Chemistry, Major - Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts (Code 100-201)

University Requirements

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR BACCALAUREATE DEGREE
Credit Requirements
Minimum total for graduation 1120
Upper division credits (courses numbered 300 and higher)39
Liberal Education Core36
Academic Concentrations
Grade Point Requirements 2
Total2.00 average
Resident2.00 average
Major2.00 average
Minor2.00 average
Certificate2.00 average
University Residency Requirements
Minimum total30
Senior year23
Major, Standard, upper division in residence12
Major, Comprehensive, upper division in residence21
Certificate25 percent of credits
Procedures Required for Graduation
Obtain admission to the degree program and/or the College offering it.
Apply for graduation on CampS.
1

Certain programs exceed this minimum.

2

See special requirements in each College.

Applicability of Credits Toward Graduation

Junior College or Two-Year College Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in a junior college or two-year college will be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire.

Extension Credits. Credits earned in credit outreach courses offered by UW-Eau Claire are treated as resident credits. Credits earned in extension courses offered by other units of the University of Wisconsin System are treated as transfer credits. All other (non-UW) extension and correspondence credits are normally limited to one-fourth of the total required for graduation from any curriculum.

WTCS Credits. A maximum of 72 semester credits earned in college parallel programs at Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Nicolet Area Technical College, or Chippewa Valley Technical College may be accepted as degree credits at UW-Eau Claire. A set number of general education courses will be accepted from other technical schools. Occupational and technical courses may also be considered for transfer if the quality and content of the course work from the technical college is judged to be comparable to course work at UW-Eau Claire. Refer to the Transfer Credit Wizard or contact the UW-Eau Claire Admissions Office for information about the current transfer policy.

USAFI Credit. UW-Eau Claire will accept up to 32 semester credits for work done through the United States Armed Forces Institute, under the provision for non-UW correspondence credit (see Extension Credits above).

Activity Credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184 courses) Students may count toward graduation no more than one credit of KINS 110-184 courses. Students may count toward graduation no more than four credits earned in any single activity course and no more than 12 credits resulting from any combination of activity courses (excluding KINS 110-184 courses). 

Other Restricted Credits. For other University restrictions, see the following: Cooperative Education; Credit by Examination; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Registration; Transfer of Credits. College or departmental restrictions may also be placed on Independent Study (399-499 courses), Directed Study (395-495), and other types of credits.

APPLICABILITY OF CREDITS TOWARD GRADUATIONCredit Restrictions
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Total degree creditmaximum 12
Major, Standardmaximum 1 course
Major, Comprehensivemaximum 2 courses
Minormaximum 1 course
Credit by Examination
Total degree creditmaximum ¼ of total
Major or minormaximum ½ of total
Two-Year College Credits
Total degree creditmaximum 72 credits
Activity credit (band, chorus, drama, KINS 100-184)
Total KINS 100-184maximum 1 credit
Total Band, chorus, dramamaximum 12 credits
Single course band, chorus, dramamaximum 4 credits
Extension credits
UW-Systemno maximum
Other extension/correspondencemaximum ¼ of total
USAFI
USAFImaximum 32 credits

Liberal Education Core

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire measures learning outcomes to ensure that its graduates have achieved a liberal education and prepared themselves to contribute to a complex society. Upon graduation, each undergraduate will have met the five learning goals of our liberal education core and the 12 learning outcomes they comprise. 

LIBERAL EDUCATION CORE REQUIREMENTSa minimum of 36 credits
Knowledge Goal
Knowledge Outcome 1 (K1): Natural SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 2 (K2): Social SciencesTwo (2) learning experiences
One experience in laboratory science must be selected from either K1 or K2.
Knowledge Outcome 3 (K3): HumanitiesTwo (2) learning experiences
Knowledge Outcome 4 (K4): Fine ArtsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Goal
Skills Outcome 1 (S1): Written and Oral CommunicationTwo (2) learning experiences
Skills Outcome 2 (S2): MathematicsOne (1) learning experience
Skills Outcome 3 (S3): CreativityOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Goal
Responsibility Outcome 1 (R1): Equity, Diversity, and InclusivityTwo (2) learning experiences
Responsibility Outcome 2 (R2): Global PerspectivesOne (1) learning experience
Responsibility Outcome 3 (R3): Civic and Environmental IssuesOne (1) learning experience
Integration Goal
Integration Outcome 1 (I1): IntegrationTwo (2) learning experiences
Service-Learning Goal
Service-Learning30 hours

College Degree Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree (B.A./B.S.)

