Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers two majors—a B.S. in Biochemistry and a B.S. in Chemistry (certified by the American Chemical Society)—and a minor in Chemistry. 

Major Programs

The majors in Biochemistry and Chemistry are designed to provide sound training in the fundamental principles and basic techniques of the science, progressing to in-depth advanced study and research opportunities. The Chemistry major is certified by the American Chemical Society and allows students to explore the five divisions of chemistry: organic, physical, analytical, inorganic and biochemistry. The Biochemistry major offers a comprehensive training in this dynamic field through several specialized lecture and lab courses as well as the freedom to individualize the curriculum with 3 advanced elective options.   

The rigorous undergraduate curriculum prepares students for graduate study in the chemical and/or biochemical sciences at any university, medical school, dental school, or for industrial, teaching, or research careers. Most of our graduates pursue advanced degrees in the Chemical, Biochemical or Medical Sciences.

Undergraduate Advising

All declared chemistry and biochemistry majors will be assigned an academic advisor at the time the major is declared. Entering first-year students with declared majors in chemistry and biochemistry will receive their advisor’s contact information over the summer before their arrival on campus. The academic advisors work with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to ensure that all majors receive sufficient assistance in planning their academic programs throughout the four years. Research is strongly encouraged in our department and many undergraduate students join a research group at some point in their career. Once a research mentor has been selected, he/she will assume the academic advising duties for the student.

Chemistry & Biochemistry Majors—the First Two Years

The first year includes Majors General Chemistry I & II (CHEM 1300 & 1400) and Majors General Chemistry Lab I & II (CHEM 1305 & 1405). CHEM 1105 & 1205 can also be used to fulfill the first-year lab requirement for majors with permission from the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Calculus (Math 1350 and/or 1360) and core courses round out the first year (note: Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are exempt from the social science requirement). Biochemistry majors additionally take Foundations in Biology (BIOL 1203, 1213 & 1204, 1214) in the first year. Chemistry majors interested in pursuing future medical studies may also elect to take Foundations in Biology in the first year.

In the second year, most students complete Majors Organic Chemistry I with Lab (CHEM 2300 & 2105) and Majors Organic Chemistry II with Lab (CHEM 2400 & 2205), as well as Principles of Physics I & II with Lab (PHYS 2051 with Lab PHYS 2056 & 2052 with Lab PHYS 2057 or PHYS 2101 & 2102) and either Multivariable Calculus (MATH 2370) or Intro Math Statistics (MATH 2140). Chemistry and Biochemistry majors must take CHEM 2300 and CHEM 2400 to fulfill the Organic Chemistry I and II requirement. After the second year, the course requirements for the two majors diverge. Any student who has not completed this program by the end of sophomore year should consult with his/her academic advisor and/or the Director of Undergraduate Studies to work out a plan to ensure an on-time graduation.

Requirements for the B.S. in Chemistry 

  • 2 Majors General Chemistry and Majors Lab (CHEM 1300, 1305, 1400, 1405)
  • 2 Majors Organic Chemistry and Lab (CHEM 2300, 2105, 2400, 2205)
  • 2 Physical Chemistry (CHEM 3300 & 3400)
  • 1 Analytical Methods with Lab (CHEM 3100 & 3105)
  • 1 Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 3600)
  • 1 Synthetic Methods Lab (CHEM 3605)
  • 1 Physical-Chemical Measurements (CHEM 4305)
  • 1 Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 4405)
  • 1 Biochemistry I (CHEM 4100)
  • 1 Advanced science elective. Chemistry courses which can be used in fulfilling the advanced science course requirement include Chemistry Research (CHEM 3709 & 3809), or any of the courses numbered CHEM 5000 or higher. Upper-level courses in other science departments (e.g., Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) may count as electives with prior approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. All advanced electives should be at least 3-credits.

