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Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions 

• What degrees do you offer for undergraduates?
• What is the difference between a Bachelor of Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts? How many course hours does each require?
• My adviser asks what my “catalog” is. What does this mean and how can I find out what mine is?
• Can I concentrate in a specific area of study?
• How many course hours are required for a minor?
• Where should I go if I want to speak to an adviser about majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry?
• What do I do if I decide to change my major?
• Do I need to see my adviser before I register for classes?
• Which classes can I take on a pass/fail basis?
• What classes are required for pre-med?
• What is UTeach Outreach?
• Can I receive credit for undergraduate research?
• Where do I go if my class is in WEL? In WCH?
• What chemistry and biochemistry student organizations does UT have?

What degrees do you offer for undergraduates? 
You may pursue either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Chemistry or Biochemistry. The course requirements and degree plans for each are available in the university’s Undergraduate Course Catalog.

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What is the difference between a Bachelor of Sciences and a Bachelor of Arts? How many course hours does each require? 
The B.S. degree requires 127 hours, concentrates more on the major area (chemistry or biochemistry), and requires fewer non-technical electives. The B.A. degree requires 120 total hours and less concentration on your major. The B.S. degree is usually chosen by students wishing to pursue a professional career in science, whereas the B.A. is chosen by students interested in the health professions. The course requirements and degree plans for each degree can be found in the Undergraduate Course Catalog.

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My adviser asks what my “catalog” is.  What does this mean and how can I find out what mine is?
This is in reference to the UT Undergraduate Course Catalog that was in use when you entered UT. The catalog is good for two academic years, so if you entered UT in fall 2004, you are using the 2004-2006 catalog. However, if you entered in fall 2006, you are using the 2006-2008 catalog. Ask your adviser if you need help determining which catalog you should use.

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Where should I go if I want to speak to an advisor about majoring in chemistry or biochemistry? 
Drop by the Chemistry Undergraduate Course Office (WEL 2.212) and arrange to speak to an advisor. More information is available on the Advising Office page.

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What do I do if I decide to change my major? 
To initiate a change of major, contact the dean’s office of the college you will be transferring to. To transfer to a chemistry or biochemistry major, contact the Office of the Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Student Division, at W.C. Hogg 1.106, 471-4536. Our departmental advisors may be able to assist you as well.

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Do I need to see my advisor before I register for classes? 
Yes, all chemistry and biochemistry majors will have a registration bar that prevents them from registering until they have seen their advisor. To help prepare you for your advising session, use the College of Natural Sciences’ web-based advising worksheet. You must use your UT EID to access the worksheet, which will be available a few weeks prior to the pre-registration period each semester.

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Which classes can I take on a pass/fail basis? 
Classes that are taken to satisfy “elective” hours and that do not fulfill any other degree requirements may be taken pass/fail. For example, CMS 306M does not fulfill any specific degree requirement for a B.S. in chemistry or biochemistry and could therefore be taken pass/fail. It is a good idea to contact an advisor before you decide to change the status of a class. Drop by the Undergraduate Course Office if you have questions.

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I’m interested in going to medical school. What classes are required for pre-med? 
Students who are interested in any of the allied health professions (pharmacy, medical, dental, physical therapy, occupational therapy, veterinary, osteopathy, and optometry) or other related health professions programs are encouraged to make an appointment with a counselor at the Health Professions Office to discuss prerequisites for these programs and to discuss their plans and goals.

Health Professions Office
Painter Hall 5.03
471-3172

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What is UTeach Outreach? 
Through the UTeach Outreach program, our department offers students an opportunity to teach hands-on science labs in local elementary schools. Students in the program develop and conduct an original experiment and attend a weekly seminar. More information about this program is available at the Undergraduate Course Office. There are two options available: CH 207K: Introductory Science Outreach in Elementary Schools, or CH 371K: Science Outreach in Elementary Schools. We encourage you to speak with one of our advisors about this program and how it can be applied to your degree requirements. More information about the program is available on the UTeach Outreach website.

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Can I receive credit for undergraduate research? 
Chemistry and biochemistry majors are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research, especially if they are considering graduate school, as it provides practical lab experience under the guidance of a faculty member. Chemistry and biochemistry majors pursuing a B.S. degree can use research to count towards their upper-division elective requirement. More detailed information can be found on our Undergraduate Research page.

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Where do I go if my class is in WEL? In WCH? 
WEL is Robert A. WELCH Hall, located at 24th and Speedway Streets, and home of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. WCH is the W.C. HOGG building, located between Welch Hall and the Main building, and home to the College of Natural Sciences Dean’s Office. You can view both locations on the UT Campus Map.

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