Viterbo University - La Crosse, WI

IN THIS SECTION

Chemistry

Mission

The Viterbo University chemistry department offers an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified undergraduate major as well as minor and support programs. We seek to fulfill a wide range of professional and pre-professional program needs from those of the non-scientist to those of the future industrial chemist or graduate student, prospective medical and health science professional, and the prospective teacher.

The chemistry department seeks to help students understand that chemistry is a way of thinking about the material world – how matter is constructed, how it is organized, how it functions, and how it is transformed. We do this in the following manner:

By offering chemistry major programs that prepare students who wish to pursue admission to graduate programs in chemistry and related fields; pursue admission to graduate programs in professional health-related fields and other professional fields; and pursue employment in areas of business, industrial research, and teaching in which a chemical and technical background is essential.
By offering the chemistry minor for students who wish to add a sound chemical background to their studies in another field.
By offering courses to students who major in other sciences that require some knowledge of chemistry.
By offering courses to students who major in a non-science area and need to attain the basic scientific literacy associated with a liberal arts degree.
By offering undergraduate research opportunities to students through either off-campus internships or collaboration with a member of the chemistry faculty.

As members of a Franciscan institution, we strive to build this chemical foundation in a curriculum that is rooted in the values of human dignity and respect for the world, and that helps students to apply these values in service and leadership as stewards of the earth in a manner consistent with the ACS Chemist’s Code of Conduct.

American Chemical Society (ACS) Accredited Chemistry Major (Bachelor of Science)

core curriculum and mission seminars – see the core curriculum section of this catalog
chemistry requirements – CHEM 120, 121, 240, 330, 340, 350, 360, 361, 362, 363, 370, 371, 397, 498, 499; two additional CHEM courses chosen from 372, 430, 440, 470, 475, 480 (one must include a lab)
support course requirements – BIOL 160, 161, 250, MATH 220, 221, PHYS 260, 261 ,270, 271
final degree requirements – see the degree requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science degree as well as final graduation requirements

The total credits of the major and support course requirements are 76-83. The core curriculum and mission seminars require 38-52 credits. A total of 128 credits, 43 of which need to be at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

No minor is required. MATH 320, 321 and 340 are recommended electives.

Chemistry Major (Bachelor of Science)

core curriculum and mission seminars – see the core curriculum section of this catalog
chemistry requirements – CHEM 120, 121, 240, 305 or 370, 330, 340, 350, 360, 361, 362, 363, 397, 498, 499; one additional CHEM course chosen from 372, 430, 440, 470, 475, 480
support course requirements – BIOL 160, 161, MATH 220, 221, PHYS 260, 261, 270, 271
final degree requirements – see the degree requirements section of this catalog for specific requirements of the Bachelor of Science degree as well as final graduation requirements

The total credits of the major and support course requirements are 62-68. The core curriculum and mission seminars require 38-52 credits. A total of 128 credits, 43 of which need to be at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

Chemistry, Early Adolescence through Adolescence, Education Major (Bachelor of Science)

Students interested in teaching chemistry at the middle/secondary level must complete all of the above requirements for the chemistry major (Bachelor of Science) and the below education requirements. Education majors are required to take specific core curriculum courses to satisfy DPI licensure requirements. Students should refer to their degree audit for specifics.

Education requirements – EDUC 150, 215, 255, 306, 316, 327, 330, 390, 459, 482

The total credits of the major and support course requirements are 91-104. The core curriculum and mission seminars require 33-53 credits. A total of 128 credits, 43 of which need to be at the 300/400 level, are required to graduate. Transfer course and waivers and/or substitutions could modify these credit totals.

See the School of Education section for teacher education policy. Student teaching is completed in the final semester.

Chemistry Major, emphasis in environmental chemistry and biology (Bachelor of Science)

Chemistry requirements are the same requirements as the B.S. degree plus CHEM 470, and a biology minor that includes BIOL 160, 161, 250, 251, 303 or 310, 370. Either an internship (CHEM 487) in an environmental laboratory setting or an environmental chemistry summer research internship is strongly recommended.

Chemistry Minor