Undergraduate Bulletin - Illinois Institute of Technology

Biological and Chemical Sciences
Optional Chemistry Degree Program Course Requirements
Students choosing to pursue one of the optional degree
programs below must take the following prescribed
courses as technical electives. Detailed sample curricula
are available for each of the degree programs, see:
www.iit.edu/csl/che/programs/undergrad.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Emphasis in Biological Chemistry
Program Advisor: N. Menhart
Biological chemistry is the study of the structure, composition,
and chemical reactions of substances found in
living systems. This option provides the necessary link
between chemistry and biology which allows students to
learn both the theory and technical skills required to initiate
and successfully complete scientific problems at the
interface of these two disciplines. The biological chemistry
option is particularly well suited for students interested in
the molecular basis of medicine. The option provides all
the necessary background material required for admission
to any medical, osteopathic, or veterinary school in the
country.
Students must take:
BIOL 210 Microbiology Lectures
BIOL 225 Microbiology Laboratory
BIOL 214 Genetics
BIOL 402 Metabolic Biochemistry
BIOL 445 Cell Biology
BIOL 446 Cell Biology Laboratory
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Emphasis in Pharmaceutical Chemistry*
Program Advisor: H. S. Chong
Pharmaceutical chemistry is an area of chemistry focused
on the development of new drugs used to prevent, cure,
or relieve symptoms of disease. Modern medical practice
relies on an enormous armamentarium of drugs that block,
counteract, or lessen the debilitating effects of disease. The
pharmaceutical chemistry option emphasizes the synthesis
and characterization of pharmaceuticals as well as the relationship
between the structure of the drug to its biological
activity.
Students must take:
CHEM 455 Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 531 Tactics of Organic Synthesis
CHEM 539 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Chemistry
BIOL 402 Metabolic Biochemistry
CHEM 497 Special Problems
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Emphasis in Polymer Chemistry*
Program Advisor: B. Mandal
A polymer is a chain of small molecules linked together
to form a larger single molecule. Chemists make polymers
because of their unique properties which they impart to
products such as paints and adhesives, drug delivery systems,
and artificial skin. The polymer chemistry option
emphasizes the techniques involved in the synthesis and
characterization of polymeric materials.
Students must take:
CHEM 455 Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHEM 470 Introduction to Polymer Chemistry
CHEM 535 Advanced Polymer Chemistry
CHEM 537 Polymer Chemistry Laboratory
CHEM 542 Polymer Characterization and Analysis
* Students interested in pursuing the Pharmaceutical Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry degree option must submit a formal letter
of intent to a program advisor by the end of their second year. To insure adequate performance in CHEM 455 and graduate-level
organic chemistry courses, students should have completed CHEM 237 and CHEM 239 with grades of B or better. Students must
also take the American Chemical Society placement examination in organic chemistry after they complete CHEM 239. The results
will be used for advising and tracking purposes.
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