Chemistry

Year 1: Understanding

In cases where students present appropriate transfer credits or a high enough AP Chemistry score, foundation courses may be waived, enabling first-year students to begin in Organic Chemistry.

Featured Courses:

• CHEM 120 – Chemical Concepts 1
• MATH 151 – Calculus I

Year 2: New Approaches

Your second year courses will include Organic Chemistry I and the sophomore seminar, where you will learn to write and speak as a chemist. You’ll also begin to explore core courses in sub-disciplines like biochemistry and physical chemistry. Intermediate courses like Analytical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry II, and Multistep Synthesis are common options for spring semester sophomores. Participation in summer research with faculty is often a possibility.

Featured courses:

• CHEM 222 – Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 242 – Physical Chemistry

Year 3: Delving Deeper

In your third year, you will begin to take advanced seminar courses in subdisciplines you find interesting while completing outstanding core courses like Inorganic Chemistry or intermediate courses like Quantum Chemistry or Biochemical Metabolism. You will enroll in the Junior Seminar, which builds on the work accomplished in your sophomore seminar, in preparation for your Senior Comp. Laboratory work emphasizes the transition from guided experiments to independent research projects.

Featured Courses

• CHEM 332 – Organic Chemistry II: Synthetic Strategies
• CHEM 362 – Analytical Chemistry

Year 4: The Comp

The focus of your senior year is the two-semester Senior Comp, which is carried out with close mentorship from a faculty advisor. Exemplary work can result in publication in chemical journals. You will also complete outstanding required courses for the major while applying to either graduate school, medical, dental, or veterinary school, or interviewing for a variety of positions in the chemical industry.

Featured Courses

• CHEM 600 – Senior Project