B.S. Chemistry

The requirements for an ACS-certified B.S. major with a degree in chemistry are: CHEM 121, 122, 213, 221, 222, 231, 325, 326, 332, 350 or 351 or 361, 392 or 394 or 495, 431, and two advanced chemistry electives1 (200-, 300- or 400-level, excluding 380, 390, 391, 392, 394, 495, 496) (including a minimum of 400 hours of chemistry laboratory beyond CHEM 121/122); PHYS 111/112 or 131/133 or 151/152; MATH 161, 162, and one additional 200-level or higher MATH elective. In addition, electives listed below must include College-wide requirements for the Common Course of Study.

Most chemistry courses have prerequisites, and it is recommended that a student wishing to graduate in four years follow the schedule below:

Fall
 Spring
  • CHEM 121 (General I)
  • MATH 161 (Calculus I)
  • First-Year Seminar
  • Elective
 First Year
  • CHEM 122 (General II)
  • MATH 162 (Calculus II)
  • PHYS 131 or 151 or Elective
  • Elective
  • CHEM 221 (Organic I)
  • PHYS 111 or 133 or 152
  • MATH 200 level or above elective
  • Elective
 Sophomore Year
  • CHEM 213 (Inorganic I)
  • CHEM 222 (Organic II)
  • Physics 112 or Elective
  • Elective
  • CHEM 231 (Analytical I)
  • CHEM 325 (Physical I)
  • CHEM 350 or 351 or 361 (Biochemistry)
  • Elective
 Junior Year
  • CHEM 326 (Physical II)
  • CHEM 332 (Analytical II)
  • Elective
  • Elective
  • CHEM 431 (Advanced Inorganic)
  • CHEM 391 or 392 or 495 (Research)2
  • Advanced Chemistry Elective1
  • Elective
 Senior Year
  • Advanced Chemistry Elective
  • Elective
  • Elective
  • Elective

See: Lafayette College Catalog for individual course descriptions.

1 The recommended semester assignments shown above for advanced chemistry courses are only guidelines; these courses can be taken any semester if appropriate prerequisites have been satisfied.