Advising Information
First-year students interested in chemistry are encouraged to enroll in one chemistry course (see Placement Information below) and one additional lab-based science or math course during their first semester. Students are encouraged to complete their calculus requirements as early as possible. Chemistry faculty are eager to discuss class schedules and other opportunities with students at any time.
Placement Information
Most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry should take the Chemistry Placement Exam during the summer prior to their first year. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam have the option of enrolling in CHEM 130 without taking the placement test, but are encouraged to contact the department chair if they have questions about this placement.
Most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry should also take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if any of the following are true:
- You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam;
- You received an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;
- You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university.
An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5, or an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above, fulfills the major’s Calculus 1 requirement. An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement. Students should make sure that their official score reports are sent to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
Sample 4-Year Plans
Students who Place into CHEM 100
| Fall | Spring |
Year 1 | | |
Year 2 | | |
Year 3 | CHEM 221 or CHEM 240 CHEM 300 CHEM 295 (2 units)
| |
Year 4 | | |
Students who Place into CHEM 120 or CHEM 130
| Fall | Spring |
Year 1 | | |
Year 2 | | |
Year 3 | | |
Year 4 | | |
Curricular Notes
CHEM 150 is not required for students who take CHEM 130.
An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 1 requirement.
An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement.
CHEM 240 at anytime after CHEM 120/130 have been completed
While not required for the major, MATH 212 and MATH 214 are strongly recommended prior to taking CHEM 305.
Chemistry Transfer Student Advice
Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: No Limit
Designated Transfer Adviser
To be eligible for transfer credit, the Chemistry department permits online courses for the lecture, paired with an on-campus lab component. If you're uncertain whether your potential summer course meets the requirements, please consult the Transfer Credit Advisor, Professor Douglas Duquette, at dduquette@oxy.edu. Each course must be approved by the Transfer Credit Advisor to ensure it meets the necessary rigor and topical alignment.
Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in Chemistry:
General advice for transfer students wanting to major in Chemistry:
What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?
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Junior transfer students must take CHEM 300 in their first semester.
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Transfer students starting mid way through their sophomore year must take CHEM 240 or CHEM 221, and, if they have not already completed it, Calculus 2.
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Sophomore students must take CHEM 220, CHEM 240, or CHEM 221. Sophomore students starting in the spring semester are advised to take Calculus 2 in addition if they have not already completed it.