Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professionally accredited by the American Chemical Society

FACULTY Professors Andersh,  Bosma, Campbell, Field (emeritus), Gayhart (emeritus), Glover (emeritus), Kolb (emeritus), Remsen; Associate Professors Flint, Fry, Helenek (emeritus), McQuade; Assistant Professors Maley, Schnupf, Sengupta; Visiting Assistant Professor: Woods; Lecturers: Moroz (emeritus), Wentzel; Lab Coordinator Montag; Research Professor Haverhals

Chair: Fry

Associate Chair: Bosma

The Mund-Lagowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty and students comprise a learning community dedicated to the study of science and the application of the scientific method, to solve problems from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Providing programs in a personal environment characteristic of a small college, in outstanding facilities with modern instrumentation akin to that of larger institutions affords the Department a unique stature in higher education. Our faculty is comprised of dedicated teachers who are professional chemists with active research programs. The Chemistry major has received continuous certification by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society since 1949.

Employers, graduate schools, and professional schools have recognized our graduates as having excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills, the ability to work in collaborative teams, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s interdisciplinary nature. The Department offers courses in all areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, materials, environmental, and physical. Our graduates are well prepared for careers in the chemical or educational professions, entrance into graduate programs in chemistry or biochemistry, or entrance into professional programs, including medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary, business, or law.

Research is an integral part of the learning process and an important component of many careers in the discipline and, as such, students are encouraged to begin independent studies early in their academic careers. Working alongside their faculty mentors, students use high-tech instrumentation to do relevant real-world research, sometimes in partnership with local laboratories or companies. Often, our students co-author scientific journal publications and present their work at national and regional conferences as well as during the Department’s weekly seminar series.

Advanced Placement: Students earning a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination will receive credit for CHM 110, 111, and 112. Those who earn a score of 4 will receive credit for CHM 110 and 111. Those who earn a score of 3 will receive credit for CHM 100 and 101.

Internal Transfer Students: Before declaring a major or minor in the Department, internal transfer students must have achieved a 2.25 overall grade point average and completed at least one course in the departmental common curriculum at Bradley, earning a C or better,

To prepare our majors to achieve their professional objectives, six curricular options leading to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree are available. The Department also offers a Minor in Chemistry and jointly sponsors a program in Medical Laboratory Science (LSM) with the Department of Biology and a program in Environmental Science—Chemistry (ENS-C) with the Departments of Biology and Physics. In addition, the Department offers two combined Baccalaureate and Master’s degree options, the B.S./M.S.-Chemistry and the B.S./M.S.-Biochemistry. These accelerated, research-intensive programs provide opportunities for students to earn both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in less time than traditionally required and enrollment in these programs is limited. B.S./M.S. graduates find immediate employment or have very high acceptance rates into Ph.D. or professional school programs. Students enrolled in a B.S./M.S. program who decide not to complete the combined degree program can graduate with a B.S. degree by fulfilling the requirements of any program offered by the Department.

Departmental Major Requirements

All majors must meet the all-university degree requirements, departmental common curriculum requirements, and the required courses for their chosen major or concentration. Typical course sequencing schedules for all departmental majors and concentrations may be found on the Department’s website.

Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements

Students in the B.S., B.A., or B.S./M.S. programs must successfully complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements:

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 114 Chemistry of the Elements - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • CHM 117 General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 252 Organic Chemistry I - 4 hr.
  • CHM 253 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 256 Organic Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • CHM 257 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 326 Analytical Chemistry - 4 hr.
  • CHM 360 Biochemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 380 Seminar I in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.
  • CHM 480 Senior Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr. or CHM 580 Literature Seminar - 1 hr.
  • One semester of physical chemistry (see specific major or concentration requirements)
  • BIO 151 - Molecules to Cells - 3 hr.
  • Calculus (see specific major or concentration requirements)
  • Physics (see specific major or concentration requirements)

A grade of C or higher must be earned in CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, and 253 before continuing on to the next course in this sequence.

