Chemistry Major

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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.

Requirements for the Major

Learning Outcomes of the Program in Chemistry

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

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

The major in Chemistry requires a minimum of 13-15 courses:

CHEM 014L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry -CHEM 015L KS -Basic Principles of Chemistry ; or CHEM 029L KS -Accelerated General Chemistry ; or CHEM 040L KS -Introduction to Biological Chemistry and CHEM 015L KS ,or both semesters of the AISS course
CHEM 116L KS -Organic Chemistry -CHEM 117L KS -Organic Chemistry
CHEM 121 KS -Principles of Physical Chemistry -CHEM 122 KS -Principles of Physical Chemistry
PHYS 033L KS -Principles of Physics -PHYS 034L KS -Principles of Physics ; or PHYS 030L KS -PHYS 031L KS -General Physics for the Life Sciences , 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 -CHEM 190L KS , or CHEM 191 KS . 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.