Chemistry, BS, Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan for the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Sample Plan for New Students
The sample shows a typical plan to complete the degree based on current degree requirements and course offerings, and is not the only possible plan. The number of credits for each course is in parentheses. Some classes have prerequisites, and the order of courses in the sample plan accounts for these. Each new student, in consultation with their advisor, will complete a personal academic plan tailored to their specific goals and interests.
- Semester Degree Plan (for students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond)
- Quarter Degree Plan (for students who enroll prior to Summer 2027)
For more information about Seattle University's transition to the semester calendar, visit SU Moves to Semesters.
Degree Requirements
- Minimum Credits to Graduate: 120 semester credits or 180 quarter credits
- Credits in Major: 64 semester credits or 96-98 quarter credits
- Minimum Major GPA: 2.0
- Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0
Semester-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll in Summer 2027 or beyond
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 1350 – General Chemistry I / CHEM 1351 – Chemistry of Water Lab (4) | CHEM 1360 – General Chemistry II / CHEM 1851 – Ocean Acidification Lab (4) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1344 – Calculus I (4) | MATH 1346 – Calculus II (4) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1000 (3) | UCOR Stage I (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage I (3) | General Elective (3) |
| Course 5 |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Meet with your Academic Advisor each term for registration approval.
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 2450 – Organic Chemistry I / CHEM 2451 – Organic Chemistry Lab I (4) | CHEM 2460 – Organic Chemistry II / CHEM 2461 – Organic Chemistry Lab II (4) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 1210 Physics I /1211 – Physics I Lab (4) | PHYS 1220 – Physics II / PHYS 1221 – Physics II Lab (4) |
| Course 3 | MATH 2330 (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage II (3) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 5 |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Meet with your Academic Advisor each term for registration approval.
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 3050 – Quantitative Analysis (5) | CHEM 3560 – Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics / CHEM 3561 -- Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics and Kinetics Lab (4) |
| Course 2 | CHEM 3550 – Physical Chem I: Quantum Theory and Statistical Mechanics (3) | CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research or 4950 -- Internship (1) |
| Course 3 | CHEM 4985 – Fall Seminar (1) | UCOR Stage II (3) |
| Course 4 | UCOR Stage II (3) | UCOR Stage III (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (5) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Meet with your Academic Advisor each term for registration approval.
| Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 3650 – Intro Biochemistry (3) | CHEM 4050 – Instrumental Analysis (4) |
| Course 2 | CHEM 3150 – Inorganic Chemistry / CHEM 3151 Inorganic Chemistry Lab (4) | CHEM 4000-Level Elective (3) |
| Course 3 | UCOR Stage III (3) | CHEM 4995 - Spring Seminar – Spring Seminar(1) |
| Course 4 | General Elective (3) | UCOR Stage III (3) |
| Course 5 | General Elective (3) | General Elective (3) |
| Course 6 | General Elective (3) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Meet with your Academic Advisor each term for registration approval.
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Stage I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Stage. For more information, please visit the University Core Website.
Stage I: Foundations
- UCOR 1000/2000 Signature Seminar
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- UCOR 1200 Quantitative Reasoning
- UCOR 1500 Philosophies of Humanity
Stage II: Inquiry
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2300 Inquiry Seminar in Creative Arts and Expression
- UCOR 2400 Inquiry Seminar in Literature, Art, or History
- UCOR 2600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- UCOR 2800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
- UCOR 29XX Ethical Inquiry
Stage III: Engagement
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3200 Global Perspectives
- UCOR 3300 Responsibility and Action
Curriculum Notes
- Assumes placement into CHEM 1350/1351 by 1 year of high school chemistry, college credit, or CHEM 1050. Students without sufficient prior chemistry should take CHEM 1050 before CHEM 1350/1351
- Assumes placement into MATH 1344 by SAT/ACT, SU placement, or college credit
- Pre-Health electives are recommendations or requirements for health programs (medical/dental/PA/pharmacy/etc.), that differ between programs, such as genetics, anatomy, statistics, and psychology. They should be selected in consultation with a Pre-Health Advisor.
Plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Reach out to the College of Science and Engineering Advising Center for support via email at se-adv@seattleu.edu
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.
