Chemistry
Overview
The curriculum of the Chemistry Department is designed to provide the student with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the principles of chemistry, including the laboratory experience necessary for basic research, teaching, and industrial research and development. Each student is expected to carry out laboratory research, working side-by-side with a faculty member on a novel problem at the vanguard of the chemical sciences. Research facilities and instrumentation are excellent and qualified students may begin research as early as their first year. Faculty research grants augmented with support from major corporations and foundations have enabled the department to offer research stipends to qualified students each summer.
To the student preparing for medicine or related professions, training is offered in the fundamental and applied branches of chemistry. In addition, chemistry offers to the liberal arts student an appreciation and understanding of the discoveries, methods, and place of this subject in our society.
The program for majors also prepares students for entrance into the School of Engineering at Columbia University and the Applied Chemistry Program of the California Institute of Technology under the Combined Plan Program. Students interested in engineering should consult the Combined Plan Program for details.
American Chemical Society Accreditation
Discover the excellence of our chemistry programs at swag外流, where we are proud to hold accreditation from the American Chemical Society (ACS). Our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in chemical education is reflected in our rigorous curriculum. With the ACS approval program, we ensure that our students receive an education of the utmost quality, empowering them to excel in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of chemistry. In order to earn ACS accreditation upon graduation, students are required to complete the essential courses for their Major along with an additional BioChem Class (Chem 350).
Requirements
Major
Chemistry Foundation
CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
And | ||
CHEM 150 | Molecular Symmetry and Structure | 1 unit |
听 | ||
Or | ||
CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
听 | ||
CHEM 201 | Analytical and Instrumental Chemistry | 4 units |
CHEM 220 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
CHEM 221 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 units |
CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
CHEM 300 | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics - Kinetics | 4 units |
CHEM 305 | Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics | 4 units |
CHEM 340 | Inorganic Chemistry | 4 units |
Directed Research
Students pursuing the Chemistry major must complete a minimum of four units of directed research.
CHEM 295 | Directed Research | 2 units |
CHEM 395 | Directed Research | 4 units |
Additional Elective
Students must complete one additional elective selected from:
CHEM 315 | Physical Chemistry: Spectroscopy, Photochemistry, and Electron Transfer | 2 units |
CHEM 330 | Biocatalysis and Biotechnology | 2 units |
CHEM 350 | Biochemistry | 4 units |
CHEM 355 | Bioinformatics | 2 units |
CHEM 360 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 2 units |
PHYS 368 | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | 4 units |
CHEM 370 | Organometallic Chemistry | 2 units |
CHEM 380 | Organic Synthesis | 2 units |
Mathematics Component
Calculus 2 | 4 units |
Physics Component
Students must select:
One course from: | ||
PHYS 110 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 units |
PHYS 115 | General Physics I | 4 units |
听 | ||
And one course from: | ||
PHYS 125 | General Physics II | 4 units |
PHYS 230 | Introductory Electricity and Magnetism | 4 units |
Honors in the Major
Senior chemistry students with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present a written thesis on their research for Honors consideration at graduation. Consult the department chair for additional information.
Minor
Introduction to Chemistry
CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
Or | ||
听 | ||
CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
And | ||
CHEM 150 | Molecular Symmetry and Structure | 1 unit |
Organic Chemistry:
CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
CHEM 220 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
CHEM 221 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 units |
Electives:
Students must enroll in a minimum of eight units of Chemistry electives in order to complete the minor. Four of these units must be at the 300-level or above. No more than four units can be directed research (CHEM 195, CHEM 295, CHEM 395).
CHEM 100 and CHEM 104 may not be included as electives.
Second-Stage Writing
Students majoring in Chemistry will satisfy the second-stage writing requirement either by submitting a portfolio of four special reports, drawn from CHEM 240, CHEM 300L, CHEM 305L, CHEM 340 (or appropriate course work) in the fall semester of their senior year, or successfully completing CHEM 204 with a grade of C or better. Students should familiarize themselves with the departmental requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the Writing Program and consult the department chair for additional information.
Comprehensive Requirement
The student will satisfactorily present a seminar during the senior year on an area of current research in the field of chemistry to an audience of Occidental students, faculty, and guests. The student will also take a comprehensive examination in Chemistry. A student with an overall grade point average of 3.25 can earn distinction with a 75th percentile rank on the examination.
Transfer Credit Policies
The Chemistry Department policy on transfer credit conforms to College policy. AP, IB or A-level examinations in chemistry will not substitute for an Occidental course, place students into advanced courses, or allow a wider opportunity for choice of electives in the department. Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry examination, or with a score of 6 or 7 on the IB Chemistry examination should enroll in CHEM 130. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for more details.