Chemistry
Bachelor of Science
Xavier's Chemistry program empowers you to master the five main branches of the field: organic, inorganic, analytical, physical and biochemistry. You'll receive hands-on experience through individual research projects alongside expert faculty, conducting experiments in our modern campus labs. An ACS-approved pathway is available; speak with your advisor for details.
Fall
- CHEM 160: General Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 161: General Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- MATH 140: Concepts of Calculus............ 4cr.
- CORE 100: First Year Seminar OR THEO 111............ 3cr.
- ENGL 101/115 English Composition/Rhetoric ............ 3cr.
- CORE 101: GOA............ 0cr.
Spring
- CHEM 162: General Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 163: General Chemistry II Lab............ 1cr.
- CHEM 180: Intro to Chemical Enterprise............ 1cr.
- STAT 146: Introductory Biostatistics............ 4cr.
- PHIL 100: Ethics as Intro to Philisophy............ 0cr.
- HIST 199: Historical Perspectives............ 3cr.
- CORE 102: GOA............ 0cr.
Fall
- CHEM 240: Organic Chemistry I............ 3cr.
- CHEM 241: Organic Chemistry I Lab............ 1cr.
- PHYS 160: College Physics I............ 3cr.
- PHYS 161: Introductory Physics Lab I............ 1cr.
- THEO 111: Theological Foundations............ 3cr.
- Second Language Elective I............ 3cr.
Spring
- CHEM 242: Organic Chemistry II............ 3cr.
- CHEM 243: Organic Chemistry Lab II............ 1cr.
- PHYS 162: College Physics II............ 3cr.
- PHYS 163: Introductory Physics Lab II............ 1cr.
- CHEM 226: Quantitative Analysis............ 3cr.
- CHEM 227: Quantitative Analysis Lab............ 1cr.
- Second Language II............ 3cr.
Fall
- CHEM 220: Biophysical Chemistry............ 3cr.
- CHEM 340: Instrumental Analysis............ 3cr.
- PHIL 200: Philosophical Foundations............ 3cr.
- ENGL 205: Literature and Moral Imagination............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- CHEM 300: Research Ethics............ 3cr.
- CHEM 341: Instrumental Analysis Lab............ 1cr.
- Humanities Elective............ 3cr.
- Social Science Elective ............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Fall
- Chemistry Elective............ 3cr.
- CHEM 400: Research/Seminar............ 1cr.
- Creative Perspectives Elective............ 3cr.
- Theological Perspectives (E/RS) Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
Spring
- Chemistry Elective............ 3cr.
- CHEM 400: Research/Seminar............ 1cr.
- E/RS Elective............ 3cr.
- Diversity Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- General Elective............ 3cr.
- CORE 499............ 0cr.
High Medical School Acceptance Rate
Xavier students have an 86 percent acceptance rate to medical schools (5-year average, Class of 2023), compared to 40 percent nationally.
Exciting Career Opportunities
Analytical Chemist, Biotechnologist, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Technician, Clinical Scientist, Dentist, Food Scientist, Organic Chemist, Forensic Lab Analyst, Industrial Chemist, Pharmacist, Physician, Research and Development Chemist, Synthetic Chemist, Toxicologist, Water Quality Analyst
Career Preparation
Xavier's Career Development Office assists students in their search for employment by offering individual career counseling sessions, conducting workshops and maintaining an employer database. More than 100 nationally known companies visit the campus annually to interview graduating seniors for open positions.
General Chemistry I /Lab (CHEM 160/161)
This is a pre-professional course approved by the American Chemical Society for chemistry majors. It covers the fundamental principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, states of matter, stoichiometry, energy relationships, periodic table and solution chemistry. The following mathematical concepts are used: scientific notation, logarithms, the quadratic equation and proportionality. Lab work includes practice in the basic operations of chemical laboratory work.
Intro to Chemical Enterprise (CHEM 180)
An introduction to concepts and techniques needed to succeed as a professional chemist. Topics to be discussed include the chemical literature, scientific ethics, guidelines for presenting talks, and molecular modeling.
Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 240)
This course is the first in a two semester sequence of organic chemistry. This is a pre-professional course approved by the American Chemical Society for chemistry majors and required of many other science majors. This course examines the basic structure, properties, preparation and reaction mechanisms of organic compounds.
Chemistry Research/Seminar (CHEM 400)
Undergraduate students engage in hands-on research guided by faculty mentors, culminating in a comprehensive thesis. Weekly seminar sessions provide opportunities for students to present their findings, engage with guest speakers, and foster discussion around diverse scientific topics.
Biochemistry (CHEM 440)
This course covers into the intricacies of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids. This course explores their structural components, distinctive properties, and their vital roles in cellular metabolism.
Alchemyst Club
Ever been to a liquid nitrogen ice cream social? This club is made up of chemistry enthusiasts who love to experiment and discuss the ins and outs of the study of matter.
Minorities in STEM Succeeding Together
Become part of a supportive community dedicated to empowering minority STEM majors. Discover a space where you can thrive, connect with peers and build confidence in your identity while pursuing excellence in STEM.
Physics Club
Students in the Physics Club organize trips to national labs, host cool experiment series and events that connect to physics, like ice skating (friction!) and water balloon launches.
Program Features
Gain invaluable hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation, and even have opportunities to present your research findings at conferences.
Specializations include Chemistry for Business, Chemical Education, Computational Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry and Pre-Health focuses.
With small class sizes, you'll benefit from personalized mentorship, direct guidance and one-on-one collaboration, ensuring you receive the support needed.
For a few extra credit hours, your degree can be certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), giving you a competitive edge in the job market and for graduate school applications.
These four chemistry graduates are making big impacts in science, business and education. Read more about their journeys to success.
Grounded in Jesuit values, our program prepares you to apply your scientific knowledge for the greater good of society through critical reflection, ethical considerations and a commitment to social justice.
FAQ
Turn your curiosity into expertise with Xavier's chemistry major. Learn more.A chemistry degree opens up a wide range of career opportunities, thanks to the strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical skills it imparts. Here are some common career paths:
Research
- Chemist: Conducting research in various fields, such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or biochemistry
- Research scientist: Working in industries like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or materials science
- Academic researcher: Teaching and conducting research at universities
Industry
- Chemical engineer: Designing and developing chemical processes and products
- Pharmaceutical scientist: Developing new drugs and medications
- Biotechnologist: Developing new products and processes using biological techniques
- Materials scientist: Developing new materials with specific properties
Government and Non-profit Organizations
- Environmental scientist: Studying the environment and its impact on human health
- Forensic scientist: Analyzing evidence to solve crimes
- Patent attorney: Protecting intellectual property related to scientific discoveries
Chemistry and Biochemistry are related fields, but they have distinct focuses.
- Chemistry is the study of matter, its composition, properties, and the changes it undergoes. Chemists explore a wide range of substances, from simple molecules to complex compounds.
- Biochemistry is a specialized branch of chemistry that focuses on the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Biochemists study the molecules and reactions involved in biological processes like metabolism, DNA replication, and enzyme activity.
In essence, Chemistry is the broader field that studies all matter, while Biochemistry is a specific branch focused on the chemistry of life.
Yes. The University Scholars Honors Program offers incoming students a more challenging curriculum and close support from professors while completing their undergraduate degree. Acceptance into the program is highly selective and includes a $2000 travel grant.
Chemistry Program at Xavier University
The Chemistry major at Xavier University is a minimum 120-hour degree program that is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and leads to the Bachelor of Science degree. The curriculum covers the five major fields (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry), the preparation and identification of compounds, and the literature on the subject.
Xavier University’s College of Arts and Sciences challenges students to develop an integrated understanding of humanity, the world, and God by pursuing the questions raised in Xavier's core and departmental curricula. The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college at Xavier University. The college provides an excellent liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition that prepares students for careers, professional or graduate school, and life in a global society.
Xavier University is a private university located in Cincinnati, Ohio, providing a liberal arts education in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Founded in 1831, the University is the sixth-oldest Catholic university in the nation. It has been ranked among the top 10 master's-level universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for the past two decades. The Princeton Review names it one of the "Best 385 Colleges in America."