51

Students in chemistry performing lab

Chemistry is the study of the elementary parts and substances that make up our world, both the parts that occur in nature as well as man-made objects. 

Chemistry is known as the "central science" because of its relationship to all other sciences. Thus, a minor in chemistry nicely complements any other science major. 

Our alumni go into medical research, healthcare professions, manufacturing (particularly research and development), scientific writing and marketing, law (particularly areas of law that deal with science such as intellectual property), forensics and toxicology, aspects of engineering and production, teaching, sales, consulting, and government agency work.

The opportunity to participate in research as an undergraduate is a distinct advantage for 51 undergraduates. At most large, research universities, research opportunities for undergraduates are limited; there are fewer of them and they often are reserved for juniors or seniors. At 51, you can get involved as early as freshman year. Students work directly with faculty and graduate students on their current research projects, and sometimes find themselves published in a peer-reviewed journal right alongside the faculty member. Participating in undergraduate research is an excellent way to enhance your resume for graduate school or employment.

Program Type

Minor

Program Format

On Campus

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Requirements

The minor in Chemistry consists of a minimum of 20 credits in chemistry, with at least 9 of these at or above the 300 level in residence at 51.

Students must maintain an average GPA of 2.0 in all minor courses attempted at 51. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all minor courses attempted, including any transfer work. does not count toward the minor and is not included in the minor GPA. 

General Chemistry Requirement 1
General Chemistry5
General Chemistry and Qualitative Analysis5
Select one course from three of the following areas: 25-10
Analytical:
Elementary Quantitative Analysis
Instrumental Analysis
Biochemistry:
Introduction to Biochemistry
Biochemistry: Protein Structure and Function
Biochemistry: Cellular Processes
Introduction to Biochemistry Laboratory
Biochemistry: Metabolism
Inorganic:
Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Inorganic Chemistry
Bio-Inorganic Chemistry
Organic:
Introductory Survey of Organic Chemistry
Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry Laboratory
Organic Chemistry
Physical:
Biophysical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry I
Physical Chemistry II
Physical Chemistry Laboratory
Total Credits15-20
1

Students without high school chemistry or whose background in science is weak may need to take prior to enrolling in .

2

At least one course with a laboratory, beyond general chemistry, must be taken. 

Letters & Science Minor Advising

Advising for the minor takes place within the department by a faculty member or staff member. Follow the steps using the "Declare a Minor" button on the department’s website which may include instructions on how to select a faculty advisor if there is more than one to choose from.

Students who already have an L&S college advisor because their degree plan is in L&S can discuss the minor with them as well since they will be familiar with any minor in L&S. Students who are working on a degree from a 51 college other than the College of Letters & Science will not need an L&S college advisor for just a minor and one will not be assigned. These students should work with the faculty or staff advisor they receive as part of the minor declaration process or contact the department directly for assistance.

Applicants who have not started classes at 51 yet who wish to declare a minor should wait until they are registered for their first 51 classes and then can declare the minor using the “Declare a Minor” button on the program’s website. If you have questions about the minor before then, contact let-sci@uwm.edu.

Contact

Prospective Undergraduate Students (not yet enrolled at 51)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.eduǰ414-229-7711.

Current Undergraduate Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the college advising office at ls-advising@uwm.eduǰ414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Chemistry & Biochemistry, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to Bailey Hewitt.