Chemistry Undergraduate Degree Curriculum: A Comprehensive Overview

Chemistry, at its core, is the study of matter and its properties, investigating the laws that govern its composition and transformations. It delves into the understanding of structure and reactivity of matter from atomic- and molecular-level perspectives. An undergraduate degree in chemistry provides a structured sequence of courses that explore the classical subdisciplines within this fascinating field. These programs aim to equip students with a mastery of the discipline, preparing them for further study or immediate employment in chemistry-related fields.

Core Areas of Chemistry

Degrees in Chemistry involve training in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. All chemists share a common foundation of knowledge in these areas, acquired through a carefully designed sequence of undergraduate courses.

Curriculum Structure and Requirements

The curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Chemistry is a rigorous program designed to prepare students for a professional career in chemistry. Many programs are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), ensuring they meet professional training standards. These ACS-approved programs offer a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education, equipping students with the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills needed to become effective scientific professionals.

GPA and Course Grade Requirements

Beginning Spring quarter 2010, students enrolled in degree programs in biochemistry and chemistry must maintain both a cumulative GPA and individual-course grades consistent with requirements for their degree. Students pursuing B.S. degrees must maintain a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.50 and minimum 2.0 for individual courses required for the major. Students pursuing a B.A. degree must maintain a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.00 and minimum 1.7 for individual courses required for the major. Failure to maintain these GPA and grade standards results in the student being placed on departmental academic probation for one quarter, and dropped from the major if marked improvement in academic performance is not achieved.

Credit Requirements

Beginning with the class of 2028, students will need 60 approved credits to complete the major. The class of 2026 and 2027 need 57 approved credits to complete the major. Earn at least 120 credits. This can include transfer credit, AP credit and free electives, but does not include preparatory coursework.

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Core Coursework

A typical chemistry undergraduate curriculum includes the following core courses:

General Chemistry: This introductory sequence lays the foundation for all further chemistry studies. Examples include CHEM 2070 + CHEM 2071 and CHEM 2080 + CHEM 2081 or CHEM 2150. Admission to CHEM 2150 requires a 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement Exam, a 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate Chemistry Exam, or permission of instructor.
Organic Chemistry: This sequence explores the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds. Examples include CHEM 3570 and CHEM 3580 or CHEM 3590 and CHEM 3600. Either sequence can be taken for the honors curriculum.
Physical Chemistry: This branch applies the principles of physics to chemical systems, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and quantum mechanics. Examples include CHEM 3870 and CHEM 3880 or CHEM 3890 and CHEM 3900. Students planning for graduate study and/or a career in chemistry are advised to take CHEM 3890+3900. Students interested in chemistry-related fields are advised to take CHEM 3870+3880 or CHEM 3890+3900. CHEM 3890+3900 is required for the honors curriculum. Students taking CHEM 3890+3900 are required to take one semester of Multivariable Calculus or Linear Algebra (MATH 1920, MATH 2130, MATH 2220, MATH 2210, MATH 2310, MATH 2940). Beginning with the class of 2028, students will need to complete CHEM 3870 + CHEM 3880 or CHEM 3890 + CHEM 3900 to satisfy the physical chemistry requirement. The class of 2025, 2026, and 2027 may continue to take CHEM 3870 as a one-semester course that satisfies the physical chemistry requirement.
Inorganic Chemistry: This field focuses on the properties and reactions of inorganic compounds, including coordination complexes and materials. An example is CHEM 4100.
Analytical Chemistry: CHEM 241Modern Analytical Methods for Separation and Characterization H3 CHEM 241LLaboratory in Separations and Analytical Characterization of Organic and Biological Compounds1 or CHEM 245L Honors Laboratory in Separations and Analytical Characterization of Organic and Biological Compound. This involves the study of the separation, identification, and quantification of chemical components in natural and artificial materials.

Supporting Coursework

In addition to core chemistry courses, students also take supporting courses in mathematics and physics:

Mathematics: Courses in calculus are essential for understanding physical chemistry and other advanced topics. Examples include MATH 1110 and MATH 1120 or 4 AP credits and MATH 1910. AP credit may be used to substitute one or more of the courses listed above.
Physics: A strong foundation in physics is crucial for comprehending the fundamental principles underlying chemical phenomena. Examples include PHYS 2207 + PHYS 2208 or PHYS 1112 + PHYS 2213 or PHYS 1116 + PHYS 2217. AP credit may be used to substitute one or more of the courses listed above. The PHYS 1101-1102 sequence is NOT acceptable for the chemistry major at Cornell. The calculus-based series is recommended. NOTE: One credit lab is included with each course in the calculus-based physics series.

Laboratory Experience

A significant component of a chemistry undergraduate degree is hands-on laboratory experience. A total of eight (8) laboratory credits is required for completion of the major. The laboratory requirement can be satisfied by taking the core organic and physical laboratories + additional approved laboratory elective courses, such as CHEM 3010 or CHEM 3020. Independent research credit does NOT count toward completion of the laboratory requirement. Core Laboratories include CHEM 2510 (organic) and CHEM 2900 or CHEM 3030 (physical). Students planning for graduate study or a career in chemistry are advised to take CHEM 3030. CHEM 3030 is required for the honors curriculum. See Lab Requirement below.

Electives

There is no minimum number of elective credits needed to complete the chemistry major at Cornell. However, students regularly take electives to diversify their education, meet the requirements of the honors curriculum, and to satisfy the total number of credits required to complete the program. Electives allow students to explore specialized areas of chemistry or related fields. Students can choose electives to diversify their education, meet the requirements of an honors curriculum, or satisfy total credit requirements. Students may select advanced courses in related science disciplines beyond the introductory level, as well as math-related courses that have at least Calculus II (or the equivalent) as a prerequisite.

Sample Curriculum Structure

A typical four-year curriculum might look like this:

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First Year

Fall Semester: General Chemistry I (CHEM 2070 + CHEM 2071), Calculus I (MATH 1110)
Spring Semester: General Chemistry II (CHEM 2080 + CHEM 2081), Calculus II (MATH 1120)

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester: Organic Chemistry I (CHEM 3570), Introduction to Organic Lab (CHEM 2510), General Physics I (PHYS 2207 or PHYS 1112 or PHYS 1116)
Spring Semester: Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 3580), Synthetic Chemistry Lab (CHEM 3010) or Elective Lab, General Physics II (PHYS 2208 or PHYS 2213 or PHYS 2217)

Junior Year

Fall Semester: Principles of Physical Chemistry (CHEM 3870), Elective, Elective
Spring Semester: Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 2900), Basics of Biophysical Chemistry (CHEM 3880), Elective, Elective

Senior Year

Fall Semester: Elective
Spring Semester: Inorganic Chemistry (CHEM 4100), Honors Seminar (CHEM 4980), Elective

Honors Curriculum

The honors curriculum provides a more challenging and in-depth study of chemistry for students planning for graduate study or a research career. The honors curriculum requires CHEM 3010 and CHEM 3020 and CHEM 3030. This sequence is recommended for students planning for a career and/or graduate study in chemistry.

Special Opportunities

Many chemistry programs offer special opportunities to enhance students' learning and prepare them for future careers.

