B.A. Chemistry

A flexible program designed to prepare the student for further study in a wide range of fields. With a minimum number of required courses, the Chemistry B. A. permits the student to design an undergraduate program uniquely suited to individual needs.

The B.A. in Chemistry is characterized by “400-track” courses in general chemistry (CHEM 1410, 1420), organic chemistry (CHEM 2410, 2420), and physical chemistry (CHEM 3410, 3420), along with their associated laboratories. An “800-track” chemistry course is an acceptable substitute for a corresponding “400-track” course and is recommended for students with a particularly strong background in chemistry, usually with advanced placement in chemistry.

This table shows the suggested sequence of required courses. Candidates not following the normal course sequence should consult an adviser as early and as often as possible. Approved electives are chosen by the candidate in conference with an adviser; they must include courses that meet other College requirements (Foreign Language, Academic Writing, Humanities, etc.).

First Year – Credits: 24-34

General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 5-20
CHEM 1410, 1411, 1420, 1421 – Introductory College Chemistry I and II and Laboratories – Credits: 8
or
CHEM 1810, 1811, 1820, 1821 – Principles of Chemical Structure and Lab and Principles of Organic Chemistry
and Lab – Credits: 11
MATH 1210, 1220 – Survey of Calculus I and II – Credits: 6
(MATH 1190 may be taken in place of MATH 1210)
or
MATH 1310, 1320 – Calculus I and II – Credits: 8

Second Year – Credits: 24-34

General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 4-17
CHEM 2410, 2411, 2420, 2421 – Organic Chemistry I and II and Laboratories – Credits: 12
or
CHEM 2810, 2811, 2820 – Principles of Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry and Lab and Principles of Thermodynamics and Kinetics – Credits: 9
PHYS 1425, 2415, 1429, 2419 – Introductory Physics 1 and 2 for Engineers and Workshops – Credits: 8
(PHYS 2030, 2040 or 2630, 2640 may be taken as the workshops/laboratories)
or
PHYS 2010, 2020, 2030, 2040 – Principles of Physics 1 and 2 for Pre-Health Students and Workshops – Credits: 8
***Note that the 1425 sequence is calculus based; The 2010 sequence is algebra based. We, along with grad/med schools, accept both. It's whatever you are most comfortable with.

Third Year – Credits: 24-34

General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 12-22
CHEM 3410, 3420 – Physical Chemistry-Quantum Theory and Physical Chemistry-Thermodynamics – Credits: 6
CHEM 3811, 3821 – Physical Chemistry I and II Laboratory – Credits: 6

Fourth Year – Credits: 3-34

The fourth-year of the program is adaptable to individual student interests. Students may choose elective courses from any 4000 or greater level course in physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, or biological chemistry.

General Area Requirements or electives – Credits: 0-31
CHEM ELECTIVE – Credits: 3
The chemistry elective course required to complete the B. A. in Chemistry may be any three-credit-hour chemistry course numbered at the 4000 level or higher, excluding laboratory research courses. It need not be specified at the time of declaring the major. [e.g., Analytical Chemistry [CHEM 4090, (previously CHEM 5710)], Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM 5110), Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 4320), Biological Chemistry (CHEM 4410), Advanced Physical Chemistry (CHEM 5210 or 5220), Biochemistry for Pre-Health (CHEM 4440).

Click here for information on Reduced Course Load and Part-Time Enrollment.