Curriculum
The chemistry program stresses the art of scientific thought and the role of chemistry in society. Chemistry students benefit from a close working relationship with faculty members in an atmosphere that encourages research. Majors can gain preparation suitable for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical and materials engineering, environmental sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry, or molecular biology. Other professional schools open to chemistry graduates include the following: human, dental, or veterinary medicine; business administration; or patent or environmental law. Majors will also have a background appropriate for becoming a professional research or process chemist in industrial, pharmaceutical, or government laboratories; teaching high school or community college chemistry; doing environmental monitoring or remediation; working in sales, product development, or in laboratory safety; becoming a writer on science topics, working in science libraries or other information services, doing conservation work in art museums; or performing forensic analyses for law enforcement agencies.
Requirements for the Major in Chemistry
Number of Units A minimum of eight units, excluding courses designed for non-chemistry majors and not including the SIP.
Required Courses
- CHEM 110 Introductory Chemistry I with Lab (offered Fall and Winter)
- CHEM 120 Introductory Chemistry II with Lab (offered Winter and Spring)
- CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I with Lab (offered Fall)
- CHEM 220 Organic Chemistry II with Lab (offered Winter)
- CHEM 240 Analytical Chemistry I with Lab (offered Spring)
- CHEM 310 Physical Chemistry I with Lab (offered Spring)
- Two additional units from CHEM 352, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470
- MATH 112 Calculus I
- MATH 113 Calculus II (Additional work in mathematics is encouraged.)
- PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I with Lab
- PHYS 152 Introductory Physics II with Lab
In accordance with College policy, chemistry majors must pass eight units of chemistry and the mathematics and physics cognates with a C- or better.
Kalamazoo College appears on the American Chemical Society’s list of schools that offer approved pre-professional undergraduate programs in chemistry. This program includes: CHEM 210, 240, 310, 352, 430, a chemistry SIP, and two additional chemistry courses above the 100-level; MATH 112, 113, 214, 240; PHYS 150, 152. This curriculum, which provides thorough preparation in chemistry, mathematics, and physics, is recommended for students contemplating graduate study in chemistry.
3-2 Pre-Engineering in Chemical Engineering.
Students intending to follow the 3-2 Pre-Engineering Program in chemical engineering should follow the course sequence for the chemistry major through the third year and meet the requirements for admission to chemical engineering schools after the third year.
Each student pursuing this program must successfully complete the following courses while in residence at Kalamazoo College: CHEM 110, 120, 210, 220, 240, 310; MATH 112, 113, 214, 240, 280; PHYS 150, 152, 220.
The Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Number of Units 13
Required Courses
- BIOL 112 Evolution and Genetics with Lab
- BIOL 246 Cell and Molecular Biology with Lab
- BIOL 466 Advanced Molecular Biology with Lab
- BIOL/CHEM 352 Biochemistry with Lab
- CHEM 110 Introductory Chemistry I with Lab
- CHEM 120 Introductory Chemistry II with Lab
- CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I with Lab
- CHEM 220 or 224 Organic Chemistry II with Lab or
- Organic Chemistry IIA with Lab
- CHEM 310 Physical Chemistry I with Lab
- MATH 112 Calculus I
- MATH 113 Calculus II
- PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I with Lab
- PHYS 152 Introductory Physics II with Lab
In accordance with College policy, concentrators in biochemistry and molecular biology must pass the 13 required courses with a C- or better.
Advanced Placement
With a chemistry advanced placement score of 4 or 5, one unit of AP credit will be awarded towards the minimum of eight units required for the major in chemistry provided a student begins the chemistry sequence at CHEM 120 or higher. Students entering Kalamazoo College with Advanced Placement scores of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry examination are automatically exempt from CHEM 110.
Departmental Placement Exams
All students enrolling in Introductory Chemistry courses (CHEM 110 or 120) must complete the placement examination offered during the summer before the first year. Results from the placement examination and a review of prior laboratory experience may permit exemption for one or both Introductory Chemistry courses. Students entering Kalamazoo College with Advanced Placement scores of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry examination are automatically exempt from CHEM 110.