The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at Brigham Young University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a strong foundation in chemical sciences, preparing them for careers in research, industry, medicine, and academia. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and hands-on laboratory experience, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for scientific inquiry.
- CHEM 105: Principles of Chemistry - An introductory course covering fundamental concepts such as atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, and basic thermodynamics, ideal for non-majors and pre-health students seeking to understand chemistry's role in everyday life.
- CHEM 106: Principles of Chemistry Lab - Complements the lecture with experiments on quantitative analysis, acid-base titrations, and gas laws, teaching proper lab techniques and safety protocols.
- CHEM 130: Survey of Organic and Biochemistry - A one-semester overview for non-science majors, exploring organic functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and biomolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
- CHEM 231: Organic Chemistry I - Delves into the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and stereochemistry, with a focus on mechanistic understanding.
- CHEM 232: Organic Chemistry II - Builds on the first course with advanced topics like aromatic compounds, carbonyl chemistry, and synthesis strategies, including multi-step organic syntheses.
- CHEM 233: Organic Chemistry Lab - Intensive laboratory work involving synthesis, purification, and characterization techniques such as distillation, chromatography, and spectroscopy (IR, NMR).
- CHEM 251: Introductory Biochemistry - Examines the chemical principles underlying biological processes, including enzyme kinetics, metabolism, and bioenergetics.
- CHEM 351: Physical Chemistry I - Applies physical principles to chemical systems, covering quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and statistical thermodynamics.
- CHEM 352: Physical Chemistry II - Focuses on kinetics, phase equilibria, and electrochemistry, with computational modeling of molecular systems.
- CHEM 353: Physical Chemistry Lab - Experiments in calorimetry, kinetics, and electrochemical methods to verify theoretical concepts.
- CHEM 481: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry - Studies coordination compounds, organometallics, and solid-state chemistry, including symmetry and group theory applications.
- CHEM 482: Advanced Biochemistry - In-depth exploration of protein structure, gene expression, and metabolic pathways, with case studies in biotechnology.
- CHEM 494: Senior Research - Capstone experience where students conduct original research under faculty supervision, culminating in a thesis and presentation.
Additionally, the department offers specialized electives such as computational chemistry, environmental chemistry, and materials science, integrating interdisciplinary approaches. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, including NMR spectrometers, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography labs. The curriculum aligns with ACS guidelines, ensuring rigorous preparation. Extracurricular opportunities include undergraduate research symposia, chemistry clubs, and internships, enhancing practical skills and networking. This holistic education equips graduates for graduate studies or professional roles in pharmaceuticals, forensics, and energy sectors, with an emphasis on ethical scientific practice and innovation.