Corollary Requirements:

  • 2 Calculus I and Calculus II (MATH 1350 & 1360)
  • 1 Either Multivariable Calculus (MATH 2370) or Intro to Math Statistics (MATH 2140)
  • 2 Principles of Physics I & II with Lab (PHYS 2051, 2056 & 2052, 2057 or PHYS 2101 & 2102)

Requirements for the B.S. in Biochemistry

  • 2 Majors General Chemistry and Majors Lab (CHEM 1300, 1305, 1400, 1405)
  • 2 Majors Organic Chemistry and Lab (CHEM 2300, 2105, 2400, 2205)
  • 1 Physical Chemistry for Biochem (CHEM 3350)
  • 1 Analytical Methods with Lab (CHEM 3100 & 3105)
  • 1 Experimental Methods in Biochemistry (CHEM 3805)
  • 2 Biochemistry I & II (CHEM 4100 & 5200)
  • 1 Experimental Methods in Biophysical Chemistry (CHEM 4505)
  • 1 Advanced biochemistry elective. Courses that can fulfill this requirement include CHEM 5040, 5420, 5430 and 5435. Upper-level courses in the Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology and Pharmacology Departments may count as electives with prior approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. All advanced electives should be at least 3-credits.
  • 2 Advanced science electives. Chemistry courses which can be used in fulfilling the advanced science course requirement include CHEM 3605, 3709, 3809, 3600, 4405, and those numbered 5000 or higher. A maximum of 3-credits of Chemistry Research (CHEM 3709 or 3809) may be applied toward the major, though additional credits may be taken as general electives. Upper-level courses in other science departments (e.g., Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) may count as electives with prior approval of the Director of Undergraduate Studies. All advanced electives should be at least 3-credits.

Corollary Requirements:

  • 2 Calculus I and Calculus II (MATH 1350 & 1360)
  • 2 Foundations in Biology I and II with Lab (BIOL 1203, 1213 & 1204, 1214)
  • 1 Either Multivariable Calculus (MATH 2370) or Intro to Math Statistics (MATH 2140)
  • 2 Principles of Physics I & II with Lab (PHYS 2051, 2056 & 2052, 2057 or PHYS 2101 & 2102)

Advanced Credit

An AP score of 5 or IB score of 6 or 7 on the Chemistry exam earns 3 free elective credits (does not count toward major or minor requirements). All Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are required to take General Chemistry Lecture and Lab I (CHEM 1300 & 1305).

Chemistry and Biochemistry Honors Programs

The Honors Programs in both Chemistry and Biochemistry require a significant research experience which culminates in both an oral presentation of the research results and the completion of a research-based thesis deemed acceptable by the faculty. Students in the Honors Program are required to maintain an average of at least B (GPA 3.0) both in their major and overall. Juniors with a major GPA of 3.5 will be invited by the department to participate in the program generally at the beginning of October. Others are welcome to apply during the fall semester of their junior year.

For a Chemistry Honors degree, a student must complete the regular requirements of the Chemistry major, with the exception of being relieved from taking either Synthetic Methods Lab (CHEM 3605) or Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 4405). In addition, they will take two semesters of Honors Research (CHEM 4809 & 4909) and a final semester of Honors Thesis (CHEM 4999). The advanced Chemistry elective must be a graduate level chemistry course, chosen in consultation with the research mentor.

For a Biochemistry Honors degree, a student must complete the regular requirements of the Biochemistry major, two semesters of Honors Research (CHEM 4809 & 4909) and a final semester of Honors Thesis (CHEM 4999). One of the advanced science electives must be a graduate level course, chosen in consultation with the research mentor.

Study Abroad

The Chemistry Department is eager to accommodate the study abroad aspirations of Chemistry and Biochemistry majors. Advanced planning is advisable given the sequential nature of the curriculum. Interested students are encouraged to consult with their advisor or the Director of Undergraduate Studies at the earliest possible opportunity. Students are also encouraged to apply for summer study abroad/research abroad programs as a means to acquire international experiences.

Minor in Chemistry

Requirements for the Minor

The Chemistry minor consists of two additional courses beyond the General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry sequences, chosen from among the following:

  • Physical Chemistry (CHEM 3300, 3400 or 3350), Analytical Chemistry with lab (CHEM 3100 & 3105), Synthetic Methods Lab (CHEM 3605), Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 3600), Chemical Transformations in the Environment (CHEM 3500), Chemistry Research (CHEM 3709, 3809), Biochemistry (CHEM 4100) and Experimental Methods in Biochemistry (CHEM 3805). One of the two courses must include a laboratory component.

A minor in Chemistry, when combined with an appropriate major, qualifies a student for a variety of science-related postgraduate activities, such as graduate work in art conservancy, a career in environmental or patent law, and many jobs in industry.

(For course listings for Chemistry see the Schedule of Classes)