Chemistry, B.A.
School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
Program Overview
As a chemistry student, you’ll consider the nature of matter and its transformation and interaction with energy. You’ll train to work at the forefront of scientific and medical research in industry, government, and academia. Upon graduation, you’ll join alumni employed as chemists across a range of fields—from government labs testing food, air, and water quality to private industries seeking new sources of energy. The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department has particular strength in biochemistry and medicinal chemistry, and departmental research has led to patents and commercial technologies. The Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry requires more advanced science and mathematics courses than the Bachelor of Arts degree.
Major Details
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Major Requirements (56–70 Credits)
One of the following sets of courses:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry 1200 and 1201
- Chemistry and Biochemistry 1050 and 2060 and 1201
- Chemistry and Biochemistry 1050 and 2050
- Chemistry and Biochemistry 1100
Students must complete either Chemistry and Biochemistry 2100 or both Chemistry and Biochemistry 2200 and 2201.
All of the following:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry 2110, 3410 or 3415W, 3510 or both 3511 and 3512, 3520 or both 3521 and 3522, 3900, 4600 or 4610.
At least five credits chosen from the following:
- Chemistry and Biochemistry 2700, 3420, 4530, 4550, 4570, 4571, 4572, 4580, 4581, 4620, 4640, 4720, 4760, 4761, either 4780 or 4790.
One of the following physics sequences:
- a) Physics 1100 (or Physics 1111 and 1112) and 2100; or
- b) Physics 1150 and 2150; or
- c) Physics 1150 and 2100
The following mathematics sequence:
- Math 1006 or assignment by the Department of Mathematics to Math 1011, 1012, or 1026
- Math 1011, 1012, or 1021 and 1026, or assignment by the Department of Mathematics to Math 1201 or 1206
- Math 1201, or assignment by the Department of Mathematics to Math 1206
- Math 1206
A minimum of 15 credits in advanced courses in chemistry must be completed at Brooklyn College with a grade of C- or higher in each course.
Student Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
- Students can recall and apply the basic principles of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry.
- Students demonstrate a detailed understanding of specific areas of chemistry as determined by the student’s choice of elective courses and research experience.
- Students can make informed ethical decisions with regard to the verification of their results, reporting of their methodology and observations, and their citation of sources.
Skills
- Students demonstrate the ability to use common laboratory equipment and to maintain experimental records.
- Students can critically analyze data and assess possible sources of error.
- Students demonstrate the ability to search scientific literature to address both conceptual and factual questions.
- Students can communicate scientific concepts effectively in both written and oral formats.
- Students can assess the hazards associated with laboratory procedures and apply suitable safety precautions.
Degree Maps
To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, Brooklyn College has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.
View degree maps for this major and others.
Contact
Laura Juszcak, Program Coordinator
3119 Ingersoll Hall
E: ljuzak@brooklyn.cuny.edu
P: 718.951.5000 ext. 1426
Or contact:
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
222 West Quad Center
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210
E: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu
To make an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor, visit:
The Support You’ll Find
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Internships and Employers
Through job fairs, the internship database, and internship panels, the Magner Career Center gives students in the chemistry B.A. program access to career opportunities at a wide variety of employers, including:
- Brookhaven National Laboratory
- Horiba
- Icahn Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
- Merck
- New York City Department of Education
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
- New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital
- New York Public Interest Group
- New York University
- Northwell Health
- Pfizer
- Rutgers University
- Schrodinger
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Weill Cornell School of Medicine
