Chemistry is often called the central science, overlapping significantly with biology, physics, psychology, mathematics, geology and engineering. All studies of matter at the molecular level (for example, biochemistry, molecular biology, pharmacology, neuroscience, nanoscience, computational chemistry, solid-state physics, geochemistry, the environmental sciences, and material science and engineering) depend on the theories and methods of chemistry.
The first semester of introductory chemistry is offered at two levels.
CHEM 121 is a lecture and discussion course intended to give students a thorough introduction to the fundamental concepts, theories and methods of chemistry; enrollment priority is given to first- and second-year students. CHEM 122 is an accelerated lecture course covering a full year of general chemistry in one semester and is designed for students with previous study of chemistry. (The prerequisite for CHEM 122 is a score of 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry test.) These two courses meet at the same time. CHEM 123 is the accompanying lab course. It is highly recommended for students in CHEM 121 and is required for students in CHEM 122.
Students who have successfully completed CHEM 121 advance to CHEM 124 which continues the investigation of chemical principles as they apply to issues in modern chemistry, such as sustainability, neurochemistry, biochemistry and molecular medicine. CHEM 126 is the accompanying lab course and is highly recommended for students in CHEM 124. Students who complete CHEM 122 may enroll directly into CHEM 231 Organic Chemistry I in the spring and get an early start on the upper-level curriculum.
Completion of one of the introductory lecture and lab sequences either CHEM 121, 123, 124 and 126 or CHEM 122 and 123, is a prerequisite for enrolling in organic chemistry or any other advanced chemistry courses.
Students planning to complete medical school requirements should, in their first year, plan to take either the traditional introductory chemistry sequence CHEM 121, 123, 124 and 126 or the accelerated sequence CHEM 122, 123, 231 and 233. Please consult with your likely applicant medical schools regarding exact chemistry requirements for each institution. The following combinations should satisfy the medical school requirements for courses in general chemistry: CHEM 121, 123, 124 and 126; CHEM 122, 123, 124 and 126; or CHEM 122 and 123 but confirm with your likely applicant schools. The organic requirements should be satisfied by CHEM 231, 232, 233 and 234.
The department also offers several courses designed for students who are not planning to continue beyond one or two semesters of study. These non-majors courses, which are numbered below 120 and have no prerequisite, serve various purposes. CHEM 109 is part of the Neuroscience Concentration, and CHEM 110 is a core course for the Environmental Studies Concentration. Students wanting to complete the College requirements for one (1) unit in the natural sciences can take any two of these, and CHEM 108 satisfies the College quantitative reasoning (QR) requirement. Non-majors courses do not serve as a prerequisite for any higher-numbered courses in the department.
The chemistry curriculum begins with a series of courses covering introductory chemistry and organic chemistry in the first two years, then branches out to advanced topics in physical, inorganic, analytical and biochemistry. Because of this vertical structure, we advise students to begin their study of chemistry as soon as possible. This also helps capitalize on secondary-school preparation in math and science, the roots of college chemistry.
Students who are considering a chemistry, biochemistry or molecular biology major should plan to take CHEM 121 and 123 or CHEM 122 and 123 in their first semester and continue on with the appropriate chemistry courses in the second semester, either CHEM 124 and 126 or CHEM 231 and 233. The chemistry major is rounded out with an offering of courses and labs on the major sub-disciplines of the field, along with seminar-style special topics courses. Opportunities to work on independent research projects are available at all levels of the curriculum.
A capstone chemistry research seminar for seniors in the fall semester guides students through a self-study of an individual research topic, and the Senior Capstone in the spring semester involves preparing and presenting a 30-minute talk on two research papers on the senior research topic.
Chemistry majors are well prepared for professional employment or graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry and related fields; the health sciences such as medicine, dentistry and nursing; the veterinary sciences; secondary-school teaching; engineering; the environmental sciences; business and law; and public service. The major emphasizes the development of independent, critical thinking as well as problem-solving and communication skills. Our department is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and students may elect to receive a degree certified by the ACS (see below).
Numerous opportunities exist for students to participate in the life of the department through (1) undertaking research with faculty members, (2) participating in social and outreach activities, (3) advising the department in the hiring and evaluation of faculty members and other matters and (4) working as stockroom assistants, laboratory proctors, paper graders and tutors.
The minimum requirement for a chemistry major is eight to nine lectures courses and six to seven laboratory courses in the department, including the following:
CHEM 121, 123, 124 and 126
or
CHEM 122 (prerequisite: AP score of 4 or 5) and CHEM 123
CHEM 231 and CHEM 233 (prerequisite: CHEM 124 and 126 or CHEM 122 and 123)
CHEM 243 (prerequisite: CHEM 122 or 124)
CHEM 335 (prerequisite: CHEM 122 or 124 and MATH 112 strongly recommended)
CHEM 341 (prerequisite: four semesters of CHEM lab or permission of instructor)
CHEM 475 (prerequisite: senior standing)
CHEM 232 (prerequisite: CHEM 231)
CHEM 336 (prerequisite: CHEM 122, 124 or 126; co-requisite: Introductory physics)
CHEM 401 (prerequisite: check specific section for more information)
Of special note: MATH 112 is highly recommended before enrolling in CHEM 335 or 336 and introductory physics is a co-requisite of CHEM 336.
CHEM 234
CHEM 370, 371, 372, 373 or 374
0.5 units of CHEM 375 may replace one advanced lab
Students planning to do graduate work in chemistry or related areas should take additional advanced courses in chemistry and the natural sciences division and partake in research opportunities during the school year and summer. We encourage students to take upper-level courses in departments affiliated with chemistry (biology, math, neuroscience, physics or psychology). With department approval, one of the required advanced labs can be replaced with one unit of selected 200- or 300-level coursework in another department.
For a degree to be certified by the American Chemical Society, a student must complete the equivalent of two semesters of calculus, one and a half (1.5) units of introductory physics, the minimum chemistry major plus CHEM 256 and one unit (1) of research in CHEM 375, including a comprehensive written report. Completion of Honors satisfies the research requirement. Summer or off-campus research may satisfy the research requirement if it includes a comprehensive written report.
The chemistry and biology departments offer interdisciplinary majors in biochemistry and molecular biology. Refer to the biochemistry and molecular biology section in the course catalog for more information.
The minor in chemistry requires a minimum of two and one half (2.5) units of credit earned in the chemistry curriculum; these include completion of CHEM 122 and 123 or CHEM 124 and 126, an advanced seminar CHEM 401, and two upper-level lectures from CHEM 231, 232, 243, 256, 335, 336 or 341 or additional sections of 401.
Students can gain research experience by participating in independent research CHEM 375 under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Although independent research is not required for the major, conducting research is a valuable educational experience, particularly for students planning to pursue graduate or medical training.
The Senior Capstone in chemistry has two components, one written and one oral. At the end of the fall semester, students submit a review paper on an assigned topic. During the spring semester, senior chemistry majors must prepare and present a 30-minute talk on two research papers relating to their senior research topic. See the chair and the department website for more information about the Senior Capstone.
Departmental honors in chemistry involve demonstrating excellence in both depth and breadth of the discipline, through accomplishments on a specific research project and achievement in studying the principal areas of chemistry knowledge. Students wishing to pursue senior honors research in chemistry should apply to the chemistry department chair no later than April 15 of their junior year. See the chair and department website for more information about honors in chemistry.
Any transfer credit to be counted for the chemistry major or minor must be approved in advance by the department chair.