Chemistry Major

Chemistry

The student of chemistry examines, describes and explores the composition, structure and properties of substances and the changes they undergo. This curriculum provides a firm foundation in the principles of chemistry as well as sufficient experience to prepare the student for basic research, secondary school teaching, the pursuit of a career in medicine, or graduate study in the field.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing a major in Chemistry should demonstrate the ability to:

1. Be able to apply knowledge of chemistry, physics and math to solve chemical problems.
2. Possess a breadth of knowledge in analytical, physical, organic, analytical, inorganic and bio-chemistry.
3. Be able to identify, formulate and solve complex problems.
4. Have a mastery of techniques and skills used by chemists.

The student of chemistry examines, describes and explores the composition, structure and properties of substances and the changes they undergo. This curriculum provides a firm foundation in the principles of chmeistry as well as sufficieent experience to prepare the student for basic research, secondary school teaching, the pursuit of a career in medicine, or graduate study in the field. 

Advisor: A. Leconte 

Major Requirements

The major in Chemistry requires a minimum of 13-15 courses and a thesis.

Required Courses

• CHEM 014L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry -CHEM 015L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry ; or CHEM 029L KS -Accelerated General Chemistry ; or CHEM 042L KS  - Integrated Biology and Chemistry.
• CHEM 116L KS -Organic Chemistry -CHEM 117L KS -Organic Chemistry  
• CHEM 121 KS -Ppls Phys Chem: Thermochemistry -CHEM 122 KS -Ppls Phys Chem: Quantum Chem  
• PHYS 033L KS -Principles of Physics I -PHYS 034L KS -Principles of Physics II ; or PHYS 030L KS  -PHYS 031L KS -General Physics Life Sciences II , with permission of adviser; or both semesters of the AISS course
• CHEM 126L KS -Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry -CHEM 127L KS -Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry  
• CHEM 128 KS -Inorganic Chemistry  
• CHEM 177 KS -Biochemistry  
• Electives: one advanced elective (two halves) in chemistry, molecular biology, or interdisciplinary electives involving chemical concepts of techniques, chosen in consultation with the chemistry faculty
• Senior Thesis in Chemistry: chemistry majors must complete one of the following: CHEM 188L KS -Sr Thesis Rsrch Project in Chem  -CHEM 190L KS -Sr Thes Rsrch Proj Chem-2nd Sem  , or CHEM 191 KS -One-Semester Thesis in Chemistry  . For further information, see “Senior Thesis in Science.”

NOTES: MATH 031 PZ -Calculus II  is co-required of CHEM 121 KS  and MATH 032 PZ -Calculus III  is co-required for CHEM 122 KS . Additional electives in chemistry, mathematics, physics and computer science are strongly recommended for all chemistry majors.