Undergraduate Programs
Chemistry is a central science and provides foundational knowledge relevant to biology, geology, engineering, physics, and medicine. Chemistry encompasses the study of the world around us at a molecular level. Chemistry plays critical roles in medicine, food, electronics, and manufacturing. The department emphasizes a hands-on approach to undergraduate instruction. As part of this effort, the department strongly promotes undergraduate research.
RESEARCH
The chemistry department faculty are involved in research projects in all of the major areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry.
RECOGNITION
The University, College of Arts and Sciences, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry recognize exceptional work by undergraduate students via annual awards.
SUCCESS
A degree in chemistry can prepare students for careers in academia, government, and industry, some of which you may have never considered.
OUR DEGREES
The department of chemistry and biochemistry offers a major in chemistry culminating in a bachelor of science in chemistry (BCh) degree or a bachelor of science (BS) degree. The department also offers minors in chemistry and biochemistry.
All chemistry degrees are excellent preparation for the pre-professional tracks, such as pre-medical, pre-optometry, and pre-dental, offered within the College of Arts and Sciences. More information about pre-professional programs can be found on the Pre-Health Professions website.
Learn more about our undergraduate programs in the UA Undergraduate Catalog, or see our Undergraduate FAQ page.
For questions, contact Dr. Kevin Shaughnessy, director of undergraduate studies, at kshaughn@ua.edu or (205) 348-4435.
This degree is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students can pursue either a chemistry or biochemistry concentration within this degree:
Visit the UA Undergraduate Catalog for information about the BCh major programs, including course requirements.
This degree is designed for students pursuing careers in the health professions and meets all science and math requirements for admission to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary science.
Visit the UA Undergraduate Catalog for information about the BS major program, including course requirements.
The Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP) is a University-wide program reserved to current UA undergraduates that can help you earn an MS graduate degree concurrently with your undergraduate studies. Chemistry majors admitted to AMP can take up to 15 hours of graduate courses in Chemistry that will count towards both a BS and MS degrees. This can shorten the time to earn your master’s degree by one year.
To learn more about requirements, visit the AMP page.
Students pursuing either of the ACS-certified Bachelor of Science in Chemistry tracks (BCH-chemistry or BCH-biochemistry) may apply for admission to the honors program. Chemistry honors are awarded in recognition of academic and research accomplishments. Students receiving honors will complete an honors thesis in their senior year.
To learn more about requirements, visit the Chemistry Honors Application page.
The Department of Chemistry offers minors in chemistry and biochemistry. Students earning degrees in biology or chemical engineering, or who are planning on going to a professional school in a health-related field, will be very close to completing the minor after finishing the necessary degree requirements for these programs.
Visit the UA Undergraduate Catalog for information about the minor programs, including course requirements.
Within the chemistry program, students may pursue several specializations or credentials:
