Major Description
The Major in Chemistry provides students with a solid foundation in the chemical sciences and experience with practical laboratory skills. Students will apply the scientific method to develop and test hypotheses, perform lab experiments, critically analyze data, and communicate findings. The Chemistry department offers two pathways for completing the major: The Standard Chemistry Track (A-track) is appropriate for students who are interested in studying chemistry with the breadth and depth of a traditional chemistry major The Biological Chemistry Track (B-track) is intended for students who prefer to focus their studies on biochemistry and chemical biology at the molecular level.
The Chemistry program appeals to students who have a strong interest in science and how matter behaves at the molecular level, have an aptitude for mathematics and data analysis, can grasp abstract concepts, and are attentive to detail and precision.
Chemistry majors typically continue their studies in a doctoral program, medical school, or other advanced education programs, though many students have gone on to pursue diverse career opportunities in fields such as scientific research, chemical engineering, pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental studies, patent examination, technical writing, forensic science, and education.
Admission to the Major
To declare the chemistry major students must have earned a grade of C or better in all 100- and 200-level chemistry courses completed at the time of 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 |
| |
| 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 |
| |
| BIOL181 | Principles of Biology I: Cell Biology and Molecular Basis of Heredity | 1 |
| BIOL182 | Principles of Biology II | 1 |
| CHEM361 | Advanced Inorganic Chemistry | 1 |
| |
| 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 |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| CHEM521 | Chemistry Colloquium | 0.25 |
| 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 | | |
| 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 |
Student Learning Goals
Graduates with a BA in Chemistry should be able to:
-
Apply the scientific method to develop and test hypotheses
-
Understand, interpret, and apply chemical data
-
Conduct standard laboratory procedures safely and effectively
-
Use quantitative methods to solve chemical problems
-
Locate and comprehend primary scientific literature
-
Critically evaluate claims in chemical research
-
Communicate findings clearly in written, oral, and visual forms
-
Uphold ethical standards in scientific work
-
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
There is no language requirement for the chemistry major.
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:
-
Completed Permission to Transfer Credit form (Office of Student Affairs)
-
Detailed course syllabus, including schedule and topics covered
-
Textbook title, author(s), edition, and chapters used
-
Length of class meetings and total instructional hours (excluding exams)
-
Instructor name and contact information
Additional Requirements
Additional Information
Undergraduate research. Research is an important part of the program for most majors. Wesleyan’s small but excellent graduate program makes it possible for majors to work at the cutting edge of discovery in chemistry. Every tenured/tenure-track faculty member is involved in significant research. Undergraduates participating in the departmental research program normally attend a research seminar in their area, and most research groups have weekly meetings to discuss new results. Students involved in significant research have an opportunity to continue in the BA/MA program.
Seminars. Seminars are a vital part of the intellectual life of the Chemistry Department. Weekly departmental colloquia on Friday afternoons (CHEM521/CHEM522) bring accomplished scientists from other universities, research laboratories, and industry to campus and provide opportunities for informal meetings and discussions. In addition, chemistry students and faculty speak at weekly research seminars in chemical physics, organic/inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry. Programs for each semester are available on the chemistry website.
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.
