Chemistry Major

Please refer to the Science section of this catalog for more information.

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 Natural Sciences Department chemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

Please note: Students who major in Chemistry are not eligible to declare a minor in Art Conservation and Heritage Science. As an alternative, interested students may pursue a dual major in Art Conservation and Chemistry. Details are found at the foot of this page and in the Art Conservation and Heritage Science section of this catalog.

Requirements for the Major

A major in Chemistry requires a minimum of 12 courses plus a senior thesis, and two prerequisites*.

CHEM 014L KS - Basic Principles of Chemistry and CHEM015L KS Basic Principles of Chemistry ; or CHEM029L KS Accelerated General Chemistry with Lab or CHEM042L KS Integrated Biology and Chemistry .
CHEM 116L KS - Organic Chemistry
CHEM 117L KS - Organic Chemistry
CHEM 121 KS - Principles of Physical Chemistry: Thermochemistry
CHEM 122 KS - Principles of Physical Chemistry: Quantum Chemistry
PHYS 033L KS - Principles of Physics and PHYS034L KS
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: CHEM188L KS -CHEM190L KS , or CHEM189L KS -CHEM190L KS , or CHEM191 KS . For further information, see “Senior Thesis in Science.” Students MUST do a two-semester research thesis (CHEM188L KS -CHEM190L KS , or CHEM189L KS -CHEM190L KS ) in order to complete the ACS accredited major in chemistry.
Note: Students completing a chemistry dual major must complete a 1- or 2-semester thesis.

Notes:

MATH 031 SC - Calculus II * is co-required for CHEM121 KS , and MATH 032 SC - Calculus III * is co-required for CHEM122 KS .
Additional electives in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and computer science are strongly recommended for all chemistry majors.

Honors Requirements (All Tracks, where applicable)

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

Achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.67 in courses in the major.
Achieve a minimum grade of A- on the thesis.
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.