Majors and Courses

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.  The JSD chemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Chemistry 14-15. Basic Principles of Chemistry, or Chemistry 29. Accelerated General Chemistry, or both semesters of the AISS course
  2. Chemistry 116-117. Organic Chemistry
  3. Chemistry 121-122. Principles of Physical Chemistry
  4. Physics 33-34. Principles of Physics, or Physics 30-31. General Physics, with permission of adviser, or both semesters of the AISS course
  5. Chemistry 126-127. Advanced Laboratory in Chemistry
  6. Chemistry 128. Inorganic Chemistry
  7. Chemistry 177. Biochemistry
  8. Electives: one advanced elective (or two halves) in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or interdisciplinary electives involving chemical concepts of techniques, chosen in consultation with the chemistry faculty
  9. Senior Thesis in Chemistry: chemistry majors must complete one of the following: Chemistry 190L, Chemistry 188L-190L, or Chemistry 189L-190L, or Chemistry 191. For further information, see “Senior Thesis in Science”.

NOTES: Mathematics 31, Calculus II is co-required of Chemistry 121, and Mathematics 32, Calculus III is co-required for Chemistry 122. Additional electives in chemistry, mathematics, physics and computer science are strongly recommended for all chemistry majors.

Requirements for a Dual Major in Chemistry 
     A dual major in chemistry requires seven upper-division chemistry courses, in addition to senior thesis. This reduces the load of a regular chemistry major by two courses. The seven courses must include: Organic Chemistry 116 and 117, Physical Chemistry 121 and 122, at least one semester of Advanced Laboratory (either 126 or 127), and either Inorganic Chemistry 128 or Biochemistry 177. The remaining elective can consist of either a single upper-division course or two halves. All lower-division courses and prerequisites in other disciplines (math, physics) must still be met.   Students doing a dual major in chemistry are not eligible for the ACS accredited major.