COURSEWORK
Chemistry Foundation
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
| | And | |
| CHEM 150 | Molecular Symmetry and Structure | 1 unit |
| | Or | |
| CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General 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 I | 4 units |
| CHEM 305 | Physical Chemistry II | 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.
Choose one additional CHEM course (must include a lab component)
| CHEM 280 | Instrumental and Separation Techiniques in Organic Chemistry | 2 units |
| CHEM 330 | Biocatalysis and Biotechnology | 2 units |
| CHEM 332 | Instrumental Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 340 | Inorganic Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 350 | Biochemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 355 | Bioinformatics | 2 units |
| CHEM 360 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 2 units |
| CHEM 370 | Organometallic Chemistry | 2 units |
| CHEM 380 | Organic Synthesis | 2 units |
| PHYS 368 | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | 4 units |
Mathematics Component
All chemistry majors must also complete Calculus 2 (
MATH 120 or
MATH 128).
Physics Component
Students must select one option as indicated below:
Option 1 -
| PHYS 110 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 units |
| PHYS 120 | Introductory Electricity and Magnetism | 4 units |
Option 2 -
SECOND-STAGE WRITING REQUIREMENT
Students majoring in Chemistry will satisfy the second-stage writing requirement 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. 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.
HONORS
Senior chemistry students with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present a written thesis on their research for College Honors consideration at graduation. See the Honors Program and consult the department chair for additional information.
In order to graduate with American Chemical Society certification, it is necessary to take both CHEM 332 and CHEM 350.