This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2024-2025 VCU Bulletin. We may add courses that expose our students to cutting-edge content and transformative learning. We may also add content to the general education program that focuses on racial literacy and a racial literacy graduation requirement, and may receive notification of additional program approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.

The curriculum in chemistry prepares students for graduate study in chemistry and related fields and for admission to schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. It prepares students to teach in secondary schools or to work in chemical and industrial laboratories and in related fields of business and industry. The department also offers required and elective courses in chemistry to students in other programs of study.

The Department of Chemistry offers five areas of concentration for completing the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry: chemical science, professional chemist, professional chemist with honors, biochemistry and chemical modeling. With proper selection of electives, the degree satisfies admission requirements to most schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine.

The professional chemist concentration requires a greater number of chemistry courses, and is designed for students whose future studies or career plans involve chemistry as a central theme. With the proper combination of courses, this degree can be certified as meeting the requirements of the American Chemical Society.

Student learning outcomes

Upon completing this program, students will know how to do the following:

Chemistry core outcomes

  • Demonstrate proficiency in the major concepts and theoretical principles of chemistry, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrate proficiency in laboratory skills, including wet chemistry and instrumental methods, and laboratory safety practices
  • Demonstrate communication skills, both written and oral, needed to explain chemical phenomenon
  • Demonstrate proficiency in scientific literacy skills including searching and reading scientific publications
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the need for ethical practices in chemistry

Professional chemist concentration-specific outcome

  • Demonstrate advanced laboratory skills