University Graduation Requirements. All candidates for degrees must fulfill the requirements for credits, curriculum, GPA, and University residency as specified in the section of this catalog titled University Graduation Requirements.

College Graduation Requirements: Grade Point Averages. All candidates for degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences must earn minimum resident and total GPAs of 2.00 in the major, the minor, and the certificate. The resident and total GPAs for the major are computed using all attempted credits applicable to the major including those offered by departments other than the major department. The resident and total GPAs for the minor and the certificate are computed similarly.

Major-Minor and Major-Certificate Requirements. A standard major (a minimum of 36 credits) must be supplemented by a minor (a minimum of 24 credits) or by a certificate (12 to 18 credits) to meet graduation requirements for completing a first and second degree program. No minor or certificate is required with a Comprehensive Major (60 or more credits) or with two majors of 36 or more credits each.

Certain degree programs, which include Comprehensive Majors, may require more than the minimum of 120 credits for graduation.

Acceptable academic program combinations are determined at the college level. A major and a minor or a major and certificate or two majors (if available) may not be elected in the same department or program, except in the approved combinations listed here.

College Credits. Earn at least 90 credits in courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bachelor of Arts Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.A.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); foreign language competency at the 102 level.  Foreign language competency may be met in one of two ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the foreign language placement test that qualifies the student to enter the 201-level course in a foreign language.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in a 102-level foreign language course (or AIS 112 or AIS 122 / LANG 122 or CSD 103).

Bachelor of Science Degree in the College of Arts and Sciences (B.S.)

Fulfillment of all University Graduation Requirements (which includes the Liberal Education Core); all College-level degree requirements (major and minor/certificate emphases, GPAs, earning at least 90 credits in Arts and Sciences course work); mathematics competency at the MATH 111, MATH 112 or MATH 113 level.  Mathematics competency can be met in one of three ways:  (1) Achieve a score on the mathematics placement test that qualifies the student to enter MATH 114.  (2) Earn a grade of at least C (not C-) or a mark of S in MATH 111, MATH 112, or MATH 113.  (3) Achieve a satisfactory score on the MATH 112 competency test.  This test may be attempted no more than two times.

Major Requirements

Liberal Arts (Code 100-201)

The Liberal Arts Chemistry Major is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the field, while offering the opportunity to pursue a parallel specialization, thus effectively preparing students for graduate or professional school, and/or a variety of career paths in chemistry, the health sciences, and related fields. This major is ideal for pre-medicine or pre-pharmacy students who are interested in a chemistry major, and any others who are seeking a minor in another field.

Core Requirements for A.C.S. and Liberal Arts Chemistry Majors

A minimum of 55-semester credits, including:

Chemistry Core
Select one of the following: 16
Chemical Principles
General Chemistry I Lecture
and General Chemistry I Laboratory
and General Chemistry II with Lab
Required:
CHEM 213Quantitative Analysis4
CHEM 218Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry3
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
CHEM 326Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory4
Additional Required Courses
PHYS 231
PHYS 232
University Physics I
and University Physics II
10
MATH 114
MATH 215
Calculus I
and Calculus II
8
Total Credits39
1

Only six credits of the CHEM 105/CHEM 106/CHEM 109 sequence are credited to the major.

Capstone Experience for Chemistry Majors

The capstone experience is met by completing CHEM 411 for chemistry with business emphasis majors, and by CHEM 420CHEM 438CHEM 453 or CHEM 497 for other chemistry majors.