Quarter-Based Degree Plan
Four-Year Sample Plan For New Students
For students who enroll prior to Summer 2027
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 1500 – General Chem I + CHEM 1501 – Lab (4+1) | CHEM 1510 – General Chem II + CHEM 1511 – Lab (4+2) | CHEM 1520 – General Chem III (4) OR CHEM 1590 – Research Focused Gen Chem III (5) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1334 – Calculus I (5) | MATH 1335 – Calculus II (5) | MATH 1336 – Calculus III (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS 1210 – Mechanics + PHYS 1211 – Lab (4+1) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 2500 – Organic Chem: Structure & Reactivity + CHEM 2501 Organic Chem Lab: Techniques (4+2) | CHEM 2510 – Organic Chem: Functional Group Interconversion + CHEM 2511 – Organic Chemistry Lab: Applications (4+2) | CHEM 2520 – Organic Chem: Reactions of Pi-Systems + CHEM 2521 – Organic Chem Lab: Projects (3+1) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 1220 – Electricity & Magnetism + PHYS 1221 – Lab (4+1) | PHYS 1230 – Waves, Optics, and Heat + PHYS 1231 – Lab (5) | MATH 2330 – Multivariable Calculus (3) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
| Course 4 | General Elective (5) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 3000 – Quantitative Analysis (5) | CHEM 2100 – Fundamental Inorganic Chem (3) | |
| Course 2 | CHEM 3500 – Physical Chem: Quantum, Spectroscopy, & Bonds (3) | CHEM 3510 – Physical Chem: Thermodynamics & Kinetics + CHEM 3511 – Phys Chem Lab: Technical Analysis (4+1) | CHEM 3520 – Phys Chem: Photochem/stattherm (3) |
| Course 3 | CHEM 4985 – Senior Synthesis Seminar I (1) | CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research (1-6) OR CHEM 4995 – Senior Synthes Seminar II (1) | General Elective (5) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 3600 – Intro Biochemistry (5) OR CHEM 4000 – Instrumental Analysis (5) | CHEM 4995 – Senior Synthesis Seminar II (1) | |
| Course 2 | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | CHEM 4000 – Instrumental Analysis (5) |
| Course 3 | General Elective (7) | General Elective (9) | General Elective (8) |
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Meet with your academic advisor quarterly for registration approval.
Four-Year + PreHealth Plan For New Students
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 1500 – General Chem I + CHEM 1501 – Lab (4+1) | CHEM 1510 – General Chem II + CHEM 1511 – Lab (4+2) | CHEM 1520 – General Chem III (4) OR CHEM 1590 – Research Focused Gen Chem III (5) |
| Course 2 | MATH 1334 – Calculus I (5) | MATH 1335 – Calculus II (5) | MATH 1336 – Calculus III (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | PHYS 1210 – Mechanics + PHYS 1211 – Lab (4+1) |
Year 1 Steps for Success
- Take the Math placement test
- Review admissions requirements for health professional programs
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 2500 – Organic Chem: Structure & Reactivity + CHEM 2501 Organic Chem Lab: Techniques (4+2) | CHEM 2510 – Organic Chem: Functional Group Interconversion + CHEM 2511 – Organic Chemistry Lab: Applications (4+2) | CHEM 2520 – Organic Chem: Reactions of Pi-Systems + CHEM 2521 – Organic Chem Lab: Projects (3+1) |
| Course 2 | PHYS 1220 – Electricity & Magnetism + PHYS 1221 – Lab (4+1) | PHYS 1230 – Waves, Optics, and Heat + PHYS 1231 – Lab (5) | MATH 2330 – Multivariable Calculus (3) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 1XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) |
| Course 4 |
Pre-Health Elective (5) |
Year 2 Steps for Success
- Gather summer volunteer & internship info
- “Pre-Health Elective” (see Curriculum Notes)
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | CHEM 3000 – Quantitative Analysis (5) | CHEM 2100 – Fundamental Inorganic Chem (3) | |
| Course 2 | CHEM 4985 – Senior Synthesis Seminar I (1) | CHEM 4990 – Undergraduate Research (1-6) OR CHEM 4995 – Senior Synthes Seminar II (1) | Pre-Health Elective (5) |
| Course 3 |
*BIOL 1620 – Evolution & Ecology + *BIOL 1621 – Lab (4+1) |
*BIOL 1610 – Molecular & Cellular Biology + *BIOL 1611 – Lab (4+1) |
*BIOL 1630 – Physiology & Development + *BIOL 1631 – Lab (4+1) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 2XXX – University Core (5) | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
*Not required for BS CHEM but recommended or required for most Pre-Health programs
Year 3 Steps for Success
- Think about recommendation letters and application plans
- Decide when to take MCAT/DAT/etc and prepare for the test
| Course | Fall | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 |
*CHEM 3500 – Phys Chem: Quantum/Spectroscopy/Bond + *CHEM 3501 – Phys Chem Lab: Methods/Apps (4+1) |
CHEM 3510 – Phys Chem: Thermodynamics/Kinetics + – CHEM 3511 – Phys Chem Lab: Techni/Analysis (3+2) | CHEM 3520 – Phys Chem: Photochem/stattherm (3) |
| Course 2 |
†CHEM 3600 – Intro to Biochem (Chem / Pre-Health Elective (5) |
Pre-Health Elective (5) | CHEM 4000 – Instrumental Analysis (5) |
| Course 3 | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) | Pre-Health Elective (5) | CHEM 4995 – Senior Synthesis Seminar II (1) |
| Course 4 | UCOR 3XXX – University Core (5) |
*Not required for BS CHEM but recommended or required for most Pre-Health programs
†PHYS 2080 – Intro to Quantum Physics (4) may be taken instead of CHEM – 3500
Year 4 Steps for Success
- Consider options for gap year(s) that will strengthen your application
University Core Requirements
UCOR classes are listed in the sample plan as Module I, II, and III. See below for UCOR course titles listed by Module. See my.seattleu.edu for prerequisites and www.seattleu.edu/core for course descriptions. Honors and Matteo Ricci students have different Core requirements.
Module I
- UCOR 1100 Academic Writing Seminar
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1200 Quantitative Thinking
- UCOR 1300 Creative Expression & Interpretation
- UCOR 1400 Inquiry Seminar in the Humanities
- UCOR 1600 Inquiry Seminar in the Social Sciences
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 1800 Inquiry Seminar in the Natural Sciences
Module II
- UCOR 2100 Theological Explorations
- UCOR 2500 Philosophy of the Human Person
- UCOR 2900 Ethical Reasoning OR UCOR 2920 Ethical Reasoning Health Care
Module III
- UCOR 3100 Religion in a Global Context
- UCOR 3400 Humanities and Global Challenges
- UCOR 3600 Social Sciences and Global Challenges
- Satisfied in Major: UCOR 3800 Natural Sciences Global Challenges
Curriculum Notes
- Assumes placement into CHEM 1500/1501 by 1 year of high school chemistry, college credit, or CHEM 1000. Students without sufficient prior chemistry should take CHEM 1000 before CHEM 1500/1501
- Assumes placement into MATH 1334 by SAT/ACT, SU placement, or college credit
- Pre-Health electives are recommendations or requirements for health programs (medical/dental/PA/pharmacy/etc.), that differ between programs, such as genetics, anatomy, statistics, and psychology. They should be selected in consultation with a Pre-Health Advisor.
- For complete information on courses, prerequisites, etc., please consult the Explore & Compare Programs page.
Use MySeattleU Student Planning to plan your courses and work closely with your academic advisor on your educational plan. You are responsible for tracking changes and ensuring you meet all degree requirements.
Visit the Seattle U Advising Services page for support or reach out to the Advising Center. Email CSE Advising at se-adv@seattleu.edu.
Resources for Success
Soar during your time here:
- Find support for academic success, inclusion, and professional formation from the Student Success division.
- Receive equal access to courses, programs, and activities with Disability Services.
- Get answers to common questions at the Student Resource Network.
Excel in every class:
- Sign up for academic support with Learning Assistance Programs.
- Strengthen your writer’s voice at the Writing Center.
- Level up your skills at the Math Lab.
Source the best research:
- Connect with your librarians for support on research and assignments.
- Search the expansive network of books, eBooks, databases, journals and more.
Graduate on time:
- Map out your degree plan with academic advising.
- Keep your momentum going with Summer Programs.
Build your future career:
- Meet with a Career Advisor from the Career Engagement Office.
- Explore career options at the “What Can I Do With This Major” page.
Expand your horizons:
- Apply for Undergraduate Research Funding Opportunity.
- Create something at the Media Production Center or Billodue Makerspace.