Navigating the Chemistry Curriculum at Bowdoin College: A Comprehensive Guide to CHEM 1109 and Beyond

Bowdoin College offers a comprehensive chemistry program designed to prepare students for various career paths, including chemistry, graduate studies, medicine, teaching, and business. The curriculum is structured to provide a strong foundation in chemical principles, with flexibility to tailor the program to individual interests and goals. This guide provides an overview of the chemistry courses, including CHEM 1109, and how they fit into the broader chemistry and biochemistry majors.

Introductory Chemistry Courses

Bowdoin College offers several introductory chemistry courses designed to accommodate students with varying levels of prior experience. These courses are crucial for students interested in pursuing further studies in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields.

CHEM 1091: Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning I

This course, offered in the fall semester, is the first in a two-semester sequence designed for students with limited backgrounds in chemistry. It provides additional instruction focused on developing quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills. Topics covered include the properties of matter, atomic and molecular structure, quantum and periodic trends, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, stoichiometry, and aqueous solutions. The course includes three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory work per week. Placement in CHEM 1091 is determined by the chemistry placement examination.

CHEM 1092: Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning II

As the second course in the introductory sequence, CHEM 1092 builds upon the concepts introduced in CHEM 1091. It continues to emphasize quantitative reasoning and problem-solving skills. Topics include gases, properties of solutions, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry, and acid-base chemistry. The course involves three hours of lecture, a mandatory one-hour problem-solving session, and four hours of laboratory work per week. Completion of CHEM 1091 with a grade of C- or higher is a prerequisite.

CHEM 1101: Introductory Chemistry I

CHEM 1101 is the first semester of a one-year introductory chemistry sequence. It covers fundamental principles of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and stoichiometry.

CHEM 1102: Introductory Chemistry II

CHEM 1102 is the second semester of the introductory chemistry sequence. It builds on the concepts learned in CHEM 1101, covering topics such as thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibrium, and electrochemistry.

CHEM 1109: General Chemistry

CHEM 1109 is a one-semester introductory chemistry course that covers a broad range of topics, including models of atomic structure, chemical bonding, intermolecular forces, chemical systems at equilibrium, spontaneous processes, rates of chemical reactions, and special topics. The course includes lectures, review sessions, and four hours of laboratory work per week. Students who have taken Chemistry 1102 may not take Chemistry 1109 for credit. CHEM 1109 serves as a gateway to more advanced chemistry courses.

Placement and Course Selection

First-year students with an interest in biochemistry should aim to complete introductory chemistry (CHEM 1091, CHEM 1092, CHEM 1101, CHEM 1102, or CHEM 1109) and introductory biology (BIOL 1101, BIOL 1102, or BIOL 1109) by the end of their first year. Placement results will indicate the appropriate starting point. Students may need to complete a two-semester introductory chemistry sequence. Completing CHEM 1092, CHEM 1102, or CHEM 1109 during the first year is crucial for enrolling in the organic chemistry sequence in the sophomore year.

Students must take the chemistry placement exam to enroll in any chemistry course numbered 1091 and higher. Chemistry courses numbered between 1000-1090 are designed to fulfill the INS (Inquiry in the Natural Sciences) distribution degree requirement and assume no previous science background.

Intermediate and Advanced Chemistry Courses

After completing the introductory chemistry sequence, students can advance to more specialized courses.

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CHEM 2100: Chemical Analysis

This intermediate-level course focuses on the principles and techniques of chemical analysis, including quantitative methods and instrumentation.

CHEM 2250: Organic Chemistry I

This is the first semester of a two-semester organic chemistry sequence, covering the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, including structure, bonding, nomenclature, and reactions of organic compounds.

CHEM 2260: Organic Chemistry II

Builds upon the concepts learned in Organic Chemistry I, delving deeper into organic reactions, mechanisms, and spectroscopic techniques.

CHEM 2320: Biochemistry

Focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms, including the structure and function of biomolecules, enzyme kinetics, and metabolic pathways.

CHEM 2400: Inorganic Chemistry

Explores the chemistry of inorganic compounds, including their structure, bonding, and reactivity.

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CHEM 2510: Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics

This course covers the principles of thermodynamics and kinetics, providing a foundation for understanding chemical reactions and processes.

CHEM 2520: Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

Focuses on the principles of quantum mechanics and their application to chemical systems, as well as spectroscopic techniques for studying molecular structure and properties.

CHEM 3250: Structure Determination in Organic Chemistry

Focuses on the application of spectroscopic techniques (NMR, IR, Mass Spectrometry) to determine the structures of organic molecules.

CHEM 3270: Biomimetic and Supramolecular Chemistry

Explores the design and synthesis of molecules that mimic biological systems and the principles of supramolecular chemistry.

CHEM 3310: Chemical Biology

This course explores the interface between chemistry and biology, focusing on the chemical principles underlying biological processes.

CHEM 3320: Molecular Biophysics

Applies physical principles to the study of biological molecules and systems.

CHEM 3510: Reactivity and Kinetics

Delves deeper into the study of chemical reaction rates and mechanisms.

Chemistry Major Requirements

The chemistry major at Bowdoin College offers several concentrations, allowing students to focus on specific areas of interest. The core requirements include courses in general, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, as well as mathematics and physics.