Chemistry, Major - Liberal Arts

Requirements

In addition to the chemistry core and required mathematics/physics courses, students must complete the following course work:

CHEM 433
CHEM 434
Physical Chemistry I
and Physical Chemistry II
8
One of the following:2-3
Advanced Synthesis Laboratory
Physical Analysis Laboratory
Biochemistry Laboratory
Electives
Select 6 credits of the following:6
Environmental Chemistry
Bioinorganic Chemistry
Modern Applied Separations and Spectrometry
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Molecules and Medicine
Independent Study - Juniors
Inorganic Chemistry
Survey of Industrial Chemistry
Modern Organic Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Special Topics
Directed Studies
Independent Study - Research Manuscript
Independent Study - Seniors
Total Credits16-17

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing this program will be expected to meet the following learning outcomes:

  • Knowledge and Understanding: Students will develop a rigorous understanding of chemical principles, and apply them to predict and rationalize chemical properties.
    • Structure and Bonding: Students can describe the structural properties of matter, as well as rationalize and predict chemical stability or physical properties on the basis of structure.
    • Reactivity and Stability: Students can classify and rationalize chemical transformations, and predict and quantify products.
    • Instrumentation Theory: Students can describe the underlying physical principles of various instruments and measurement techniques.
  • Skills: Students will develop the skills need to be effective practitioners of the field by devolving laboratory proficiency, the capacity to think critically and creatively, and the ability to communicate effectively.
    •  Laboratory Skills: Students will develop proficient laboratory technique.
    • Chemical Reasoning: Students will develop critical and creative thinking skills, use them within the context of the field.
    • Communication Skills: Students will develop effective oral and written.
    • Literature Skills: Students will become proficient with the chemical literature.
  • Responsibility: Students will become responsible practitioners of the field, by practicing laboratory safety, recognizing the societal impacts of chemistry, and identifying contributions made by individuals with a variety of social identities.
    • Chemical Safety: Students will function safely in a chemical laboratory, and will manage waste effectively.
    • Ethical and Professional Conduct: Students will conduct themselves ethically and professionally, cultivate awareness of the impact of chemistry on society, and recognize contributions from a diverse population.
  • Distinction–Chemistry, Liberal Arts: Students in the Chemistry, Liberal Arts major will develop some degree of specialization in an adjacent and/or complimentary field of study.

Sample Degree Plans

Chemistry, Major - Liberal Arts, B.S. (Starting with CHEM 115 and MATH 114)

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 115Chemical Principles (LE-K1L, Fall Only) a6
MATH 114Calculus I (LE-S2) b4
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 213Quantitative Analysis (LE-S3)4
CHEM 218Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry (Spring Only)3
MATH 215Calculus II b4
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
TOTAL FIRST YEAR29
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
PHYS 231University Physics I (LE-K1L)5
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 326Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory4
PHYS 232University Physics II (LE-K1L)5
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
TOTAL SECOND YEAR30
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 433Physical Chemistry I (Fall Only)4
Second Program/minor, e.g. course with lab5
CHEM Elective d3
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 434Physical Chemistry II (Spring Only)4
Two courses in Second Program/minor6
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
TOTAL THIRD YEAR31
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 420Advanced Synthesis Laboratory (Fall Only) c3
OR
Biochemistry Laboratory (2 Credits) c
OR
CHEM Elective (3 credits) d
Two courses in Second Program/minor6
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 438Physical Analysis Laboratory (Spring Only) c2
OR
CHEM Elective (3 credits) d
Two courses in Second Program/minor7
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR29-31

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

a

CHEM 105, CHEM 106 (K1) and CHEM 109 may be taken in place of CHEM 115, but only 6 of the 9 credits will count towards the major. 

b

Students planning for graduate studies in chemistry (especially those interested in physical chemistry) are encouraged to take additional courses in mathematics (MATH 216MATH 311, and/or MATH 324) and physics.