Biochemistry Major (BCM) - BS degree

This course of study is designed for students wishing to prepare for entrance into a graduate program, a career in biochemistry or a career in allopathic, osteopathic, or veterinary medicine. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 462 or 562 Protein Structure and Function - 3 hr.
  • CHM 466 or 566 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • BIO 152 Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • BIO 310 Genetics - 3 hr.
  • BIO 311 Genetics Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • One year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201, or PHY 107, 108)* - 8 hr.
  • Two semesters of calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116)* - 7-8 hr.
  • Plus additional elective hours indicated in each of the following pools.
    • Chemistry Elective pool 5-6 hours
      • CHM 420 Instrumental Analysis (4 hr.) plus one CHM Lab elective or
      • CHM 436 Inorganic Chemistry (3 hr.) plus two CHM Lab elective options, one of which must be CHM 417/517 or CHM 499 (2 hr.) 
        • CHM Lab options
          • CHM 412 or 512 - Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
          • CHM 417 or 517 - Experimental Design Laboratory - 1 hr.
          • CHM 471 or CHM 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
          • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 2 hr.
    •  Biology Elective pool 304 hours
      • BIO 406 - General Microbiology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 464 - Cell Biology - 4 hr. 
      • BIO 468 - Immunology of Host Defense - 3 - 4 hr.
      • BIO 482 - Endocrinology - 3 hr.
      • BIO 484 - Neurophysiology - 3 hr.

Total hours required for the BCM major: 68-71.

Chemistry Major - BS Degree

The specific courses and enrollment sequences taken are a function of the Chemistry Major Concentration selected. All students who are candidates for the B.S. degree in Chemistry must complete the requirements for one of the Chemistry Concentrations in addition to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements.

Chemistry American Chemical Society Certified-Concentration (CHM-C)

This concentration is designed for students wishing to attend graduate school in chemistry or who plan to seek immediate employment in chemistry or an allied field. Students who complete this concentration will receive an American Chemical Society Certified Degree. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements, and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 412 or 512 Molecular Modeling - 1 hr.
  • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 470 or 570 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • PHY 110 University Physics I - 4 hr.
  • PHY 201 University Physics II - 4 hr.
  • MTH 121 Calculus I - 4 hr.
  • MTH 122 Calculus II - 4 hr.
  • A minimum of six additional hours in chemistry numbered 299 or above, excluding CHM 302.  At least three of the six credit hours must be selected from the list below:
    • CHM 299 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry** – 1–4 hr.
    • CHM 417 Experimental Design Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 441 or 541 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • CHM 499 Directed Studies in Chemistry and Biochemistry** – 1–4 hr.
    • Approved LAS 301 internship** - 1-3 hr.

**When LAS 301, CHM 299 or CHM 499 is used to complete this requirement, a well-written research paper that has been approved by the research advisor must be submitted to the department chair before study day of the final semester in residence.

Total hours required for the CHM-C concentration: 68.

Chemistry-Chemical Engineering Concentration (CHM-CE)

This concentration is designed for students wishing to attend graduate school in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, or biochemistry or who plan to seek immediate employment in chemistry or an allied field.  All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and: 

  • MTH 121 Calculus I - 4 hr.
  • MTH 122 Calculus II - 4 hr.
  • MTH 223 Calculus III – 4 hr.
  • MTH 224 Differential Equations – 4 hr.
  • PHY 110 University Physics I - 4 hr.
  • PHY 201 University Physics II - 4 hr.
  • CHE 301 Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics – 3 hr.
  • CHE 302 Material and Energy Balances – 3 hr.
  • CHE 321 Chemical Reaction Engineering – 3 hr.
  • CHE 415 Transport Phenomena I – 3 hr.
  • CHE 416 Transport Phenomena II – 3 hr.
  • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 470 or 570 - Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • A minimum of 7 hours of electives selected from the list below.
    • CHM 361 Biochemistry Lab (1 hr)
    • CHM 416 or 516 Environmental Chemistry (3 hrs)
    • CHM 417 or 517 Experimental Design Laboratory (1 hr)
    • CHM 440 or 540 Materials Chemistry (3 hrs)
    • CHM 441 or 541 Materials Chemistry Lab (1 hr)
    • CHM 462 or 562 Proteins (3 hrs)
    • CHM 466 or 566 Metabolism (3 hrs)
    • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II (3 hrs)
    • CHM 524 Analytical Separations (3 hrs)
    • CHM 558 Polymer Chemistry (1 hr)
    • M E 308 Thermodynamics of Fluid Flow (3 hrs)

Total hours required for the CHM-CE concentration: 87.

