Chemistry and Biochemistry Major Requirements
Ten content courses are required of all majors, not including seminar, research, and laboratory courses. Seven of these content courses must include a laboratory component. Courses with laboratories are typically four total credit hours per semester. Lecture-only courses are usually three credit hours per semester. The department offers five chemistry options.
All options require two semesters of general chemistry with lab, two semesters of organic chemistry with lab, two advanced chemistry electives, a first-year seminar in chemistry and a senior undergraduate seminar in chemistry.
Biochemistry majors are required to take two semesters of biochemistry (one with lab) and must take advanced biochemistry as one of the advanced chemistry electives. All majors, with the exception of chemistry – Option 2 majors, are required to take two semesters of physical chemistry (one with lab).
Chemistry – Option 2 majors and those students working toward ACS certification are required to take one semester of analytical chemistry with lab. Chemistry – Option 1 and dual-degree engineering majors must complete one semester of inorganic chemistry with lab and instrumental analysis with lab.
Chemistry – Option 1 and biochemistry majors are required to take two semesters of undergraduate research. Prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of a “C” or higher in order to fulfill the prerequisite requirements. Successful completion of all chemistry courses with no grade less than “C” is required for graduation as a chemistry or biochemistry major. Other required science cognate courses (physics, math, biology) must be completed with no grade less than “C.”
Support (cognate) courses include a minimum of two semesters of calculus and two semesters of physics (with lab); additional support courses are required for dual-degree engineering. All chemistry majors are encouraged to take additional mathematics and physics courses, especially for students interested in graduate school in physical or analytical chemistry. Undergraduate research is strongly recommended for all chemistry majors.
Transfer or equivalent chemistry course credit will be granted only upon the approval of the department.
See the Spelman College Bulletin for complete class options.