BA.CHEM - Chemistry (Major, Minor)

Total credit requirements for a Chemistry major: A student who enters Whitman without any previous college-level chemistry courses will require up to 40 Chemistry credits to fulfill the major requirements. Additionally, 10 credits are required from courses in Mathematics and Statistics (see the major requirements below).

• Required Chemistry Courses

  • Introductory General Chemistry: 125, 126, 135, and 136; or 140

  • Organic Chemistry: 245, 246, 251, and 252

  • Analytical Chemistry: 310

  • Physical Chemistry: 345

  • Inorganic and Advanced Synthesis: 360 and 370

  • Chemistry Seminar: 401, taken no later than the penultimate semester

  • Research/Thesis: at least two credits of 490 or 498, at least one of which must be taken during the final semester

  • Choose two of the following options:

    • Biochemistry: BBMB 325 and 335 (see note about the Biology 101 and 101L prerequisite waiver)

    • Physical Chemistry: Chemistry 346 and 352

    • Instrumental Chemistry: Chemistry 320

• Required Supporting Science Courses

  • Mathematics 124 or 125

  • Mathematics 126 and 225

• Senior Requirements

  • Chemistry 401

  • At least two credits of Chemistry 490 or 498

  • One-hour oral examination

  • Written thesis

• Honors

  • Students do not apply for admission to candidacy for honors.

  • Accumulated at least 87 credits

  • Completed two semesters of residency at Whitman

  • Major GPA of at least 3.500

  • Complete a written thesis or research project prepared exclusively for the satisfaction of this program.

  • Earn a grade of at least A- on the honors thesis or project and the honors thesis course.

  • Pass the senior assessment with distinction.

  • Chair of the department will notify the Registrar of students attaining honors no later than the beginning of Week 12.

  • An acceptable digital copy of the honors thesis must be submitted to Penrose Library no later than Reading Day.

• Notes

  • It is strongly recommended that students have a minimum grade point of 2.50 averaged over their most recent General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Calculus courses at the time of declaring their major.

  • Students who wish to complete the American Chemical Society certified major must:

    • Take BBMB 325. Note that Biology 102 and 102L are prerequisites. Declared Chemistry majors only need to take Biology 102 and 102L, without the prerequisite of Biology 101 and 101L. The Biology 101/101L prerequisite will be waived for declared Chemistry majors.

    • Complete one year of college-level physics with laboratory (Physics 145/145L or 155/155L; and 146 or 156/156L).

  • Those interested in graduate school should consider additional coursework in Mathematics and Statistics (240, 244, or 367) or possibly in Biology, and should consult with their advisor.

  • No courses may be taken P-D-F after declaration.