Academic Policies and FAQs

Policies relating to undergraduate chemistry majors

Undergraduate research

For each credit enrolled, a student in CH 401 is expected to work on his or her research project a minimum of 3 hours per week averaged over the entire term.

External undergraduate research

Undergraduate chemistry majors may receive up to 6 credits per year for CH 401 for chemistry positions in laboratories outside the university. The position must involve a minimum of 100 hours per 3 cr of laboratory work and the student must submit to his or her adviser a ten-page final report summarizing the research completed. Students must enroll concurrently in CH 401 and obtain approval from their faculty adviser prior to the start of the position. The adviser will contact the external supervisor of the student, confirm that the program is appropriate, obtain in advance a written plan and agreement, and arrange for the supervisor to send a letter evaluating the student's performance. The adviser will submit a grade based on the student's report and supervisor's letter.

S-U grading

Required courses for the chemistry major may not be taken S-U. These include all chemistry, math, and physics courses and other courses used to satisfy any of the requirements of the option (e.g., specific courses, courses from a list of electives, or option electives courses approved by the academic adviser). An option is required for the B.S degree and all courses for the option are considered to be part of the major requirement.

GPA

Chemistry majors must maintain the university minimum of a 2.0 GPA in all OSU courses and also a 2.0 GPA in the courses required for the major which includes all chemistry, physics, math, and option courses.

University policies

A double major means that a student has fulfilled the requirements in two departments and, for example, the diploma would indicate a B.S. degree in chemistry and biology.

A double degree means that a student has fulfilled the requirements in two departments and has taken 32 more credits beyond the 180 requirement. For example, the diploma would indicate a B.S. degree in chemistry and a B.S. degree in biology.

Frequently asked questions

MTH 251, MTH 252 and MTH 254 are required for all chemistry majors (all options) and must be taken in order. MTH 251 is a co-requisite for CH 361. Students will not be allowed to take CH 361 unless they have passed MTH 251 or are concurrently enrolled in MTH 251 during fall term. MTH 252 is a co-requisite for CH 362. Students will not be allowed to take CH 362 unless they have passed MTH 252 or are concurrently enrolled in MTH 252 fall or winter term. MTH 254 is a prerequisite for CH 440, CH 461 and CH 421. Students will not be allowed to take CH 461 unless they have passed MTH 254. For some options, MTH 253 or MTH 306 is required. These courses should not be taken until MTH 254 is completed because they are not prerequisites for other chemistry courses. For some options, MTH 256 or MTH 341 is required. These courses should not be taken until MTH 254 is completed.

No. MTH 241 is not considered equivalent to MTH 251 in terms of topics covered nor the prerequisite for MTH 252. MTH 241 has a prerequisite of MTH 111 and not MTH 112. MTH 251 must be taken even if MTH 241 has been taken. MTH 251 has a prerequisite of MTH 112 or precalculus.

You should always see your advisor if this happens, but you only have to pass a given course for it to count for your program. Chemistry majors must maintain the university minimum of a 2.0 GPA in all OSU courses and a 2.0 GPA in the courses required for the major which includes all chemistry, physics, math and option courses.

Required courses for the chemistry major may not be taken S/U. These include all chemistry, math and physics courses and other courses used to satisfy the any of the requirements of the option (e.g., specific courses, courses from a list of electives, or option electives courses approved by the academic advisor). An option is required for the B.S degree and all courses for the option are considered to be part of the major requirement.

Yes, you can obtain two or more options in chemistry as long as you meet all the requirements for each option. It is allowable to use the same courses for two options. Note that you still obtain one B.S. chemistry degree and that the options show up on the transcript. To change or add a second option see switch major to chemistry.

No, you do not need a PIN for summer term.

This information can be found at Articulation Tables.

Also see Transfer student information.