Requirements for the Chemistry Majors

3. Chemistry majors. Students who anticipate the possibility of majoring in chemistry should, if possible, take CHEM 143/144 as freshman. The program for majors is described in detail below.  Students who have scores of  4 or 5 in the chemistry Advanced Placement examination should consult with the department about the possibility of advanced placement in organic chemistry or, in exceptional circumstances, in physical chemistry.  A student whose interest in biochemistry arises from a desire to understand biological systems at the molecular level may choose to study biochemistry as a chemistry major,  click here to view the Biochemistry Track.

Major in chemistry. To major in chemistry, a student should complete a year of Introductory Chemistry (CHEM 141/142, or, preferably, CHEM 143/144 and the associated lab, CHEM 152), unless the student has been given Advanced Placement. In addition, a year of Organic Chemistry (CHEM 251/252), the concurrent laboratories (CHEM 257/258), and a year of Physical Chemistry (CHEM 337/338) are required. One year of advanced laboratory is required (CHEM 375/376) , the Integrated Chemistry Laboratory. Chemistry majors are also required to register for and attend two semesters of Chemistry Symposia (CHEM 521/522). The major is completed by electing a total of at least three credits from 300-level courses (other than 337/338, or 348 or 349). All courses other than seminars that are required for the chemistry major must be taken under a letter (A-F) grading mode. One of the three 300-level electives may be replaced by two semesters of research (CHEM 409/410 or 421/422). All chemistry majors are encouraged to do research with a faculty member, including during one or more summers. Financial support for summer research is generally available.

    Calculus (MATH 117, 122, or MATH 121, 122, or 125 or Advanced Placement) is also required for the major. Students who do not study inorganic chemistry in CHEM 144 , either through exemption or because they have satisfied the Introductory Chemistry requirement with CHEM141/142 must select CHEM 361 or CHEM 363 as one of their 300-level electives.

    Before or during the second semester of the sophomore year, a student interested in majoring in chemistry should consult with the chair of the Chemistry Department or the departmental advisers for specific areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical) concerning a suitable program of study. If the student does not for a chemistry major, these people may also assist in the choice of a major adviser for the student.

    A chemistry major planning graduate work in chemistry ordinarily takes at least one additional 300-level chemistry course (excluding 337/338, 348/349, or 350) and two semesters of undergraduate research, CHEM 409/410 or 421/422. When feasible, an intensive continuation of research during at least one summer is encouraged. The preparation of a senior thesis based on this research (CHEM 409/410) provides extremely valuable experience and is strongly recommended. Graduate courses may be elected with permission. A chemistry major planning to attend medical school, teach in a secondary school, or do graduate work in such fields as biochemistry, geochemistry, environmental science, or chemical physics may request permission from the departmental curriculum committee to replace one of the elective credits in the concentration program with an appropriate course offered by another science or mathematics department. A similar substitution may be requested when appropriate as part of an interdepartmental major. Independent research is encouraged.

    A solid mathematical background is important to those students who plan to do graduate work in chemistry. Such students should also try to take Physics 113 and 116 prior to their junior year. MATH 221 and 222 are recommended to those whose interests lie in physical chemistry.

    Seminars are an important part of the intellectual life of the Chemistry Department.  The weekly departmental seminars on Friday afternoons (CHEM 521/522) are followed by refreshments and discussions in the Chemistry Lounge.  Important scientist from other universities and research laboratories are the speakers.  Majors are required to register for two semesters in Chemical Physics, Organic-Inorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry.  Programs for each semester are available from the Chemistry Office.

    Research in Chemistry is an important part of the program for most majors.  Wesleyan's small but excellent graduate program makes it possible for majors to work at the cutting edge of discovery in chemistry.  Almost every faculty member is involved in significant research.  In addition to a weekly seminar in their area, many research groups have weekly meetings to discuss new results.