2026-2027 Course Catalog

Source: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/las/chemistry-bslas/ Parent: https://catalog.illinois.edu/undergraduate/

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter at the molecular level. Professional chemists

• make new compounds, like pharmaceuticals,
• develop new ways to measure chemical reactions at the limits of space and time, and
• create new theoretical frameworks to understand and predict molecular behavior.

Through classwork and hands-on laboratory learning, you’ll develop the skills to tackle a variety of technical problems in environments that range from the chemical industry to aerospace. You’ll also have the opportunity to join research labs and take part in internships at various companies.

When you apply, you can choose to apply to either

• Chemistry BS: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum), or
• Chemistry BSLAS: Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences Major in Chemistry.

The Chemistry BSLAS degree has fewer technical requirements than the Chemistry BS degree, which allows for more flexibility and elective hours to pursue other interests, frequently in the health sciences. This program is well-suited for majors pursuing careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, government, law, business, and teaching.

Undergraduate Degree Programs in Chemistry

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Major in Computer Science & Chemistry (Sciences and Letters)
• Major in Chemistry (Sciences and Letters)

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

• Major in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)
• Major in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum), Environmental Chemistry Concentration

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry will supply, upon request, a brochure showing recommended semester-by-semester programs for the completion of the curriculum.

Departmental distinction: Students qualify for graduation with distinction by exhibiting superior performance in both course work and in senior thesis research. To be eligible, a student must have a UIUC coursework major grade point average of 3.25, must take CHEM 499 (normally for two semesters) and submit a senior thesis for evaluation, and must have their undergraduate research advisor submit to the department Head a letter of support attesting to the effort invested by the student.  The minimum major GPAs for Distinction, High Distinction, and Highest Distinction are 3.25, 3.5, and 3.75 respectively.  Final decisions on awarding Distinction honors will be made by the Head or designee.

Graduation Requirements

Minimum hours required for graduation: 120 hours.

University Requirements

Minimum of 40 hours of upper-division coursework, generally at the 300- or 400-level. These hours can be drawn from all elements of the degree.  Students should consult their academic advisor for additional guidance in fulfilling this requirement.

The university and residency requirements can be found in the Student Code (§ 3-801) and in the Academic Catalog.

General Education Requirements

Follows the campus General Education (Gen Ed) requirements. Some Gen Ed requirements may be met by courses required and/or electives in the program.

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Composition I | | 4-6 | | Advanced Composition | | 3 | | Humanities & the Arts (6 hours) | | 6 | | Natural Sciences & Technology (6 hours) | | 6 | | fulfilled by CHEM 102 & CHEM 104 or CHEM 202 & CHEM 204; PHYS 101 & PHYS 102 or PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 | | | | Social & Behavioral Sciences (6 hours) | | 6 | | Cultural Studies: Non-Western Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Cultural Studies: US Minority Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Cultural Studies: Western/Comparative Cultures (1 course) | | 3 | | Quantitative Reasoning (2 courses, at least one course must be Quantitative Reasoning I) | | 6-10 | | fulfilled by MATH 220 or MATH 221, MATH 231, MATH 241; PHYS 101 & PHYS 102 or PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 | | | | Language Requirement (Completion of the fourth semester or equivalent of a language other than English is required) | | 0-20 |

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Orientation and Professional Development | | | | LAS 101 | Design Your First Year Experience | 1 | | OR | | | | LAS 100 & LAS 101 | Success in LAS for International Students and Design Your First Year Experience | 3 | | OR | | | | LAS 102 | Transfer Advantage | 1 | | Total Hours | | 1 or 3 |

Course List

 | Code | Title | Hours |

| --- | --- | --- | | Major Core Requirements | | | | Chemistry and biochemistry courses | | 30 | | Chemistry and biochemistry courses are any courses in CHEM or BIOC. | | | | No more than 10 hours of the following courses may count toward the 30 hours: CHEM 197, CHEM 297, CHEM 397, CHEM 497, and CHEM 499. The following courses do not count towards the 30 hours: CHEM 101, CHEM 108, and CHEM 199. | | | | At least 12 of the 30 hours must be at the 300 or 400 level, including at least one course outside physical chemistry. These 12 hours must include CHEM 440 or CHEM 442 and may include MCB 354 or MCB 450. | | | | CHEM 150 | First Semester Success in Chemistry (Transfer students may substitute 1 hour of 200 level or higher Chemistry, including CHEM 297, CHEM 397, CHEM 497, or CHEM 499, for the 1 hour of CHEM 150.) | | | General chemistry courses | | | | Select one of the following: | | | | CHEM 102 & CHEM 103 & CHEM 104 & CHEM 105 | General Chemistry I and General Chemistry Lab I and General Chemistry II and General Chemistry Lab II | | | CHEM 202 & CHEM 203 & CHEM 204 & CHEM 205 | Accelerated Chemistry I and Accelerated Chemistry Lab I and Accelerated Chemistry II and Accelerated Chemistry Lab II | | | Organic chemistry courses | | | | Select one of the following: | | | | CHEM 232 & CHEM 233 | Elementary Organic Chemistry I and Elementary Organic Chem Lab I | | | CHEM 236 & CHEM 237 | Fundamental Organic Chem I and Structure and Synthesis | | | Physical chemistry course | | | | CHEM 440 | Physical Chemistry Principles | | | or CHEM 442 | Physical Chemistry I | | | Mathematics courses | | | | MATH 220 | Calculus | 4-5 | | or MATH 221 | Calculus I | | | MATH 231 | Calculus II | 3 | | MATH 241 | Calculus III | 4 | | Physics courses | | | | Select one of the following: | | 8-10 | | PHYS 101 & PHYS 102 | College Physics: Mech & Heat and College Physics: E&M & Modern | | | PHYS 211 & PHYS 212 | University Physics: Mechanics and University Physics: Elec & Mag | |

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Chemistry

Sample Sequence

This sample sequence is intended to be used only as a guide for degree completion. All students should work individually with their academic advisors to decide the actual course selection and sequence that works best for them based on their academic preparation and goals. Enrichment programming such as study abroad, minors, internships, and so on may impact the structure of this four-year plan. Course availability is not guaranteed during the semester indicated in the sample sequence.

Students must fulfill their Language Other Than English requirement by successfully completing a fourth level of a language other than English. See the corresponding section on the Degree and General Education Requirements page.

Total Hours: 120

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Chemistry

Students graduating with the BSLAS in Chemistry (Sciences & Letters) will have:

1. A thorough knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, including atomic and molecular structure, chemical dynamics and the chemical and physical properties of substances.
2. An exposure to the subfields of chemistry, such as analytical, organic, physical, materials, inorganic, as well as chemical biology.
3. The ability to read, evaluate, interpret, and present (via oral and written communication) numerical, chemical and general scientific data, information and literature.
4. The ability to carry out experiments, use appropriate experimental apparatus effectively, and demonstrate proper laboratory safety skills.

Undergraduate Degree Programs in Chemistry

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Major in Computer Science & Chemistry, BSLAS
• Major in Chemistry (Sciences and Letters)

For the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

• Major in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum)
• Major in Chemistry (Specialized Curriculum), Environmental Chemistry Concentration

for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Chemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry website\ Chemistry Faculty\ SCS Academic Advising

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Liberal Arts & Sciences College & Admissions requirements\ LAS website