Requirements for the Major in Chemistry
Courses for the Chemistry Major must be taken for letter grade.
There are several tracks leading to the degree in chemistry. All tracks include the following core courses: CHEM 001A PO , CHEM 001B PO or CHEM 051 PO ; CHEM 110A PO , CHEM 110B PO ; CHEM 161 PO ; MATH 030 PO , MATH 031 PO ; PHYS 041 PO , PHYS 042 PO , or PHYS 070 PO , PHYS 071 PO , PHYS 072 PO .
The tracks that follow require the additional courses listed.
Chemistry: CHEM 158A PO ; CHEM 158B PO ; CHEM 162 PO ; CHEM 191 PO ; MATH 032 PO or MATH 067 PO ; two elective course credits chosen from chemistry courses numbered above 100
Biochemistry: CHEM 115 PO ; CHEM 158A PO ; CHEM 158B PO ; CHEM 191 PO ; MATH 032 PO or MATH 067 PO ; two elective course credits chosen from chemistry courses numbered above 100 (CHEM 180 PO recommended)
Geochemistry: CHEM 156 PO ; CHEM 191 PO ; GEOL 20 (with lab), GEOL 115 PO or GEOL 120 PO or GEOL 152 PO and GEOL 181 PO or GEOL 183 PO or GEOL 185 PO ; and one elective in geology
Chemical Engineering: CHEM 158A PO ; CHEM 158B PO ; MATH 032 PO or MATH 067 PO , MATH 060 PO ; ENGR 82HM and participation in the HM Engineering Clinic for two semesters. Both oral and written presentations of the student’s contribution to the clinic project are also required. Enrollment in CHEM 162 PO is strongly recommended but not required.
Chemistry courses from the other Claremont Colleges may be selected for chemistry electives. Students may substitute one appropriate biology, geology, mathematics or physics course for one of the two chemistry elective course credits. Students wishing to make elective substitutions should consult with their academic advisors or the chair of the department. A final requirement is that junior and senior chemistry majors are expected to attend the departmental seminars and senior thesis presentations.
The senior capstone exercise is the Senior Thesis (CHEM 191 PO ) with two options: a critical literature review or experimental research in collaboration with a faculty member. Collaborative research fellowships are available to students at all levels in chemistry for a 10-week period in the summer. Research opportunities are also available during the academic year.
The Chemistry Department participates in the interdepartmental programs of Molecular Biology and Environmental Analysis; in addition, it also participates in a Chemistry/Public Policy Analysis Major via the chemistry track in this major.
Pre-Professional Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students planning to pursue advanced studies in graduate school should, in consultation with their advisors, choose additional courses that will strengthen their preparation in the area of interest. This curriculum has been approved by the American Chemical Society Committee for Professional Training of Chemists. Students who wish to receive certification from the American Chemical Society should include CHEM 115 PO , CHEM 158A PO , CHEM 158B PO , CHEM 162 PO , CHEM 128 JS and CHEM 130L JS or CHEM 104 HM with laboratory in their course of study.