c

One of the three upper-level labs need to be taken, including CHEM 420CHEM 438and CHEM 453. The CHEM 453 (Biochemistry Lab) option has a prerequisite of CHEM 352 (Fundamentals of Biochemistry), which can be taken as the Chemistry elective.

d

Select at least 6 credits from the following: CHEM 304, CHEM 344, CHEM 352, CHEM 361, CHEM 399, CHEM 401, CHEM 411CHEM 426, CHEM 460, CHEM 491, CHEM 495, CHEM 497, and CHEM 499.

e

Electives need to be carefully selected to ensure that a student’s degree comprises at least 39 credits of upper division courses (300-400 level) and that the student complete a minor in addition to the Chemistry major.

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs) 
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

 Chemistry, Major - Liberal Arts, B.S. (Starting with CHEM 105/106 and MATH 109)

The following is a sample degree plan, based on the 2023-2024 catalog. It is based on the 120-credit graduation requirement and assumes no transferred credits, no requirements waived by placement tests, no courses taken in the summer or winter, no repeated courses, and no remedial courses that may be required. This sample degree plan is intended for first-year students entering UW-Eau Claire in the fall semester. Your own degree plan may differ depending on the course of study selected (second major, minor, etc.). UW-Eau Claire cannot guarantee all courses will be offered as shown, but will provide a range of courses that may enable prepared students to fulfill their requirements in a timely period. This sample degree plan is just a guide. Please consult your advisor, your degree audit, and the catalog to create your own degree plan. Note: In order to earn the required minimum of 120 credits for the degree in four years, you should plan to take 15 credits each semester or 30 credits each year.

To earn a degree, students must fulfill all University Graduation Requirements, including the Liberal Education (LE) Core.  LE Core course work in the following sample degree plan uses abbreviations such as LE-K1, LE-S2, LE-R3, and LE-I1 to represent the learning outcomes students will meet via completion of their liberal education course work.  Please click here for a description of the Liberal Education Core outcomes and requirements.  Note that the LE Core may be completed through both course and non-course experiences.

Students in this major have the option to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree.  The degrees are distinguished by foreign language competency for the B.A. and a higher level of mathematics competency for the B.S.

FIRST YEAR
CHEM 105General Chemistry I Lecture a3
CHEM 106General Chemistry I Laboratory (LE-K1L) a2
MATH 109Algebra for Calculus (LE-S2)4
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences3
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 109General Chemistry II with Lab a4
WRIT 114Intensive Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)5
OR
Blugold Seminar in Critical Reading and Writing (LE-S1)
MATH 113Trigonometry2
LE Option: Knowledge 4 (LE-K4) Fine Arts3
LE Option: Responsibility 1 (LE-R1, DDIV) Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity with Design for Diversity3
TOTAL FIRST YEAR32
SECOND YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 213Quantitative Analysis (LE-S3)4
MATH 114Calculus I (LE-S2) b4
Second Program/minor4
LE Option: Knowledge 3 (LE-K3) Humanities and LE Option: Responsibility 2 (LE-R2) Global Perspectives3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 218Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry (Spring Only)3
CHEM 325Organic Chemistry I with Laboratory4
MATH 215Calculus II b4
Second Program/minor4
TOTAL SECOND YEAR30
THIRD YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 326Organic Chemistry II with Laboratory4
PHYS 231University Physics I (LE-K1L)5
Second Program/minor3
LE Option: Skills 1 (LE-S1) Written and Oral Communication3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM Elective (3 credits) d
PHYS 232University Physics II (LE-K1L)5
Second Program/minor4
LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
TOTAL THIRD YEAR30
FOURTH YEAR
FIRST SEMESTER
CHEM 433Physical Chemistry I (Fall Only)4
CHEM 420Advanced Synthesis Laboratory (Fall Only) c3
OR
Biochemistry Laboratory (2 Credits) C
CHEM Elective d3
Second Program/minor3
LE Option: Knowledge 2 (LE-K2) Social Sciences and LE Option: Integration (LE-I1)3
SECOND SEMESTER
CHEM 434Physical Chemistry II (Spring Only)4
CHEM 438Physical Analysis Laboratory (Spring Only) c2
OR
Biochemistry Laboratory c
Second Program/minor6
LE Option: Responsibility 3 (LE-R3) Civic and Environmental Issues3
TOTAL FOURTH YEAR30-31

