Loyola University Chicago

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Undergraduate Programs

‌The Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry offers four undergraduate major degree programs: BA in Chemistry, BA in Biochemistry, BS in Chemistry, and the BS in Biochemistry.  These programs follow prescribed professional guidelines and the CHEM-BS degree is  approved by the American Chemical Society. Loyola programs are unique because of the close contact between students and faculty, due to smaller class sizes in advanced classes. Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty members spend significant time assisting students both in and out of the classroom.

Loyola's Bachelor of Science (BS) degree programs in Chemistry or Biochemistry offer opportunities to excel in a fundamental area of science. The prestige of these programs is based on the success of students in developing their goals for work in industry, academia, and/or diverse professional schools and in adopting the Loyola mission of applying knowledge in the service of humanity.

At the completion of the Undergraduate Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry, students will be able to:

  1. answer knowledge and comprehension type questions related to fundamental chemical concepts and demonstrate fluency with basic facts, terminology, and principles in the various subfields of chemistry.
  2. understand and describe the chemical basis of life, our natural resources and environments, and the universe.
  3. retrieve, research, synthesize, and critically evaluate scientific literature.
  4. design and implement experiments that test predictive hypotheses, gather relevant data, analyze results, and interpret the significance of these results.
  5. operate state of the art equipment used by chemists and biochemists.
  6. engage in scientific reasoning with claims based on supported evidence and communicate effectively results and interpretations of scientific research.

The programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry lay firm foundations for majors and give other students a cultural background in these fields. The BS programs are intended primarily for those undergraduates who have career goals in Chemistry or Biochemistry (i.e., an industrial or academic chemistry career most probably following graduate training for the MS and/or PhD degrees) but are also good preparation for careers in medicine, law, pharmacy and other professions.

The BA programs are intended for those undergraduates who have career goals in fields other than Chemistry or Biochemistry, but for which a strong background is desirable (e.g., medicine, dentistry, technical sales, patent law).

New Curriculum 2023

Old

Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors can use the files below to track their progress through the major.

Tracking Sheets - New Curriculum 2023

 Tracking Sheets - Old

Chemistry Minors can use the file below to track their progress through the minor.

Study Abroad Options

Links to Related Programs

Please take a few minutes to investigate the exciting opportunities available for you at Loyola University's Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. If you would like to receive more information by mail, about Chemistry & Biochemistry and the University itself, please contact Undergraduate Admissions.