Students who complete the CHM-CE concentration are strongly encouraged to take an Economics course (ECO 100, 221, or 222) when fulfilling the Knowledge and Reasoning in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB) requirement in the BCC. 

Chemistry Pre-Health Professions Concentration (CHM-PM)

This concentration is designed to provide curricular flexibility to students who are interested in studying chemistry while preparing to attend medical (allopathic, osteopathic, or veterinary), pharmacy, optometry, or dental school. Students enrolled in this concentration will work closely with their departmental advisor and the University’s Health Professions Advising Center to select elective courses that best meet their career objectives. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 370 Principles of Physical Chemistry - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 470 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 570 Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 476 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry- 3 hr.
  • BIO 152 Molecules to Cells Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 3 hr.
  • BIO 232 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3 hr.
  • One year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201 or PHY 107, 108)* - 8 hr.
  • Two Semesters of calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116)* 7-8 hr.
  • Statistics – 3 hr. (Options: MTH 111 Elementary Statistics, MTH 325 Probability and Statistics I, PSY 205 Quantitative Methods, or BIO 260 Biological Statistics I – 1 hr. and BIO 261 Biological Statistics II – 2 hr.)
  • Plus additional elective hours from each of the following Pools.
    • Elective Pool A (2 courses):
      • ECO 221 - Principles of Microeconomics - 3 hr. or ECO 222 Principles of Macroeconomics - 3 hr.
      • PSY 101 - Principles of Psychology - 3 hr.
      • SOC 100 - The Sociological Perspective - 3 hr.
    • Elective Pool B (1 course with lab)
      • BIO 310/311 - Genetics - 3 hr. and Genetics Lab - 1 hr.
      • BIO 406 - General Microbiology - 4 hr.
    • Elective Pool C (9-10 hours of CHM/BIO electives)
      • BIO 231 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I – 1 hr.
      • BIO 233 - Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II - 1 hr.
      • BIO 250 - Organismal Biology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 251 - Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - 3 hrs.
      • BIO 252 - Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity - 1 hr.
      • BIO 310 - Genetics - 3 hr.
      • BIO 311 - Genetics Lab - 1 hr.
      • BIO 351 - Human Histology - 3 hr.
      • BIO 406 - General Microbiology - 4 hr.
      • BIO 408 - Bacterial Pathogenesis - 4 hr.
      • BIO 464 - Cell Biology – 3-4 hr.
      • BIO 468 - Immunology of Host Defense - 3-4 hr.
      • BIO 482 - Endocrinology - 3 hr.
      • BIO 484 - Neurophysiology - 3 hr.

*If course is not used to fulfill other concentration requirements

Total hours required for the CHM-PM concentration: 81-83.

Chemistry Pre-Pharmacy Concentration (CHM-PP)

This Chemistry Concentration is specifically designed for students preparing to apply for admission to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) or pharmacology graduate programs. Nationwide, the majority of pharmacists work in community pharmacies; however, there is an exceptional demand for pharmacists in a wide variety of professional settings. Departmental advisors and individuals in the University’s Health Professions Advising Center offer curricular support and advising throughout the pharmacy school application and admission process. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

 CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.

 CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.

• Four additional hours in Chemistry selected from courses numbered CHM 301 or above.

 BIO 230 Human Anatomy and Physiology I -3 hr.

 BIO 231 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I – 1 hr.

 BIO 232 Human Anatomy and Physiology II – 3 hr.

 BIO 233 Human Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II – 1hr.

 BIO 251 Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity – 3 hr.

 BIO 252 Ecology, Evolution and Biodiversity Laboratory - 1 hr.

 BIO 406 General Microbiology – 4 hr.

 Statistics – 3 hr. (Options: MTH 111 Elementary Statistics, MTH 325 Probability and Statistics I, PSY 205 Quantitative Methods, or BIO 260 Biological Statistics I – 1 hr. and BIO 261 Biological Statistics II – 2 hr.)

 PSY 101 Principles of Psychology – 3 hr.

 ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics – 3 hr. or ECO 222 Principles of Macroeconomics – 3hr.

Total hours required for the CHM-PP concentration: 83-84.

