Chemistry
Overview
The curriculum of the Chemistry Department is designed to provide the student with a deep and comprehensive understanding of the principles of chemistry, including the laboratory experience necessary for basic research, teaching, and industrial research and development. Each student is expected to carry out laboratory research, working side-by-side with a faculty member on a novel problem at the vanguard of the chemical sciences. Research facilities and instrumentation are excellent and qualified students may begin research as early as their first year. Faculty research grants augmented with support from major corporations and foundations have enabled the department to offer research stipends to qualified students each summer.
To the student preparing for medicine or related professions, training is offered in the fundamental and applied branches of chemistry. In addition, chemistry offers to the liberal arts student an appreciation and understanding of the discoveries, methods, and place of this subject in our society.
The program for majors also prepares students for entrance into the School of Engineering at Columbia University and the Applied Chemistry Program of the California Institute of Technology under the Combined Plan Program. Students interested in engineering should consult the Combined Plan Program for details.
American Chemical Society Membership
The Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society for the professional education of chemists. Completion of the suggested graduate school option admits students to full membership in the American Chemical Society upon graduation. Outlines of suggested four-year programs with emphasis in environmental chemistry, biochemistry, chemical physics, engineering, pre-medicine, and teaching may be obtained from the department chair.Major Requirements
COURSEWORK
Chemistry Foundation
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
| And | ||
| CHEM 150 | Molecular Symmetry and Structure | 1 unit |
| Or | ||
| CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 201 | Biochemical and Environmental Analysis | 4 units |
| CHEM 220 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CHEM 221 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 units |
| CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 300 | Physical Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CHEM 305 | Physical Chemistry II | 4 units |
| CHEM 340 | Inorganic Chemistry | 4 units |
Directed Research
Students pursuing the Chemistry major must complete a minimum of four units of directed research.
| CHEM 295 | Directed Research | 2 units |
| CHEM 395 | Directed Research | 4 units |
Choose one additional CHEM course
| CHEM 315 | Physical Chemistry III | 4 units |
| CHEM 330 | Biocatalysis and Biotechnology | 2 units |
| CHEM 332 | Instrumental Chemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 350 | Biochemistry | 4 units |
| CHEM 355 | Bioinformatics | 2 units |
| CHEM 360 | Physical Organic Chemistry | 2 units |
| CHEM 370 | Organometallic Chemistry | 2 units |
| CHEM 380 | Organic Synthesis | 2 units |
| PHYS 368 | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology | 4 units |
Mathematics Component
| Calculus 2 | 4 units |
Physics Component
Students must select one option as indicated below:
Option 1 -
| PHYS 110 | Introductory Mechanics | 4 units |
| PHYS 230 | Introductory Electricity and Magnetism | 4 units |
Option 2 -
| PHYS 115 | General Physics I | 4 units |
| PHYS 125 | General Physics II | 4 units |
Second-Stage Writing Requirement
Students majoring in Chemistry will satisfy the second-stage writing requirement either by submitting a portfolio of four special reports, drawn from CHEM 240, CHEM 300L, CHEM 305L, CHEM 340 (or appropriate course work) in the fall semester of their senior year, or successfully completing CHEM 204 with a grade of C or better. Students should familiarize themselves with the departmental requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the Writing Program and consult the department chair for additional information.Comprehensive Requirement
The student will satisfactorily present a seminar during the senior year on an area of current research in the field of chemistry to an audience of Occidental students, faculty, and guests. The student will also take a comprehensive examination in Chemistry. A student with an overall grade point average of 3.25 can earn distinction with a 75th percentile rank on the examination.College Honors
Senior chemistry students with an overall grade point average of 3.25 are permitted to present a written thesis on their research for College Honors consideration at graduation. See the Honors Program and consult the department chair for additional information.Minor Requirements
Introduction to Chemistry:
Option 1:
| CHEM 130 | Advanced Placement General Chemistry | 4 units |
Option 2:
| CHEM 120 | Foundations of General Chemistry | 4 units |
| And | ||
| CHEM 150 | Molecular Symmetry and Structure | 1 unit |
Organic Chemistry:
| CHEM 220 | Organic Chemistry I | 4 units |
| CHEM 221 | Organic Chemistry II | 4 units |
| CHEM 240 | Integrated Concepts in General Chemistry | 4 units |
Electives:
Students must enroll in a minimum of eight units of Chemistry electives in order to complete the minor. CHEM 100, CHEM 104, CHEM 195, CHEM 295, CHEM 395 and CHEM 397 may not be included as electives.
Transfer Credit Policies
The Chemistry Department policy on transfer credit conforms to College policy. AP, IB or A-level examinations in chemistry will not substitute for an Occidental course, place students into advanced courses, or allow a wider opportunity for choice of electives in the department. Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry examination, or with a score of 6 or 7 on the IB Chemistry examination should enroll in CHEM 130. Students should reference the Transfer Credit section for more details.
