3
CHEM 447G	Lab Biochemistry	2
Electives
Select 3 hours of graduate lecture courses ^*		3
Total Hours		20

*

Graduate lecture courses include the following:

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
Code	Title	Hours
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 596	Practicum Research Experience in Chemistry ¹	6
CHEM 595	Scientific Writing in Chemistry ²	6
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 Hours		18

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 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.

Joint Undergraduate-Masters Program (JUMP) in Chemistry

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

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Student Financial Assistance

Two students wearing lab goggles weigh materials in a Chemistry lab.

Student Advising

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Student Organizations

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

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Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

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

What can you do with a Chemistry or Biochemistry degree?

FIND YOUR PROGRAMin the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Overview

Concentrations

Program Requirements (33-53 hours)

ACS Approved Concentration (53 hours)

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

Foundations Concentration (37 hours)

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

General Chemistry Concentration (33 hours)

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

Chemistry Major with Teacher Certification Concentration (33 hours)

Required Support Courses for Teacher Education (16 hours)

SMED Major Requirements (34 hours)

Finish in Four Plans

ACS Approved Concentration

General Concentration

Foundations Concentration

Teacher Certification Concentration

Overview

Program Requirements (60 hours)

Additional Courses (12-14 Hours)

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

Overview

Concentration(s)

Program Admission

Program Requirements (30-32 hours)

General Thesis Concentration

Biochemistry Thesis Concentration

Research Intensive Thesis Concentration

Seminar Schedule (Fall 2024)

FIND YOUR PROGRAM
in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry