Chemistry Requirements

Students in the Chemistry Department are provided a firm foundation in the fundamental principles of the discipline. Majors have access to a wide range of instruments for coursework and research projects under supervision of a faculty that includes teaching specialists in analytical, environmental, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Many students go on to graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry or to careers in medicine, dentistry, health-related fields, or the chemical industry. Other career choices in recent years have included patent law, chemical engineering, environmental science, computer science, and molecular biology.

The department offers several programs: (1) the chemistry major, (2) the chemistry-biochemistry major, (3) the chemistry major with a concentration in cell and molecular biology/biochemistry, (4) the chemistry-environmental sciences concentration, and (5) the chemistry minor. Additionally, each type of chemistry major can earn accreditation by the American Chemical Society (ACS) with additional courses selected in consultation with the advisor and with approval of the chair. More information about ACS certification can be found on the Chemistry Department website. Chemistry majors who intend to apply for admission to medical, dental, or veterinary schools should also take a biology course with a laboratory. For maximum flexibility, students are encouraged to take Chemistry 141 and 142 (or Chemistry 147 or Chemistry 121 and 122) in their first year.

Students interested in a teaching career are urged to read the “Education” section of the catalogue and to contact a member of the Education Program.

Chair, Associate Professor Karena McKinney

Associate Chair, Professor Jeffrey Katz

Professors Jeffrey Katz, Whitney King, Julie Millard, and Dasan Thamattoor; Associate Professors Rebecca Conry, Karena McKinney, and Kevin Rice; Assistant Professors Greg Drozd and Lindsey Madison; Senior Laboratory Instructors Lisa Miller, Edmund Klinkerch, and Victoria Hepburn

Chemistry 141 and 142 (or 121 and 122, or 147), 241, 242, 341, 342, 493, 494, and two courses from Chemistry 261 or 263, 362 or 367, 411; two laboratory courses from Chemistry 321, 351, 367L, 413, 442, 452 (452 can serve as both required laboratory courses); Mathematics 160 (or 165); Physics 141 (or 143) and 145.

Chemistry 141 and 142 (or 121 and 122, or 147), 241, 242, 341, 367 (with laboratory), 368 (with laboratory), 493 and 494, and one course from Chemistry 261, 263, 342, 378, 411, 444, 452; Mathematics 160 (or 165); Physics 141 (or 143) and 145; Biology 163 and 279 (with laboratory). Biology 279 and/or biochemistry courses used to fulfill a biology major cannot count toward the major in chemistry-biochemistry.

Chemistry 141 and 142 (or 121 and 122, or 147), 241, 242, 341, 367 (with laboratory), 368 (with laboratory), 378, 493, and 494; Biology 163 and 279 (with laboratory); Mathematics 160 (or 165); Physics 141 (or 143) and 145. Biochemistry 367, 368, 378, and Biology 279 cannot be double-counted toward both a biology major and a major in chemistry with a concentration in cell and molecular biology/biochemistry.

Chemistry 121 and 122 (or 141 and 142, or 147), 241, 242, 261 and 263, 341, 351, 493, 494, one course from Chemistry, 342, 362, 367, or 411; and one laboratory course from Chemistry 321, 367L, 413, 442, or 452; Mathematics 160 (or 165); and Physics 141 (or 143) and 145.

Each major must complete a chemistry-related independent study project equivalent to two (or preferably three) credit hours. This requirement may be satisfied through independent study, internship, or summer research, and it forms the basis of the seminar presentations in Chemistry 493 and 494. An off-campus research experience must have prior approval of the chair of the Chemistry Department to satisfy this requirement.

The seminar program (Chemistry 493 and 494) is an opportunity for students to interact with professionals in the field from other institutions and the chemical industry. All senior chemistry majors are required to enroll in Chemistry 493 and 494. Junior chemistry majors are strongly encouraged to attend and may enroll in either Chemistry 493 or 494.

The point scale for retention of the major applies to all required courses and all elected chemistry courses. No requirement for the major may be taken satisfactory/unsatisfactory.

Majors in chemistry are encouraged to elect an honors research project with approval of a faculty sponsor in the department. Honors research normally entails eight to 10 credits across the senior year. Successful completion of the work of the honors research project, and of the major, will enable the student to graduate with “Honors in Chemistry.” Attention is also called to the Senior Scholars Program.

Chemistry 141 and 142 (or 147, or 121 and 122), 241; at least two courses from Chemistry 261 or 263, 341 or 342, 362 or 367, and 411; and one laboratory course from Chemistry 321, 367L, 341L, 351, 413, 442, and 452. Courses selected to fulfill the minor may not be used to satisfy requirements for any major or other minor (e.g., biochemistry courses cannot be double-counted toward another major and the chemistry minor). Students are strongly advised to consult with a member of the chemistry faculty to select a logical grouping of courses for the minor.