Chemistry

Chemistry is often referred to as the Central Science. As such, it interfaces with and illuminates numerous disciplines including physics, biology, forestry, and geology. The General Chemistry course attempts to serve future majors and students from these other disciplines by introducing all the major chemistry topics: physical chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and inorganic chemistry.  Courses in the major amplify these topics in individual courses.  Majors are encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty members, during the school year and in the summer.  Majors are also encouraged to participate in research groups at other schools during the summers.  An active seminar series allows students to give presentations as well as to listen to talks by outside speakers.

The Department of Chemistry offers the following three majors:

Chemistry examines the composition, structure, properties, and transformation of matter, from which the material world is constituted.  Topics examined range from atomic structure to the functioning of biomolecules and modern materials.  The courses offered and requirements for the major are more fully described below.

Biochemistry, offered in collaboration with the Department of Biology, explores the molecular basis of life.  The major provides a sound foundation in biology and chemistry as well as a thorough exploration of the interface between these two traditional disciplines. (See the catalog section on Biochemistry for requirements.)

Environmental Studies:  Environmental Chemistry, offered in collaboration with the Environmental Studies Program, illuminates the chemical nature of the environment and environmental issues through a multidisciplinary course of study. (See the catalog section on Environmental Studies for requirements.)

Entering students with an interest in any of the above majors are strongly encouraged to discuss their academic planning with faculty in the Department of Chemistry as early as possible in their academic career.  Students interested in advanced placement into Chemistry 102 or 201 should consult the department chair.

 
Major in Chemistry: Requirements for a major :

• Chemistry 102 or 111 or advanced placement as recommended by the department. Completion of this requirement is a prerequisite to all courses numbered 201 or higher.
• Chemistry 201 and 202.
• Chemistry 308, 311, 352.
• Chemistry 307 or 316.
• Chemistry 301 and 401 (one-half course each).
• One 400-level course beyond 401.
• Mathematics 102. [Mathematics 207 is strongly recommended].
• Physics 101, 102

In order to receive honors in chemistry, a student must have a 3.00 or higher GPA in chemistry, take two advanced electives in chemistry at the 400 level, and complete a research project that the chemistry faculty considers worthy of honors. The research project may be done as part of a course (usually Chemistry 444), or it may be done in the context of a summer research program at this University or at another institution. The honors project must involve some original work. A formal written report and a seminar presentation on the research are required. Students must inform the department of their intention to seek honors no later than the middle of the first semester of their senior year.  Please see the departmental web page for additional information about honors.

A student may minor in chemistry by taking Chemistry 102 or 111, 201, 202, and two of the following: 307, 308, 311, 352, and 422.