Chemistry, Basic, B.S.

Requirements for the Basic Chemistry Major:

Additional Requirements

Chemistry majors may fulfill their WS requirement through a two- or three-term senior research thesis under the supervision of a faculty member in the Chemistry Department (CHM 491 , CHM 492 , CHM 493 ), through performing thesis research in another department (if a double major or ID major), or through an additional writing component added to an upper-level chemistry course (with permission of the instructor and the chair of the Chemistry Department).

Additional requirements in Math and Physics

• Mathematics through and including:

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• MTH 115 - Calculus 3: Differential Vector Calculus and Matrix Theory

• and

• Two terms of introductory physics reflected below (AP Physics credit acceptable):

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• PHY 110 - Physics for the Life Sciences 1

• and

• PHY 111 - Physics for the Life Sciences 2

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• or

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• PHY 120 - Matter in Motion

• and

• PHY 121 - Principles of Electromagnetics

Requirements for Honors in Chemistry:

Candidates for honors in chemistry must have a cumulative index of at least 3.5 and an index of at least 3.5 in the courses of their major, excluding cognates, and must have at least three A or A- grades in such courses (not including any given in connection with the writing of their Senior Thesis). They must submit evidence of independent work in chemistry of substance and distinction in the form of a thesis that shall have been awarded a grade of at least A-. Candidates must fulfill the College-wide criteria for honors and they must be formally nominated by the Chemistry Department.

Course Selection Guidelines

Placement: Any student interested in taking introductory chemistry is required to take a placement examination to determine the appropriate course. Exception: a student wishing to take chemistry who has scored 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam will be automatically placed into CHM 110H  and cannot take CHM 101 . Students who have scored 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam or who successfully complete CHM 110H  will also receive AP credit for CHM 101 . CHM 110H  is offered only in the fall term. [Note: occasionally a student who places out of CHM 101  may find it more appropriate to take CHM 102  instead of CHM 110H . This decision must be made in consultation with the chair of the Chemistry Department.]

Common Curriculum Courses: CHM 060  and CHM 080  and CHM 090  are designed for the general college community. They do not count toward the chemistry major nor for interdepartmental majors that include chemistry.  CHM 101 , CHM 102 , and CHM 110H   are also appropriate courses for students wishing to complete their Common Curriculum requirements.

Prerequisites: There is a strict prerequisite structure for the chemistry curriculum, so it is very important to review individual course descriptions when planning when to take the various courses. Every 200-level course has at least one 100-level chemistry course prerequisite, and some have other 200-level chemistry courses and/or cognate courses as prerequisites. Every 300-level course has at least one 200-level chemistry course prerequisite, and some have other 300-level chemistry courses and/or cognate courses as prerequisites.

Repeating Chemistry Courses: Chemistry courses may be repeated according to the college policy, if space permits, with the following exception: a student cannot repeat a chemistry course that is a prerequisite for another chemistry or biochemistry course that the student has successfully completed. Students who want to repeat a chemistry course should consult with the chair of the Chemistry Department.