Chemistry Major FAQs

• Where do I find course guides for the chemistry major?

  • The UA APRRs for chemistry are in the Academic Catalog  http://catalog.arizona.edu/allcats.html under Majors & Degrees. Be sure to choose the APRR that corresponds to your catalog year.

  • The course guides and check-lists are at http://quiz2.chem.arizona.edu/ugres/program_information.htm These are for planning purposes only so be sure to consult the actual UA APRR to ensure all requirements are met.

• If I am pre-pharmacy, but want to work toward a BS CHEM degree, what classes should I take?

  • Here is the pre-pharmacy course guide modified to reflect the chemistry pre-major/major courses that you should opt for. Use the chemistry course guides for your catalog year http://quiz2.chem.arizona.edu/ugres/program_information.htm and see your chemistry advisor to plan the third and fourth years of the chemistry program to be sure you account for all degree requirements.

• If I completed CHEM 241/243 instead of 246/247, will it count?

  • Yes, if you completed CHEM 241/243 or the equivalent prior to your decision to major in chemistry, those courses will be pulled into your major.

• If I completed MATH 113 for pre-pharmacy, but now want to switch to chemistry, will it count for the Calculus 1 (MATH 124 or 125) requirement?

  • No. You must take MATH 124 or 125 as pre-requisite to MATH 129 which is mandatory for both the BA CHEM and the BS CHEM.

• What is the difference between the BS CHEM and the BA CHEM?

  • See http://quiz2.chem.arizona.edu/ugres/program_information.htm for descriptions of each program.

• I want to double major with Chemistry; is that possible?

  • As long as your current major is leading to the exact same degree title (Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Arts) you may double major. For instance, BA History may double major with BA CHEM and be granted one degree, the BA, with two majors, HIST and CHEM.

  • If you are a BS BMB major and want to double major with CHEM, click here for a list of courses unique to each major for catalog years 2005 and after.

• What's the difference between a double major and a double degree?

  • When you are pursuing two different majors that lead to different degree titles, you must seek the double degree as opposed to the double major. For instance, Bachelor of Science Environmental Science with the Environmental Chemistry major (ENVS BES ENC) and Bachelor of Science with the Chemistry major (BS CHEM) are two different degrees. You must complete 30 additional units beyond what you completed for the first degree, while satisfying all requirements for the second degree.

• How do I declare or add the Chemistry major?

  • Make an appointment with Robin Rarick to add or change you major to CHEM.

• Who do I see for questions about career possibilities in chemistry to discuss getting into graduate school for chemistry?

  • Please schedule an appointment with a Faculty Advisor. List at http://quiz2.chem.arizona.edu/ugres/advisors1.html

• Where is the undergraduate lounge and who can use it?

  • The Undergraduate Chemistry lounge is located in the chemistry building, 3rd floor, east side of the building. It is the attic and has a key code for entry access. You must be a declared chemistry major to use the lounge and must obtain the code from Robin Rarick to get in. Only students on the current chemistry roster will be given the code. Please clean up after yourself.