Major Description
The Chemistry major provides students with a strong foundation in the chemical sciences and extensive experience in practical laboratory techniques. Students learn to apply the scientific method to develop and test hypotheses, perform experiments, analyze data critically, and effectively communicate their findings.
The Chemistry Department offers two pathways to complete the major:
- The Standard Chemistry Track (A-track) is designed for students seeking the breadth and depth of a traditional chemistry education.
- The Biological Chemistry Track (B-track) is ideal for students who wish to focus on biochemistry and chemical biology at the molecular level.
This program is well suited for students who are curious about how matter behaves at the molecular scale, have strong quantitative and analytical skills, enjoy solving complex problems, and value precision and attention to detail.
Graduates of the Chemistry major often pursue advanced studies in doctoral or medical programs. Others go on to successful careers in fields such as scientific research, chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental science, patent law, technical writing, forensic science, and education.
Admission to the Major
To declare the chemistry major, students must have earned a grade of C or higher in all 100- and 200-level chemistry courses completed prior to declaration.
Major Requirements
The Standard Chemistry (A-track) major requires the following coursework:
The Biological Chemistry (B-track) major requires the following coursework:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| CHEM141 | General Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM142 | General Chemistry II | 1 |
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| CHEM251 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM252 | Organic Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM152 | Introductory Chemistry Laboratory | 0.5 |
| CHEM257 | Intermediate Chemistry Laboratory | 0.5 |
| CHEM258 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 0.5 |
| MATH121 | Calculus I | 1 |
| MATH122 | Calculus II | 1 |
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| BIOL181 | Principles of Biology I: Cell Biology and Molecular Basis of Heredity | 1 |
| BIOL182 | Principles of Biology II | 1 |
| CHEM361 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 1 |
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| CHEM381 | Physical Chemistry for the Life Sciences | 1 |
| MB&B208 | Molecular Biology | 1 |
| CHEM383 | Biochemistry | 1 |
| CHEM375 | Integrated Chemistry Laboratory I | 1 |
| CHEM376 | Integrated Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM395 | Structural Biology Laboratory | 1 |
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| CHEM521 | Chemistry Colloquium (two semesters required) | 0.5 |
| CHEM409 | Senior Thesis Tutorial | 1 |
| CHEM410 | Senior Thesis Tutorial | 1 |
Courses for Non-Majors
Students with little or no prior background in chemistry are encouraged to enroll in General Chemistry I and II (CHEM141 /CHEM142) , both of which fulfill NSM general education expectations and are appropriate for non-science majors. Students may also enroll in the Introductory Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM152) to supplement their coursework with hands-on experience.
Students with advanced preparation in chemistry are encouraged to enroll in Honors General Chemistry (CHEM145), a one-semester alternative to CHEM141/CHEM142. This course offers an enriched curriculum that explores the breadth of general chemistry topics in greater depth.
Students planning to apply to medical, dental, or veterinary schools are advised to complete the following prerequisite courses:
Course List | Code | Title | Hours |
| CHEM141 | General Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM142 | General Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM145 | Honors General Chemistry | 1 |
| CHEM251 | Organic Chemistry I | 1 |
| CHEM252 | Organic Chemistry II | 1 |
| CHEM152 | Introductory Chemistry Laboratory | 0.5 |
| CHEM257 | Intermediate Chemistry Laboratory | 0.5 |
| CHEM258 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 0.5 |
| MB&B228 | Introductory Medical Biochemistry | 1 |
Student Learning Goals
Graduates with a BA in Chemistry should be able to:
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Apply the scientific method to develop and test hypotheses
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Understand, interpret, and apply chemical data
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Conduct standard laboratory procedures safely and effectively
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Use quantitative methods to solve chemical problems
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Locate and comprehend primary scientific literature
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Critically evaluate claims in chemical research
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Communicate findings clearly in written, oral, and visual forms
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Uphold ethical standards in scientific work
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Connect chemistry to other scientific disciplines
Study Abroad
A semester abroad is possible with sufficient advance planning. Students are encouraged to consult with a chemistry faculty member early in the process to ensure appropriate course sequencing and progress toward the major.
Advanced Placement
Students who earn any of the following examination scores automatically receive 1.0 prematriculation credit in chemistry:
- AP Chemistry: score of 4 or 5
- IB-HL Chemistry: score of 5, 6, or 7
- Cambridge A-Level Chemistry: grade of A
This credit may be used in place of CHEM141, CHEM142, and CHEM152 to satisfy requirements for majors, minors, and course prerequisites. Students awarded prematriculation credit are not eligible to receive credit for CHEM141 or CHEM142, but may elect to enroll in Honors General Chemistry (CHEM145) for credit. Students who complete CHEM145 may also take Introductory Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM152) for credit.
Language Requirement
The Chemistry major has no language requirement.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit for chemistry courses taken at other institutions is subject to departmental approval and is not guaranteed. Requests are reviewed by the Chemistry Department Curriculum Committee and must be submitted in advance to confirm course eligibility prior to enrollment.
Submission Guidelines
Send all materials by email to chemistry@wesleyan.edu before enrolling in the course. Include the following:
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Completed Permission to Transfer Credit form (Office of Student Affairs)
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Detailed course syllabus, including schedule and topics covered
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Textbook title, author(s), edition, and chapters used
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Length of class meetings and total instructional hours (excluding exams)
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Instructor name and contact information
Additional Requirements
Additional Information
Honors
Departmental honors are awarded by the faculty to graduating chemistry majors based on a thorough evaluation of the senior thesis, recognizing excellence in research, analysis, and scientific communication.
Capstone Experience
The recommended capstone experience for chemistry majors is a substantial research project conducted in collaboration with a faculty member, ideally culminating in a senior thesis. Research is a central component of the major for many students, and Wesleyan’s small but distinguished graduate program provides unique opportunities for undergraduates to engage in advanced research alongside tenured and tenure-track faculty who are actively involved in significant investigations.
