Chemistry Major

Major Requirements

The major in chemistry consists of CHEM 111 and CHEM 112 (or CHEM 112 alone), or CHEM 115 , CHEM 222 , CHEM 211 and CHEM 212 , CHEM 311 and CHEM 312 , CHEM 411 and CHEM 300 (4 semesters); PHYS 226 and PHYS 227 ; MATH 137 and MATH 237 .

The senior capstone requirement for chemistry majors is satisfied by participation in CHEM 300 (Chemistry Seminar), which includes oral presentations during the junior and/or senior year.

The Chemistry Department is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society (ACS). To earn the ACS-certified degree, students must have a Macalester chemistry major plus CHEM 351 and one advanced chemistry course. In certain cases, advanced courses from other science areas or mathematics may be substituted for the advanced chemistry course. Students who complete the emphasis in biochemistry (see below) automatically meet the requirements for ACS certification. Students interested in ACS certification should confer with the department chair.

Students interested in secondary teaching should consult with Professor Ronald Brisbois and the Educational Studies Department.

Suggested Course Sequence for a Chemistry Major

	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
First Year	CHEM 111 or CHEM 115	CHEM 112 or CHEM 222
	MATH 137	MATH 137 * or MATH 237

Sophomore	CHEM 211	CHEM 212
	MATH 237 *	CHEM 222 *
	PHYS 226	PHYS 227

Junior	CHEM 311	CHEM 312
	(CHEM 351 )	CHEM 300
	CHEM 300	(Advanced elective)

Senior	CHEM 411	CHEM 300
	(CHEM 351 *)	(Advanced elective)
	CHEM 300

*if not taken earlier

Courses in parentheses are not required for a major, but a selection of one to three advanced courses is highly recommended, especially for graduate study in chemistry. Note that MATH 237 - Multivariable Calculus should be taken before enrolling in CHEM 312 . Enrollment in CHEM 222 is strongly encouraged during the first or second year. Depending upon their interests and career goals, chemistry majors often elect to supplement their required courses with courses in mathematics, physics, biology, geology, and/or economics. However, chemistry majors have also taken second majors or minors in a wide variety of disciplines, such as classics, theater and dance, and music.

The Chemistry Department supports Macalester’s emphasis on internationalism. Chemistry majors who wish to study abroad should consult with their advisor as early as possible. The junior-level courses in physical chemistry (CHEM 311 and CHEM 312 ) can be taken in either order, so that students studying abroad in the fall of their junior year can take CHEM 312 in the spring, followed by CHEM 311 in the fall of their senior year. In some study-abroad programs, suitable chemistry courses may be taken that fulfill requirements for the major, but these must be approved by the department in advance. During their term abroad, chemistry majors are excused from the CHEM 300 - Chemistry Seminar requirement.

Requirements for a Major in Chemistry with added emphasis in biochemistry

Students interested in biochemistry should consider majoring in chemistry with an added emphasis in biochemistry. Students choosing this option will have this noted on their transcripts as Chemistry Major with Added Emphasis in Biochemistry. To earn an emphasis in biochemistry, students must complete all of the requirements of the Macalester chemistry major plus CHEM 351 and CHEM 352 . In addition, BIOL 260 and BIOL 265 must be taken. Advanced electives in chemistry or biology are encouraged. Students who complete the added emphasis in biochemistry also meet the requirements for ACS certification.