The SUU chemistry division is committed to instilling an understanding of chemistry and its relevance through quality teaching, scholarly activities and service.

1. tbirdnation.suu.edu
suu.edu
10 SCIENTIFIC
GUIDELINES FOR
MAJORING IN
CHEMISTRY

2. 1. Start your chemistry courses
right away
It is best to have the general chemistry and organic
chemistry series under your belt before taking most
of the upper division classes. To do this and still
graduate in four years, you need to start general
chemistry right away.

3. 2. Don’t take 18
credits of chemistry
in one semester
Chemistry courses are
typically more difficult than
your average college course.
Therefore, do not plan on
taking 18 credits every
semester.

4. 3. Gain a quality education
The professors are up to date on the latest research
they are teaching and are engaged in research of their
own. Having a dynamic, working knowledge of
chemistry is so helpful to students once they graduate.

5. 4. Prepare for high student
expectations
Students are held to high expectations in the
chemistry program. Chemistry is a difficult subject
matter, but instead of dumbing down the concepts
professors expect students to rise to the challenge
and gain a firm understanding of the material.

6. 5. Take advantage of
professors’ office hours
Ask questions about concepts
you don’t fully understand and
gain your professor’s insight on
career opportunities and side
research you may be conducting.

7. 6. Plan out your semesters
If you want to graduate in four years, you are going to
have to take multiple difficult chemistry courses at
once. Be aware that some of the courses are only
offered in the fall of even years or in the spring.

8. 7. Complete your math series
through at least Calculus 2
Completion of Calculus 2 is a pre-requisite for many
of the upper division chemistry courses. You may
have to take higher math courses if you want to do
a professional chemistry emphasis or a health care
emphasis.

9. 8. Use the Gibson
Fellowship for research
The Gibson Fellowship is
available to students working on
research. Students involved in a
research project can apply for
this fellowship that, if awarded,
will allow them to get paid for
their research hours.

10. 9. Work at the SUU Water Lab
Working here is a great opportunity to study new lab
techniques, acquire proper lab practices and learn
analytical chemistry.

11. 10. Lots of career possibilities
Career opportunities in chemistry are diverse
and multifaceted. Anything and everything we
make involves chemistry in the process. Explore
your options through internships and on-
campus opportunities so you can be better
prepared for grad school and your future career.

12. www.suu.edu
JOIN THE
PROGRAM
TODAY!