Senior Writing Experience (WS)
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).
Requirements for Honors in Chemistry:
Candidates for honors in chemistry must: 1) have a cumulative index of at least 3.5; 2) have an index of at least 3.5 in the courses of their major, including courses associated with the thesis but excluding cognates; 3) have at least three A or A- grades in major courses (not including any given in connection with the writing of the thesis); 4) 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 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 introductory 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.]
Complex Questions: Global Challenges & Social Justice Courses (for students entering Union in Fall 2022 and beyond): CHM 102 and CHM 110H address global challenges from a natural and physical science perspective (GNPS). CHM 224 addresses global challenges from an engineering, technology and society perspective (GETS).
Common Curriculum Courses (for students entering Union prior to Fall 2022): 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 in 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.