Mar 28, 2024  
College Catalog 2013-2014 
    
College Catalog 2013-2014 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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.