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Major Requirements

The major in chemistry consists of ten 1-semester courses as follows: two semesters of general chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHEM1109–1110 and CHEM1111–1112 or CHEM1117–1118 and CHEM1119–1120), two semesters of organic chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHEM2231–2232 and CHEM2233–2234 or CHEM2241–2242 and CHEM2243 and CHEM2234), one semester of analytical chemistry lecture with laboratory (CHEM3351), one semester of inorganic chemistry lecture and laboratory (CHEM3322 and CHEM3324), two semesters of physical chemistry lecture (CHEM4475–4476), one semester of advanced methods lecture with laboratory (CHEM5552), and one semester of biochemistry lecture (CHEM4465). In addition, the following are required: two semesters of physics lecture and laboratory (PHYS2200–2201 or PHYS2100–2101 and PHYS2050–2051) and three semesters of calculus (MATH1102–1103, and MATH2202).The preceding fulfills the Boston College requirements for a B.S. degree in chemistry. For this degree to be certified by the American Chemical Society, two additional chemistry laboratory electives are required, usually CHEM4491–4492 Introduction to Undergraduate Research I and II or CHEM5591–5592 Undergraduate Chemical Research I and II.The recommended sequence for the Chemistry major is as follows:

First Year

CHEM1109–1110 General Chemistry with Laboratory or CHEM1117–1118 Honors Modern Chemistry with Laboratory; two semesters of Physics with Laboratory (PHYS2200–2201 or PHYS2100–2101 with PHYS2050–2051); Calculus (MATH1102–1103); Core courses.

Second Year

CHEM2231–2232 Organic Chemistry or CHEM2241–2242 Honors Organic Chemistry with Laboratory; CHEM3351 Analytical Chemistry with Laboratory; CHEM3322 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry with Laboratory; MATH2202 Multivariable Calculus; elective or Core courses.

Third Year

CHEM4475–4476 Physical Chemistry; CHEM5552 Advanced Methods in Chemistry I; elective or Core courses.

Fourth Year

CHEM4465 Introduction to Biochemistry; elective or Core courses.

The ten 1-semester chemistry courses that comprise the chemistry major amount to 37 credits. The five non-chemistry courses amount to 22 credits.

Information for First-Year Majors

Students who intend to be Chemistry or Biochemistry majors must enroll in CHEM1109 General Chemistry and CHEM1111 General Chemistry Laboratory, or CHEM1117 Honors Modern Chemistry and CHEM1119 Honors Modern Chemistry Laboratory. The choice of chemistry or biochemistry as a major requires that certain courses in other disciplines be taken as soon as possible.

Minor Requirements

The minor in chemistry consists of six courses. Two semesters of general chemistry (CHEM1109–1110 or CHEM1117–1118, with associated laboratories) are required as the introductory courses for the minor. Four additional chemistry courses are chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor and approved by the Director of the departmental minor, Professor Lynne O'Connell (Merkert 111, 617-552-3626). Normally, two of the four additional courses would be Organic Chemistry I and II, but other selections might be better choices, depending on the student's objective in attaining the minor. In accordance with MCAS policy, a student must have at least 15 credits in the minor program that are not used to fulfill requirements for another major or minor.

The following 1000-level courses cannot be used to complete the minor: CHEM1105, CHEM1106, CHEM1115, or CHEM1161. The following research courses cannot be used to complete the minor: CHEM4491–4492 or CHEM5591–5592.

Information for Study Abroad

Before going abroad, Chemistry majors must have completed the following prerequisites: General Chemistry, CHEM1109–1110 or CHEM1117–1118 and lab; Organic Chemistry, CHEM2231–2232 or CHEM2241–2242 and lab; Analytical Chemistry, CHEM3351 and lab; Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM3322 and lab; Calculus, MATH1102–1103 and MATH2202 or 2203; Physics, PHYS2200–2201 or PHYS2100–2101 and lab. Exceptions must be approved by the department.

In order for a course studied abroad to count for major credit, prior department approval is required for each course. Students must meet with the department study abroad advisor for course approval, advisement, and planning.