Oct 26, 2025

2012-2013 Academic Catalog

2012-2013 Academic Catalog THIS IS AN ARCHIVED CATALOG. LINKS MAY NO LONGER BE ACTIVE AND CONTENT MAY BE OUT OF DATE!

Chemistry Major

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Please refer to the Science section of this catalog.

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. The W.M. Keck Science chemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Learning Outcomes of the Program in Molecular Chemistry

Students majoring in chemistry will:

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 biochemistry.
Be able to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems.
Have a mastery of techniques and skills used by chemists.

Requirements for the Major

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

CHEM 014L KS - Basic Principles of Chemistry and
CHEM 015L KS - Basic Principles of Chemistry or
CHEM 029L KS - Accelerated General Chemistry with Lab or
both semesters of the AISS course (AISS 001AL , AISS 001BL , AISS 002AL , AISS 002BL )
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 and
PHYS 034L KS - Principles of Physics or
both semesters of the AISS course (AISS 001AL , AISS 001BL , AISS 002AL , AISS 002BL )
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 (or two half courses) in chemistry, molecular biology, or interdisciplinary electives involving chemical concepts or techniques, chosen in consultation with the chemistry faculty.
Senior Thesis in Chemistry: chemistry majors must complete one of the following: Chemistry 188L–190L, Chemistry 189L–190L, or Chemistry 191. For further information, see “Senior Thesis in Science.” Students MUST do a two-semester research thesis (Chemistry 188L–190L) in order to complete the ACS accredited major in chemistry.
CHEM 188L - Senior Thesis Research Project in Chemistry
CHEM 189L - Senior Thesis Summer Research Project in Chemistry
CHEM 190L - Senior Thesis Research Project in Chemistry, Second Semester
CHEM 191 - One-Semester Thesis in Chemistry
CHEM 199 - Independent Study in Chemistry

Notes:

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

Honors Requirements (All Tracks)

To be considered for departmental honors in one of the science majors, a student must:

Achieve a minimum grade point average of 10.5 in courses in the major.
Complete a one- or two-semester thesis project in which the student has demonstrated excellence by making a significant contribution to the progress of the research and by producing a thesis document judged to be of honors quality by the department.
Present an oral progress report at the end of the first semester of a two-semester thesis and a poster at the conclusion of either a one- or two-semester thesis in which the student clearly explains the rationale for the project and the conclusions drawn, engages the listener, and knowledgeably answers questions.
Attend at least six scientific seminars during the semester (each semester for a two-semester thesis) and submit a brief and clear summary of each.