Chemistry High School Education (9-12) Concentration (CHM-T)

This concentration is designed to provide graduates with the education and training to teach chemistry at the secondary school level (grades 9-12). All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

  • The education requirements mandated by the Illinois State Board of Education. For more information, see Teacher Education - High School Education program in the College of Education and Health Sciences section of this catalog.
  • BIO 152 - Molecules to Cells Laboratory
  • Two semesters of calculus (MTH 121, 122 or MTH 115, 116)* 7-8 hr.
  • One year of college-level physics (PHY 110, 201 or PHY 107, 108)* - 8 hr.
  • CHM 370 - Principles of Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 470 - Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
    • or CHM 570 - Physical Chemistry I - 3 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • Six additional hours, three from Category A and three from Category B, selected from the lists below:
    • Category A
      • CHM 416 or 516 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • GES 101 Principles of Earth Science - 3 hr.
    • Category B
      • CHM 332 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
      • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • CHM 440 or 540 Materials Chemistry - 3 hr.
      • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II - 3 hr.

Chemistry Major - BA Degree

This major is designed for students wishing to pursue a chemistry degree while providing the flexibility to pursue a
second major or take more electives in another academic area. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements, and:

  • MTH 115 or 121 - Calculus - 4 hr.
  • PHY 107 or 110 - Physics I - 4 hr.
  • CHM 370 - Survey of Physical Chemistry - 3 hr. 
  • CHM 436 or 536 - Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • Seven hours of CHM Electives (>CHM 300) with: 
    • At least one course from Pool A
      • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr. 
      • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
    • At least one course from Pool B
      • CHM 417 or 517 Experimental Design Laboratory - 1 hr.
      • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.
      • CHM 499 Research - 2 hr.

Total hours required for the CHM-BA major: 51

Chemistry Business Concentration (CHM-B)

This concentration is designed for students wishing to combine chemistry with a basic knowledge of business for immediate employment in the field or to help prepare for entrance into an MBA or Law program. Typical employment options for graduates with this concentration are found in companies or industries dealing with chemical production, procurement, or processing; the careers include: cost analysis, sales, marketing, advertising, customer service, and management. All students must complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements and:

 CHM 416 or 516 Environmental Chemistry - 3 hr.

 CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis - 4 hr.


Four additional hours, selected from the list below:

  • CHM 332 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 361 Biochemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 437 or 537 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 440 or 540 Materials Chemistry - 3 hr.
  • CHM 441 or 541 Materials Chemistry Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 450 or 550 Industrial Organic Chemistry - 1 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.

    Seventeen hours taken in the Foster College of Business:
  • ATG 157 Accounting Principles-Financial - 3 hr.
  • M L 350 Managing for Results in Organizations OR M L 250 Interpersonal Effectiveness in Organizations - 2 hr.
  • ECO 221 Principles of Microeconomics OR ECO 100 Intro. to Economics - 3 hr.
  • FIN 322 Business Finance - 3 hr.
  • MTG 315 Principles of Marketing OR MTG 304 Professional Selling - 3 hr.

    Three hours selected from the list below:
  • ATG 158 Accounting Principles-Cost Management - 3 hr.
  • ECO 222 Principles of Macroeconomics 
  • OR any 300-level course in FIN, M L, or MTG - 3 hr.

Total hours required for the CHM-B concentration: 78–79.

Chemistry Minor

As a natural science, chemistry is of fundamental importance to the understanding of many disciplines. Moreover, a minor in chemistry would enhance the preparation of other majors for entrance into careers in pharmaceutical sales, environmental studies, forensic science, health sciences, engineering, and the biological sciences. At least 8 hours of the departmental coursework required for the minor must be completed at Bradley and at least 6 hours of coursework must be unique from those used to fulfill requirements for other majors or concentrations. 

The minor in chemistry consists of:

  • CHM 110 General Chemistry I - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 111 General Chemistry I Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 114 Chemistry of the Elements - 1 hr.
  • CHM 116 General Chemistry II - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 117 General Chemistry II Laboratory - 1 hr.
  • CHM 252 Organic Chemistry I - 4 hrs.
  • CHM 253 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I - 1 hr.
  • CHM 256 Organic Chemistry II 3 hr.
  • CHM 257 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II - 1 hr.
  • CHM 326 Analytical Chemistry - 4 hrs.
  • One 3-4 credit hour CHM course numbered above 300 - 3–4 hrs.

Total hours required for the minor: 25-26.

Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degree (4+1) Programs

Admission Requirements

B.S./M.S. Admission Requirements (Undergraduate)

Students may apply to the program after completing CHM 252. To be admitted, the student must have achieved an overall GPA of 2.50, an average GPA of 2.75 in chemistry courses, and a C or better in all chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics courses.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply in their junior year, but applications from seniors who have significant research experience will also be considered. The initial application is made within the department, using the Application for Admission to the B.S./M.S. Program form available on the Department Sakai site. This application is to be submitted to the graduate coordinator. 

B.S./M.S. Admission Requirements (Graduate)

To earn graduate status within the B.S./M.S. program, students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in undergraduate chemistry courses, and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate courses. The student must also have met the requirements for undergraduate graduation before the first semester of the graduate study. Application is made to graduate education after meeting with the Department’s Graduate Coordinator regarding the specific requirements for application to the B.S./M.S. graduate program.

For both Chemistry and Biochemistry B.S./M.S. options, up to nine hours of graduate credit, taken prior to the completion of the bachelor's degree can be counted toward both degrees.  If this option is selected, a minimum of 145 hours, 30 of which must be at the graduate level, must be earned. The Graduate Record Examination is not required for admission to this program.

Programmatic Requirements and Procedures

  • Program participants are expected to engage in full-time research experiences during the summers after their third, fourth, and fifth years. Failure to do so will extend the time needed to complete the program.
  • Students must identify a research mentor/thesis advisor and begin their undergraduate research no later than the summer after their third year. A research mentor/thesis advisor must be identified before applying to the B.S./M.S. program.
  • At the beginning of the fourth year, the student’s thesis committee shall be constituted. The committee members shall be chosen by the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the thesis advisor. The committee shall include the thesis advisor and at least two other Faculty. If a student has two thesis advisors, there must be two additional faculty members on the committee. The majority of the members must be from the Bradley University Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
  • Before completion of the fourth year, the student must present a seminar (CHM 580 ) summarizing the literature relevant to the thesis project, any preliminary results, and an outline of the proposed research.  Within one week of the seminar, the student must meet with the thesis committee to discuss the presentation and the research plan. Failure to meet with the committee will result in a grade of IN in the course.
  • The Graduate Coordinator and thesis advisor must approve a Graduate Program of Study before the first day of classes of the student’s fifth year of study.
  • The student must apply to graduate when the undergraduate requirements are complete, so as to be able to register as a graduate student thereafter.
  • All matriculated graduate students (except those requiring a leave of absence) are required to be registered for at least one course for each fall and spring semester and one course during each summer from the semester of matriculation through the semester in which the degree is completed.
  • Upon completion of the thesis, the student must present the work in a research seminar and successfully defend the thesis to the thesis committee (CHM 699, 1 credit).  The voting members of the thesis committee shall determine the thesis grade and when a thesis has satisfactorily met all standards. The thesis defense serves as the comprehensive examination required by Graduate Education.

B.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Chemistry

The B.S. degree will be awarded once the candidate has met the All-University Degree Requirements, completed the Departmental Common Curriculum Requirements, and completed the B.S. Requirements listed below:

  • Complete any one of the undergraduate concentrations in Chemistry or a major in Biochemistry at Bradley University
  • CHM 499 (Research) - 2 hrs. minimum
  • CHM 580 (Literature Seminar) - 1 hr.
  • Take up to eight credit hours of 500-level CHM coursework in addition to CHM 580*

*The eight additional hours of 500-level CHM courses can be taken as electives or can be used to fulfill the requirements for an undergraduate chemistry concentration or Biochemistry major as long as the student meets the department's requirement for taking 500-level courses.  Undergraduate students wishing to take 500-level CHM courses must have junior or senior standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Special permission may be granted to students whose GPA is below 3.0 if the student provides a compelling case for enrolling in the course.

M.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Chemistry

To complete the M.S. degree (M.S. awarded in GRD CHM 41), students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework at the 500–600 level and the courses listed below either as a requirement for their B.S. degree or as a requirement for their M.S. degree. The graduate coordinator will review the transcript of each student to ensure that students do not repeat courses they have already completed (C or better) at the undergraduate level. All students in this program will have an American Chemical Society Certified Degree once the M.S. degree requirements are complete.