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduates find research to be an exciting and rewarding experience. Undergraduate research can help them acquire a spirit of inquiry, initiative, independence, sound judgment, patience, persistence, alertness, and the ability to use the chemical literature. Undergraduate research also affords an opportunity to make pioneering discoveries at the forefront of science, using instrumentation and techniques far more sophisticated than those usually encountered in standard laboratory courses. More than 80 students are involved in undergraduate research projects in chemistry each year. Although successful completion of an undergraduate research project is a requirement for graduation with honors or highest honors. The usual mechanism for becoming involved in a research project involves making direct contact with faculty researchers to inquire about research opportunities. The Chemistry Student Services Office also maintains a list of undergraduate research opportunities. This process begins well in advance of a preregistration or registration period. Once a research opportunity is identified, a student will register for CHEM 395. CHEM 395 and CHEM 396 together may be taken for credit as many times as desired but may be counted for no more than nine hours total credit toward graduation in either the B.A. or B.S. traditional and polymer tracks and for no more than six hours in the B.S. biochemistry track. Only one of CHEM 395 or CHEM 396 may be counted as an advanced chemistry elective. In the B.S. curriculum CHEM 395 and CHEM 396 together may be counted no more than once as an advanced chemistry elective. CHEM 396 may only be counted as an advanced chemistry elective with departmental permission.

Internships

Important experiential opportunities are available to students in this program, including undergraduate research and academic internships. The optional co-op track provides an opportunity for you to engage in compensated, career-oriented experiences and reflect upon and integrate your experience within your undergraduate degree.

Honors Programs

Upon the recommendation of the Department of Chemistry, the B.A. or B.S. degree with a major in chemistry may be awarded with honors in chemistry or highest honors in chemistry. To attain the honors or highest distinction, the candidate must satisfy the following guidelines: Achieve an overall grade point average of 3.30 or higher. Achieve a chemistry major grade point average of 3.40 or higher. Prior to the final semester during which the honors thesis is completed, conduct two semesters or one semester plus one summer of research in the laboratory in which the thesis work will be completed. Honors in chemistry is a distinction bestowed on an outstanding student who has completed a research project of considerable merit, as certified by the research advisor and two faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies. Highest honors in chemistry is a distinction bestowed on a truly exceptional student who has completed a research project of considerable depth and significance that meets the most rigorous standards of scholarly excellence, as certified by the research advisor and two faculty members appointed by the director of undergraduate studies. Students who wish to complete an honors thesis should begin planning their course programs and research activities during or before the junior year so that ample time and effort may be devoted to research.

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Awards and Recognition

Excellent performances by undergraduates in chemistry are recognized by the department through the following awards: Francis P. Venable Medal, Emmett Gladstone Rand Premedical Scholarship, David L. Stern Scholar, Jason D. Altom Memorial Award for Undergraduate Research, James H. Maguire Memorial Award, Tanya R. Ellison Scholarship, Carrie Ann Largent Scholarship, The Bunki Bankaitis-Davis Memorial Scholarship, Alpha Chi Sigma Sophomore Chemist Award, J. Thurman Freeze Scholarship, E.C. Markham Summer Research Fund, Chapel Family Student Excellence Fund, Matthew Neely Jackson Undergraduate Research Award, Tommie and Billie Hinton Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Alan Rauch and Merrill King Undergraduate Student Research Fund, The Todd and Sherri Elder Undergraduate Research Fund in Chemistry, Mia Pizzagalli and Ken Shelton Undergraduate Research Fund, Anne Cooper Schout Chemistry Excellence Fund, Maurice Bursey Undergraduate Research Award.

Departmental Involvement

Majors are encouraged to participate in Alpha Chi Sigma (chemistry fraternity) and the undergraduate advisory board.

Laboratory Teaching Internships and Assistantships

Undergraduates have the opportunity to serve as laboratory teaching assistants for entry-level undergraduate laboratory courses.

Special Topics

Special topics not offered through the normal course sequence may be pursued through directed reading and registration in CHEM 396 with the approval of the supervising faculty member, advisor, and vice chair for undergraduate studies. An approved learning contract is required, and students must be registered no later than the end of the second week of classes (fall and spring semesters).

Career Paths and Further Study

A chemistry undergraduate degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths. Graduates may pursue careers as professional chemists in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental science, and more. The degree also serves as a strong foundation for careers in related fields such as biology, medicine, and engineering.

An ACS-approved program also provides all the prerequisites for graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry and in other biomedical areas with a molecular focus.

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