Core Requirements

Select one of the following: CHEM 1092 Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning II, CHEM 1102 Introductory Chemistry II, CHEM 1109 General Chemistry
CHEM 2100 Chemical Analysis
CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2400 Inorganic Chemistry
Select one of the following: MATH 1700 Integral Calculus, MATH 1750 Intermediate Integral Calculus
PHYS 1130 & PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics I and Introductory Physics II

Concentrations

Students choose one of the following concentrations:

Chemical Concentration: Requires five credits.
Educational Concentration: Requires seven credits, including EDUC 2203 Educating All Students, EDUC 3301 Teaching and Learning, and EDUC 3302 Curriculum Development.
Environmental Concentration: Requires five credits.
Geochemical Concentration: Requires five credits.
Neurochemical Concentration: Requires seven credits.

Biochemistry Major Requirements

The Biochemistry major requires a firm foundation in both chemistry and biology.

Required Courses

BIOL 1102 Biological Principles II or BIOL 1109 Scientific Reasoning in Biology
BIOL 2124 Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Select one of the following: CHEM 1092 Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning II, CHEM 1102 Introductory Chemistry II, CHEM 1109 General Chemistry
CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 2260 Organic Chemistry II or CHEM 2261 Organic Chemistry II with Research Laboratory
CHEM 2320 Biochemistry or CHEM 2330 Biochemistry of Membranes
CHEM 2510 Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
MATH 1700 Integral Calculus (or higher)
PHYS 1130 Introductory Physics I or PHYS 1140 Introductory Physics II
Two electives from a list of advanced biology and chemistry courses.

A minimum of eleven courses from among the required and elective biochemistry courses must be completed for the major.

Interdisciplinary Programs

The chemistry department participates in the biochemistry and environmental studies programs, as well as in the interdisciplinary chemical physics major.

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Students who receive a minimum score of four on the Chemistry AP exam or a minimum score of five on the Chemistry IB exam are eligible to receive a credit and can count it toward the major or minor after completion of CHEM 2050 Environmental Chemistry, CHEM 2100 Chemical Analysis, CHEM 2250 Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 2400 Inorganic Chemistry, CHEM 2510 Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics, or CHEM 2520 Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy with a minimum grade of C-. Credit is not given if the student places into or elects to take CHEM 1091 Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning I, CHEM 1092 Introductory Chemistry and Quantitative Reasoning II, CHEM 1101 Introductory Chemistry I, CHEM 1102 Introductory Chemistry II or CHEM 1109 General Chemistry.

Additional Information

Students are advised to begin their core curriculum as soon as possible. The chemistry major can serve as preparation for many career paths after college, including the profession of chemistry, graduate studies in the sciences, medicine, secondary school teaching, and many fields in the business world. The department offers programs based on the interests and goals of the student; therefore, a prospective major should discuss their plans with the department as soon as possible. The department also offers an American Chemical Society-certified major in chemistry. Students may engage in independent study at the intermediate (2970â2999) or advanced (4000â4051) level. Only one advanced level independent study or honors project can count as an elective toward the major.

First-Year Seminars and Introductory Courses

Bowdoin offers a variety of first-year seminars and introductory courses in chemistry, designed to engage students with no prior science background.

CHEM 1020: Water Insecurity: Emerging Threats to a Vital Natural Resource

Explores integrative approaches to address critical threats to the global water supply, drawing on principles of environmental science, sustainable development, and green technology.

CHEM 1051: How the World Works (through a Scientistâs Eyes)

Covers the fundamental processes that underpin our natural and human world, including the structure of matter, energy transformations, and science's role in human relationships.

CHEM 1054: Chemistry in Art and Design

Examines the intersections of chemical science with the visual and performing arts, introducing fundamental concepts of atomic structure, chemical bonding, and chemical reactions through discussions of the material composition of artistsâ tools and media.

CHEM 1055: Science of Food and Wine

Considers the science behind food and wine using bread baking, cooking techniques, the role of microbes in our diet, and wine making and appreciation to explore the chemistry and biology that underlie our gastronomy.

CHEM 1056: Investigations: The Chemistry of Forensics Science

A study of scientific principles that underlie chemical, instrumental, and some biological techniques used in criminal investigations by forensic scientists.

CHEM 1057: Chemistry for the Common Good

Develops studentsâ knowledge of chemistry through examination of a broad range of community issues, discovering how knowledge of chemistry is integrated into both our understanding and proposed solutions to todayâs problems.

CHEM 1058: Drug Discovery

Examines past and present approaches to drug discovery, with an emphasis on the natural world as a source of drugs, historical examples of drug discovery, and the experiments undertaken to validate a drug.

CHEM 1059: Chemistry of Consumer Goods

Examines the chemical components of food, drugs, soaps, plastics, and other consumer goods we encounter daily.

CHEM 1060: Chemistry and the Quest for Discovery

An exploration of the nature and evolution of the scientific discovery process as viewed through the lens of important historical and contemporary innovations in the field of chemistry.

CHEM 1061: The World at Nanoscale using Computers in Chemistry

Students learn about nanoscale forces, using hands-on software exploration to run simple simulations (self-assembly, dissolving salt in water, buffer preparation, free energy estimations, material design for quantum computations) and undertake molecular visualization of their systems.

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