  • CHM 361 or 561 Biochemistry Laboratory – 1 hr.
  • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis – 4 hrs.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry – 3 hrs.
  • CHM 437 or 537 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory – 1 hr.
  • CHM 471 or 571 Physical Chemistry I Laboratory – 1 hr.
  • CHM 476 or 576 Physical Chemistry II – 3 hrs.
  • CHM 524 Analytical Separations – 3 hrs.
  • CHM 599 Research – 2-4 hrs.
  • CHM 697 Research – 6-8 hrs.
  • CHM 699 Thesis – 1 hr.
  • The remainder of the 30 required 500-600 level hours must be met by 500-level Chemistry (CHM) courses.

The total number of graduate research hours (CHM 599 + CHM 697) must equal 10. 

B.S./M.S.-Biochemistry (BCM 4+1)

B.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Biochemistry

The B.S. degree will be awarded once the candidate has met the All-University Degree Requirements, completed the Departmental Common Curriculum Requirements, and completed the B.S. Requirements listed below:

  • Complete any one of the undergraduate concentrations in Chemistry or a major in Biochemistry at Bradley University
  • CHM 499 Research - 2 hrs.
  • CHM 580 Literature Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry - 1 hr.

*The eight additional hours of 500-level CHM** can be taken as electives or can be used to fulfill the requirements for an undergraduate chemistry concentration or a biochemistry major as long as the student meets the department's requirement for taking 500-level courses.  Undergraduate students wishing to take 500-level CHM courses must have junior or senior standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater. Special permission may be granted to students whose GPA is below 3.0 if the student provides a compelling case for enrolling in the course.

M.S. Requirements for B.S./M.S. Biochemistry

To complete the M.S. degree, students must complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework at the 500–600 level and the courses listed below either as a requirement for their B.S. degree or as a requirement for their M.S. degree. The graduate coordinator will review the transcript of each student to ensure that students do not repeat courses they have already completed (C or better) at the undergraduate level. All students in this program will have an American Chemical Society Certified Degree once the M.S. degree requirements are complete.

  • CHM 361 or 561 Biochemistry Laboratory – 1 hr.
  • CHM 420 or 520 Instrumental Analysis – 4 hrs.
  • CHM 436 or 536 Inorganic Chemistry – 3 hrs.
  • CHM 465 or 565 Protein Structure and Function - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 466 or 566 Intermediary Metabolism - 3 hrs.
  • CHM 524 Analytical Separations – 3 hrs.
  • CHM 599 Research – 2-4 hrs.
  • CHM 697 Research – 6-8 hrs.
  • CHM 699 Thesis – 1 hr.
  • BIO 310 Genetics - 3 hrs.
  • BIO 464 or 564 Cell Biology - 4 hrs.
  • The remainder of the 30 required 500-600 level hours must be met by 500-600 level chemistry (CHM).

The total number of Graduate research hours (CHM 599 + CHM 697) must equal 10. 

Student Organization

All students are encouraged to join the Chem Club, a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. Based upon their many educational, service, and social activities, the Bradley chapter has been consistently ranked in the top tier of the approximately 900 chapters by the Society’s Committee on Education. Chapter members perform chemical demonstrations at local elementary schools, judge science fairs, participate in Mole Day and National Chemistry Week, host invited lectures, and much more.

Internship And Co-Op Programs

Numerous opportunities exist in the greater Bradley area (e.g., at Caterpillar, Inc., the medical school, hospitals, USDA lab, crime lab, or environmental labs) for students to gain off-campus career-related work experiences. Students who participate in internships and co-ops typically begin their experience during their sophomore or junior year.

Study Abroad

Because advances in science are often made by international teams of individuals collaborating to reach a common goal, majors are encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience. In addition to the cultural and educational benefits, study abroad experiences will broaden the professional opportunities available to the student. The University’s Study Abroad Office works in conjunction with the department in the placement of students. Majors who choose to study abroad generally do so during their junior year.

This is the official catalog for the 2021-2022 academic year. This catalog serves as a contract between a student and Bradley University. Should changes in a program of study become necessary prior to the next academic year every effort will be made to keep students advised of any such changes via the Dean of the College or Chair of the Department concerned, the Registrar's Office, u.Achieve degree audit system, and the Schedule of Classes. It is the responsibility of each student to be aware of the current program and graduation requirements for particular degree programs.