COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at University of Colorado Denver is designed to provide students with a strong scientific foundation and advanced laboratory training across multiple areas of chemistry while preparing them for careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and graduate or professional education. The program learning goals emphasize developing knowledge in major chemistry sub-disciplines as defined by the American Chemical Society, along with the ability to apply chemical principles to solve qualitative and quantitative problems individually and collaboratively. Students gain hands-on research experience by designing experiments, analyzing data, and presenting scientific findings through professional oral and written communication using proper chemical conventions. The curriculum also trains students to identify scientific problems, locate and evaluate reliable information sources, and interpret scientific literature effectively. Ethical reasoning, laboratory safety, and responsible scientific conduct are core components of the program, ensuring students understand professional standards and safe laboratory practices. To complete the degree, students must satisfy university graduation requirements, the CU Denver Core Curriculum, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences requirements in addition to major-specific coursework. The major requires a minimum of 66 credit hours, including at least 45 Chemistry credit hours and 18 ancillary credits in related sciences such as physics and mathematics, with at least 16 upper-division Chemistry credits. Students must maintain a minimum grade of C- in all major courses and achieve a cumulative major GPA of at least 2.0. The program also includes restrictions on transfer credits and course age requirements to ensure students maintain current scientific knowledge. Opportunities for double majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry are available, allowing students to combine overlapping coursework while selecting unique electives for each degree. Overall, the program combines rigorous academic training, research opportunities, ethical scientific practice, and practical laboratory experience to prepare graduates for advanced study and professional careers in scientific and healthcare fields.