Chemistry, Basic, B.S.

Requirements for the Basic Chemistry Major:

Additional Requirements

• Mathematics through:

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

• Two terms of introductory physics:

• PHY 110 -  Physics for the Life Sciences 1

• and

• PHY 111 -  Physics for the Life Sciences 2

• or

• PHY 120 -  Matter in Motion

• and

• PHY 121 -  Principles of Electromagnetics

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: 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). 

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.