Chemistry Major

ACS-Certified Track

Students must complete 9 courses in chemistry beyond Introductory Chemistry,  including:

• CHEM 131 - Organic Chemistry I

•  

• CHEM 132 - Organic Chemistry II * or
• CHEM 134 - Biological Organic Chemistry *

•  

• CHEM 140 - Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 250 - Inorganic Chemistry
• CHEM 260 - Physical Chemistry I
• CHEM 262 - Physical Chemistry II
• CHEM 271 - Biochemistry I

Standard Track

Students must complete 8 courses in chemistry beyond Introductory Chemistry, including:

• CHEM 131 - Organic Chemistry I

•  

• CHEM 132 - Organic Chemistry II * or
• CHEM 134 - Biological Organic Chemistry *

•  

• CHEM 140 - Analytical Chemistry
• CHEM 260 - Physical Chemistry I

Note:

* Students may receive credit for one towards their major.

The ACS-certified track meets the entrance requirements for graduate study in chemistry and is recommended for those students with a strong interest in chemistry and a desire for a profession in the chemical sciences. The Standard track offers more latitude in course selection and is appropriate for those students with an interest in chemistry, but who plan to continue in one of the health professions (medical, dental or veterinary school), public school teaching, technical sales, etc.

The requirements for the first two years are identical, so students do not need to make a final decision on which track to follow until the end of their sophomore year, but are encouraged to discuss career plans with members of the department early to make the most appropriate choice.

A student may elect as his or her first course in chemistry: CHEM 101 , CHEM 102 , CHEM 103  or CHEM 131 . Science majors normally begin with CHEM 101 . The decision to begin with CHEM 102 , CHEM 103  or CHEM 131  must be made in consultation with the department and may require taking a placement examination offered at the beginning of each semester. The department encourages students with two or more years of high school chemistry to consider this option as it allows time for additional electives in the junior and senior years. The department publishes an undergraduate handbook, Majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Clark University, which provides additional information. Copies are available in the department office.

Students planning graduate study in chemistry are strongly urged to take additional advanced courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics and biochemistry. All majors are encouraged to undertake independent research projects as a candidate for Honors, Directed Study or through one of the department’s summer research fellowships, and are eligible to do so following completion of CHEM 102  or CHEM 103  .