2023-2024 Edition

Academic Catalog

Chemistry Minor

Introduction

The chemistry minor is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the chemical sciences.  Emphasis is given to foundational theories of the chemical nature of the world around us, as well as critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The chemistry minor is also ideal for students working to complete prerequisites for graduate programs in medicine and other health-related fields.

Admission to the Minor

Students who have completed and earned a grade of C or better in the required 100-level courses, CHEM251, and CHEM257 may declare the chemistry minor. Students who receive a grade of C- or below in any of these courses may submit a petition to the department chair requesting to declare the chemistry minor and, if applicable, providing context relevant to the grade of C- or below.

Minor Requirements

All 200-level and higher courses for the minor must be completed at Wesleyan. Transfer students may, however, be allowed to apply equivalent courses completed at their previous institution. All courses that are required for the chemistry minor must be taken under a letter-grading mode (A–F).All 100- and 200-level courses required for the minor must be completed with a grade of C or better.

Required Lecture Courses: Students may fulfill the general chemistry requirement for the minor by completing either i) General Chemistry I & II (CHEM141 and CHEM142); ii) Honors General Chemistry I & II (CHEM143 and CHEM144); iii) CHEM144 with 1.0 AP/IB/A-Level credit; or iv) 2.0 AP/IB/A-Level credits. All students must complete Organic Chemistry I & II (CHEM251 and CHEM252).

Required Laboratory Courses:  Students must complete Introductory Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM152), unless they have earned 2.0 AP/IB/A-Level credits. All students must complete Intermediate Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM257) and Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM258).

Required Elective Course: Students must complete one 300-level chemistry elective (1.0 credit). Cross-listed electives may only be applied to the minor requirements if they are hosted in the Chemistry Department.  Note that chemistry electives used to fulfill a requirement for another major/minor are not excluded from being used to also fulfill the chemistry minor.