University of New England

Degree: Bachelor of Science with a major in Laboratory Science

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Chemistry and Physics

Contact: Dr. Jerome Mullin (Chair)      jmullin@une.edu

Chemistry and physics are fundamental sciences that touch every aspect of our lives and the world around us. Chemistry is the study of matter: its chemical and physical properties, the chemical and physical changes it undergoes, and the energy changes that accompany those processes. Chemistry often is referred to as the central science; it rests upon the foundation of mathematics and physics and in turn is the essential basis for the life sciences such as biology and medicine. Chemistry is largely an experimental science, and has applications in such diverse areas of research as the development of new drugs, the search for solutions to problems of environmental pollution, and the derivation of alternative energy sources. Much cutting-edge research in biology and medicine is being carried out at the level of atoms and molecules, the particles of matter upon which the study of chemistry is based.

Physics, too, is the study of matter and energy, viewed from a different perspective. To understand living systems and the universe in which we live requires an understanding of the chemical and physical principles that operate within them.

In addition to offering majors in chemistry, chemistry/secondary education, biochemistry and laboratory science, and a minor in chemistry, the department fills a significant role for students in other programs through its introductory courses in chemistry and physics. Because of the fundamental roles of chemistry and physics in the biological, environmental, and health sciences, students in these programs benefit from the conceptual, quantitative, problem-solving, and communication skills stressed in the introductory courses, which form the foundation for later courses in the students' majors.

The laboratory science (LS) major is designed to prepare graduates for work in a variety of modern laboratory settings, ranging from biotechnology labs to quality control labs to academic, medical, or industrial research labs. The program includes a broad spectrum of laboratory courses in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology, so that the graduate will have as comprehensive a repertoire of lab skills as possible. With careful selection of electives, LS graduates wishing to become medical technologists will be well-prepared for acceptance into accredited hospital internship programs in medical technology. Upon successful completion of both the LS curriculum and internship components, the student becomes eligible to take the National Registry examinations given by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) and the National Certification Agency (NCA) for Medical Laboratory Personnel. Medical technologists (clinical laboratory scientists) are able to perform technical, supervisory, and teaching responsibilities in a clinical laboratory. Recent LS graduates have been successful in pursuing careers in industry and post-baccalaureate graduate studies.

See Undergraduate Admissions

Program Standards

The chemistry course grade point average must be maintained at 2.00 (C) or better.  Please note that there are no substitutions for the Organic Chemistry requirements.

Minor in Chemistry

A student with a major in another department may minor in Chemistry with the permission of the Chemistry and Physics Department Chair.  Twenty-three hours of course work is required for the minor in Chemistry as specified below.  This minor indicates a significant level of accomplishment in the important foundation areas of Chemistry.

CHE 110 General Chemistry I    4 cr

CHE 111 General Chemistry II   4 cr                                                                        

CHE 210 Organic Chemistry I    5 cr                                                                      

CHE 211 Organic Chemistry II   5 cr                                                                        

CHE 307 Quantitative Analysis   5 cr


Department of Chemistry and Physics Faculty

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.