Advising

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Boise State University is an excellent place to pursue the study of chemistry. Our Bachelor's of Science in Chemistry and Biochemistry allows you to choose from eight different emphases: ACS Certified Professional, ACS Certified Biochemistry, Biochemistry, Forensics, Geochemistry, Pre-medical, Business, and Secondary Education. The professional emphasis is accredited by the American Chemical Society. The department has excellent teaching and research facilities. Our students gain hands-on experience in both teaching and research laboratories equipped with modern instrumentation. Coursework is highly integrated with laboratory experimentation. The chemistry program culminates in the final year of study with a two semester original research project that is conducted as a collaboration between the student and one or more faculty mentors.

Department Advisors

If you would like to become a Chemistry Major or would like to inquire about becoming a major, please contact Jenny Weaver at jweaver@chem.boisestate.edu or (208) 426-4491. She will answer general questions for you and assign you an advisor.

Key Information for Students
Scheduling
Make an appointment with your Advisor two to three weeks before your registration date. Register for classes as your registration time slot becomes available.

ENROLLMENT FAQ's

1. How Do I Fulfill the Math Prerequiste for C111?
2. How Do I Get Into A Closed Chemistry Class?
3. What are my options?
4. Chemistry Majors
5. How do I get into research?
6. I'm a transfer student. I need help!

1. How Do I Fulfill the Math Prerequiste for C111?

You must pass (with a C or better) MATH 143 or MATH 147 or successfully complete the Math Placement Exam. Call 426-2762 for an appointment for the placement exam.

2. How Do I Get Into A Closed Chemistry Class?

IMPORTANT!
If you are enrolled in a chemistry lab - You must attend the first week of lab, or you may be dropped from both lab and lecture. This is especially true when there are students waiting to enroll in your section. If you are absent, you run the risk of being dropped from both lecture and lab within 24 hours!!

NOTE: If you need to switch to another section that has an opening - Do NOT drop your current slot to add another! This must be done in person at the BroncoWeb Help Desk (in A110) to prevent losing BOTH spots.

IF ALL LAB SECTIONS OF A CLASS ARE FULL, WE CANNOT SIGN YOU INTO THE CLASS!
The Chemistry Department does not override course capacity. This is because we do not have equipment for more than the designated class capacity.

3. What are my options?
The following instructions apply to CHEM 101/102, 105, 111/112, and 307/308

Before Classes Begin. . .
Keep Watching BroncoWeb!
There is usually a lot of movement in enrollment as the first week of class approaches.

Once Classes Start...
During the first week of classes:
Watch BroncoWeb often for openings, as those who do not attend the lab in which they are enrolled may well be dropped from both lab and lecture to create openings.
We DO NOT take waiting lists. We have no control over openings that occur on the web.
Attend the first week of lecture/lab (as long as room capacities are not exceeded)
so that if an opening becomes available, you are not behind.
During the second week of classes:
Contact the instructor for a permission number, then keep watching BroncoWeb! If a spot becomes available, you may enroll. Permission numbers will allow enrollment for available openings only - they do not override class capacity.

4. Chemistry Majors
If you are a Chemistry major and cannot get into a class that may affect your graduation schedule, contact Jenny Weaver (email: jweaver@chem.boisestate.edu or phone: (208) 426-4491) to determine an appropriate course of action to minimize delays in graduation.

5. How do I get into research?
Get a head start on your future career regardless of your current major through research in Chemistry. Research in Chemistry will prepare you in many areas to stand out from other graduates when starting your job search in your chosen profession. Some of the advantages you will have include planning and preparation to achieve goals, problem solving, structuring your time, communicating your results, and working in an independent environment. For additional information, see the research section of our web site, and the Research Packet.

6. I'm a transfer student. I need help!
Are you transferring to Boise State University? Do you need to evaluate a transfer course for chemistry credit OR for use as a prerequisite course for a BSU chemistry course? If you are attempting to transfer such classes, you will need to go through a review process. Please contact Jenny Weaver (email: jweaver@chem.boisestate.edu or phone: (208) 426-4491) for more information regarding this process.

Chemistry Major Emphases
Common Information
All emphases require a full sequence of calculus and one year of physics. The chemistry core classes include general, analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. For specific information concerning each of these emphases, please consult with the Advising Packet.

General Emphasis
The general emphasis prepares students for employment as chemists or for admission to graduate or medical school.

ACS-Certified Professional Emphasis
The professional emphasis, which is certified by the American Chemical Society, includes additional requirements beyond the general emphasis, such as linear algebra and differential equations. This emphasis better prepares students for a graduate program in chemistry.

Biochemistry Emphasis
The biochemistry emphasis prepares students for admission to medical or dental school or for employment in technical fields requiring a strong background in biochemistry, with knowledge of theories and techniques in genetics and molecular biology. In addition to the core chemistry classes, requirements of the biochemistry emphasis include zoology, cell biology, and genetics.

ACS-Certified Biochemistry Emphasis
The professional biochemistry emphasis includes the same structure as the biochemistry emphasis but strengthens it with the class, lab and research work to obtain certification by the American Chemical Society.

Business Emphasis
The business emphasis combines a set of foundational chemistry classes with courses in other areas to prepare students for work in business, particularly businesses with a science/chemistry related focus.

Forensics Emphasis
The forensics emphasis combines a set of foundational chemistry classes with courses in other areas to prepare students for work in the specialized field of forensics.

Geochemistry Emphasis
The geochemistry emphasis combines a set of foundational chemistry classes with courses in other areas to prepare students for work in the specialized field of geochemistry.

Pre-Med Emphasis
The pre-med emphasis provides a foundation in chemistry while requiring the completion of standard courses required for application to medical school.

Chemistry Minor
Many majors outside of Chemistry require enough Chemistry that a Chemistry minor can be obtained with only another class or two.

Chemistry, Secondary Education
The Chemistry, Secondary Education program combines content knowledge, theories of learning and human development, study of curriculum, and methodology, to help students develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions essential for success in secondary school teaching. The program is grounded in the conceptual framework of the reflective practitioner. Reflective practitioners adjust their teaching approaches and learning environment to the needs and backgrounds of their students. Candidates who complete this program have demonstrated evidence of meeting the Idaho Beginning Teacher Standards and are eligible for recommendation for state certification.
Students wishing to pursue this degree must meet the requirements and standards for admission to teacher education, which are described fully under the Department of Curriculum, Instruction and Foundational Studies or at http://education.boisestate.edu. Students must meet all knowledge, skill, and disposition requirements to remain in the program.

Chemistry Minor Certification Endorsement
Chemistry Minor Certification Endorsement is a way of expanding your teaching credentials to include Chemistry.