Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences, Chemistry
New! Starting Spring 2026
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences, Chemistry degree is certified by the American Chemical Society. This ensures the depth and breadth of chemistry background that prepares students for graduate studies in materials science, polymer chemistry, environmental chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, drug design, natural products, alternative energies, and a variety of other fields. Many graduates pursue additional studies in medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and others. Still other graduates obtain rewarding jobs in industry, including quality control, analytical chemistry, environmental testing, toxicology, food science, essential oils, diagnostic testing, adhesive development, forensic chemistry, and many other fields.
Students earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences, Chemistry can choose a Pre-Medical Science Track as part of their degree.
Academic Advising
Your academic advisor is a critical partner in fostering your success at IU South Bend and beyond. Your advisor will help you explore academic majors and careers, plan your degree, choose classes, learn about internships and study abroad, and much more. To see who is assigned as your advisor, visit your Student Online Advising Record in one.iu.edu. For more information about advising at IU South Bend, visit the website for the Undergraduate Advising Center.
Final responsibility for meeting degree requirements rests with the student.
Questions about advising? Email sbadvise@iu.edu or call (574) 520-4550.
Degree Requirements
Current students can view their degree pathway in Stellic >>
Students receiving the Bachelor of Science in Physical Sciences degree must complete 120 credits including the following.
- IU South Bend General Education Curriculum (33 cr.) to include:
- MATH-M 215 | Fulfills Fundamental Literacies Quantitative Reasoning
- PHYS-P 303 | Fulfills Extended Literacies
- PSCI-S 106 (pending approval)| Fulfills Information Literacy
- Core Requirements (60 cr.)
- Foundation (26 cr.)
- Major Coursework (34 cr.)
- Supporting Requirements (10-16 cr.)
- Mathematics (10 cr.)
- World Languages (0-6 cr.)
- Minimum of 30 credit hours at the 300– or 400–level
- Core Requirements must be completed with a grade of C– or higher.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 for Core Requirements.
- At least 30 credit hours must be taken in residence at IU South Bend, of which at least 12 credits must be in the major at the 300– or 400–level.
- All courses are 3 credit hours, unless otherwise noted.
Core Requirements (60 cr.)
Foundation (26 cr.)
- CHEM-C 105 Principles of Chemisty I
- CHEM-C 106 Principles of Chemistry II
- CHEM-C 125 Experimental Chemistry I (2 cr.)
- CHEM-C 126 Experimental Chemistry II (2 cr.)
- PHYS-P 221 Physics 1 (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 222 Physics 2 (5 cr.)
- PHYS-P 303 Digital Electronics (4 cr.)
- PSCI-S 106 Freshman Seminar (1 cr.)
Pending final approval - PSCI-S 490 Senior Seminar (1 cr.)
Pending final approval
Major Coursework (34 cr.)
- CHEM-C 310 Analytical Chemistry (4 cr.)
- CHEM-C 341 Organic Chemistry Lectures 1
- CHEM-C 342 Organic Chemistry Lectures 2
- CHEM-C 343 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 1 (2 cr.)
- CHEM-C 344 Organic Chemistry Laboratory 2 (2 cr.)
- CHEM-C 360 Introductory Physical Chemistry (3 cr.)
- CHEM-C 3xx Physical Chemistry Laboratory (1 cr.)
- CHEM-C 410 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation (4 cr.)
- CHEM-C 430 Inorganic Chemistry
- PHYS-P 301 Modern Physics
- PHYS-P 340 Statistical Thermodynamics
- Three or more credits above the 200–level of AST, CHEM, GEOL, PHYS, or PSCI. Other courses subject to departmental approval.
Supporting Requirements (10-16 cr.)
Mathematics (10 cr.)
- MATH-M 215 Calculus (5 cr.)
- MATH-M 216 Calculus II (5 cr.)
World Language (0-6 cr.)
Successful completion of a second-semester language class (102), placement into/beyond the third-semester language class (203), or formal training, as evidenced by secondary or university diplomas or transcripts, in a language other than English. The Department of World Language Studies (WLS) offers a placement examination to determine into which semester a student should enroll and/or to qualify students for credit by examination.