Minimum total for the baccalaureate degree = 120 credits 

a

CHEM 105, CHEM 106 (K1) and CHEM 109 may be taken in place of CHEM 115, but only 6 of the 9 credits will count towards the major. 

b

Students planning for graduate studies in chemistry (especially those interested in physical chemistry) are encouraged to take additional courses in mathematics (MATH 216MATH 311, and/or MATH 324) and physics. 

c

One of the three upper-level labs need to be taken, including CHEM 420CHEM 438and CHEM 453. The CHEM 453 (Biochemistry Lab) option has a prerequisite of CHEM 352 (Fundamentals of Biochemistry), which can be taken as the Chemistry elective.

d

Select at least 6 credits from the following: CHEM 304, CHEM 344, CHEM 352, CHEM 361, CHEM 399, CHEM 401, CHEM 411, CHEM 426, CHEM 460, CHEM 491, CHEM 495, CHEM 497, and CHEM 499.

e

Electives need to be carefully selected to ensure that a student’s degree comprises at least 39 credits of upper division courses (300-400 level) and that the student complete a minor in addition to the Chemistry major.

Note:  All students must complete the 30-hour Service-Learning Requirement via a non-credit or credit option (see University Graduation Requirements).

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HIGH IMPACT PRACTICES (HIPs)
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire encourages all students to participate in High Impact Practices.  The following information identifies any specific recommendations that faculty in this major have concerning which HIPs might be most beneficial to students, and any recommendations about when those HIPs best fit into the degree plan. Students should also consult their faculty advisor for information on HIPs. There are many additional high impact opportunities available. Talk to your academic advisor for more information about incorporating HIPs like Study AbroadIntercultural ImmersionInternship, and/or  Student/Faculty Collaborative Research into your time at UW-Eau Claire.

Liberal Education (LE) Core Guidance

Liberal Education Core (LE Core) 

The LE Core comprises 17 learning experiences across 11 learning outcomes. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits in courses approved for the LE Core. 

  • K1 – Natural Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K2 – Social Sciences; two experiences (one lab science experience is required in K1 or K2). 

  • K3 – Humanities; two experiences. 

  • K4 – Fine Arts; one experience. 

  • S1 – Written and Oral Communication; two experiences (one experience must satisfy the University writing requirement). 

  • S2 – Mathematics; one experience (must satisfy the University math competency requirement). 

  • S3 – Creativity; one experience (can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • R1 – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity; two experiences (one experience must meet the UW System Design for Diversity (DD) requirement). 

  • R2 – Global Perspectives; one experience. 

  • R3 – Civic and Environmental Issues; one experience. 

  • I1 – Integration; two experiences (one experience can be fulfilled in a student’s major). 

  • SL—Service Learning; 30 hours 

Additional LE Core Information 

  • Most LE Core learning experiences are course based, and many courses meet more than one learning outcome (e.g., K3 and R2 or K1 and R3). 

  • Some learning experiences can also be met outside of a traditional course (e.g., undergraduate research (S3), study abroad (I1)). 

  • S1 – An English placement score that fulfills the University writing requirement fulfills one S1 experience. 

  • S1 – A foreign Language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 102 level satisfies one S1 experience. 

  • S1, R2 – A foreign language placement score that qualifies the student to enter the 202 level satisfies one experience in S1 and the R2 experience. 

  • S2 – A math placement score that qualifies the student to enter Math 111, 112, 113 or 114 fulfills the S2 experience. 

  • S3 – Completion of two credits from any approved music ensemble fulfills the S3 experience. 

  • I1 – Any semester long study abroad program can fulfill one I1 experience.