Academic Program
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Professors Greer (chair) and Schlax; Associate Professors Côté, Koviach-Côté, and Laurita; Assistant Professors dos Anjos Cunha, Farley, Fihn, and Freas; Visiting Assistant Professors Cech, Donavalli, Kumar, Nyman, and Tate
Chemistry is the study of the structure and properties of matter, and the roles of energy and entropy. Together, they define our physical environment and affect nearly every aspect of our lives. A chemistry education begins with a broad exploration of these topics, and then sequentially focuses on narrower aspects to explore the ideas in greater depth. Biochemistry builds on a strong chemistry foundation, and encompasses the study of the form and function of the proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids found in living organisms.
The department offers a major in chemistry, a major in biochemistry, and a minor in chemistry. The chemistry and biochemistry curricula are sufficiently flexible to allow students with career interests in areas such as the health professions, research, law, business, and education to design a suitable major program. Students interested in careers in chemistry or biochemistry will find chemistry electives that provide a background for work in graduate school, industry, or other positions requiring a strong foundation in chemistry. The department and its curriculum are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and an ACS-certified major in chemistry is offered.
More information is available on the Chemistry and Biochemistry department website.
Curriculum
Our course catalog may include more information on Chemistry and Biochemistry, its programs, courses, and requirements.
Full Catalog ListingBiochemistry Major
The Biochemistry Major is administered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and includes courses provided by both Chemistry and the Department of Biology. As a field, biological chemistry encompasses study of the form, chemistry, and function of the molecules found in living organisms and the processes in which these molecules participate. Biochemistry has evolved from discoveries about the chemistry of biological molecules in the early 19th century to a widely interdisciplinary field that encompasses ideas and theories drawn from chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and computer science. It is the foundation for medical research and scientifically-based healthcare strategies as well as advances in other areas such as nutrition and agriculture . The required courses for the major give a student a solid foundation in basic science, while the array of elective courses allows wide latitude in pursuing an area of individual interest. The thesis provides a final integrating experience.
Biochemistry Major Requirements. The major requires thirteen or fourteen courses, from both the chemistry and biology departments, including a one- or two-semester thesis. Some courses have math and/or physics prerequisites. Students may not double major in biochemistry and biology, chemistry, or neuroscience, may not earn a minor in Chemistry, and may not use the Chemistry GEC to satisfy General Education requirements. AP, IB, or A-level credit may be used instead of Chem 107 or 108 as a prerequisite. 200-level core courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.
Required courses for the Biochemistry major can be viewed here.
Senior Research and Seminar. The written thesis required of all biochemistry majors may be either a laboratory thesis or a library thesis. Students conducting a laboratory thesis may register for BIOC 457, 458, or both, while students undertaking a library project may register for BIOC 457 or 458. Students pursuing honors register for both 457 and 458. The senior research and seminar courses include participation in the department’s seminar program. All majors are required to deliver one presentation per semester of thesis credit during the senior year. Each senior is also required to attend at least four seminars presented by visiting scholars in either the biology or chemistry department.
Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the biochemistry major.
Chemistry
The requirements for chemistry majors include core courses, elective courses, and senior research and seminar. Some courses have math and/or physics prerequisites. Students may not double major in chemistry and biochemistry, may not earn a Chemistry minor, and may not use the Chemistry GEC to satisfy General Education requirements. AP, IB, or A-level credit may be used instead of Chem 107 or 108 as a prerequisite. 200-level core courses should be completed by the end of the junior year.
Required courses for the Chemistry major can be viewed here.
Senior Research and Seminar. The written thesis required of all chemistry majors may be either a laboratory thesis or a library thesis. Students conducting a laboratory thesis may register for CHEM 457, 458, or both, while students undertaking a library project may register for CHEM 457 or 458. Students pursuing honors register for both 457 and 458. The senior research and seminar courses include participation in the department’s seminar program. All majors are required to deliver one presentation per semester of thesis credit during the senior year. Each senior is also required to attend at least four seminars presented by visiting scholars in the chemistry department.
Pass/Fail Grading Option. Pass/fail grading may not be elected for courses applied toward the chemistry major.
Advanced Placement: Students receiving scores of four or five on the Chemistry AP examination, a grade of A or B on the A-level Chemistry examinations, or a grade of six or seven on the IB HL program examination may receive credit for CHEM 107 and/or 108. These credits may be used toward a major or minor in chemistry and may be used as a prerequisite for any course that requires CHEM 107 or 108. Note that some medical schools will not accept AP/IB credit as prerequisites.
General Education: Chemistry majors may satisfy the [W2] requirement by completing any three of the following courses: CHEM 212, 215, 301, 310, 321.
Majors ACS Accreditation: In order to earn an ACS accredited major, students must also take Chem 321 (may count as an elective), two additional courses with a laboratory component (e.g. Chem 305, 322, s37, s42, or s27) and both 457 and 458. In addition, students must take at least two physics courses. Details are provided in the table below.
| Required Courses for ACS major | Foundational Course(ABIOP) | In-Depth Course4 required | Laboratory 350 hours total beyond Gen. Chem.(220 h courses130 h research) | Cognate Courses |
| Chem 212 | Analytical | 33 hours | ||
| Chem 215 | Inorganic | 33 hours | ||
| Chem 217 | Organic | 30 hours | ||
| Chem 218 | 1 | 30 hours | ||
| Chem 301 | Physical | |||
| Chem 302 or 310 | 1 | |||
| Chem 321 | Biochemistry | 33 hours | ||
| 2 courses with lab (305, 322, s37, s42, s27) | 2 | 2 x 33 hours | ||
| Chem 457 | 65 hours | |||
| Chem 458 | 65 hours | |||
| 2 math courses | x | |||
| 2 physics courses | x |
Chemistry Minor
Chemistry deals with phenomena that affect nearly every aspect of our lives and environment. A chemistry minor provides an introduction to chemical principles and applications that may be relevant to and complement other liberal arts majors.
Students may complete a minor in chemistry by taking six courses from the following:
- Any Chemistry courses
- EACS 240 Environmental Geochemistry/Lab
At least one course must be a 300-level Chemistry course.
Chemistry Concentration
This concentration exposes students to core principles in chemistry and selected additional topics that students can tailor to their interests.
The Chemistry Concentration Requirements
Complete at least four one-credit courses from the following:
- Any Chemistry course (Except for CHEM 218 Organic Chemistry II/Lab or CHEM 360 Independent Study)
- EACS 240 Environmental Geochemistry/Lab
At least one credit must be at the 200-level or above.