Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Academic Program

Course Sequence Recommendations

Course Major in Chemistry

Requirements

Ancillary Requirements from Other Departments

Acceptance Criteria

Course Minor in Chemistry

Requirements

1. The minor consists of five chemistry credits, plus any prerequisites necessary. Two courses must be numbered 040 or higher. Research credits (CHEM 094, 096, 180) may not be used to fulfill the requirements for the minor.

   Not resolved to a course
2. At least four of the five credits must be earned at Swarthmore College.

   Not resolved to a course
3. The minor will not be titled anything other than “chemistry.” For example, there will be no minor in “organic chemistry” or “physical chemistry,” or “biochemistry.”

   Not resolved to a course
4. Courses taken during the first semester of the first year are all CR/NC. After the first semester, only one course with a recorded grade of CR can be used to fulfill the requirements of a Chemistry minor. 100-level Seminars and Research credit (CHEM 94/96/180) may not be taken CR/NC.

   Not resolved to a course

Acceptance Criteria

Honors Major in Chemistry

Requirements

1. Honors chemistry majors must take at least two 100-level seminars. These seminars (and their associated prerequisites) will serve as two of the honors preparations in the major.

   Not resolved to a course
2. Honors chemistry majors must take CHEM 065 in addition to the 100-level seminar requirements.

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3. Honors chemistry majors are expected to write a senior research thesis under the supervision of an on-campus research mentor. The thesis represents the third honors preparation. Preparation for a Research Thesis within an Honors Program consists of enrollment in two credits of CHEM 180 during the senior year, as well as two accompanying semesters of the Thesis Workship (CHEM 199). Except under extraordinary circumstances, students presenting a thesis for external examination will also spend at least one summer on-campus working on their research project. If, after following the procedures for applying for research in the department, an on-campus research mentor cannot be found, an Honors candidate should consult with the department’s class adviser to explore alternate means of meeting the requirement.

   Not resolved to a course

The Honors Exams for Majors and Preparations

Acceptance Criteria

Honors Minor in Chemistry

Requirements

The Honors Exam for Minors and Preparations

Acceptance Criteria

Course Major in Biochemistry

Requirements

1. One intermediate-level biology course (with lab) and one additional chemistry course (040 or higher).

   Not resolved to a course
2. Two intermediate-level biology courses (with labs) .

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3. An intermediate-level biology course (with lab) and a 100-level biology seminar.

   Not resolved to a course

Ancillary Requirements from Other Departments

Acceptance Criteria

Acceptance Criteria and Requirements for Honors Major in Biochemistry

1. CHEM 108

   110, 112, 118 or 120.

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2. A two-credit biochemically oriented Research Thesis carried out under the supervision of faculty from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. A two-credit biochemically oriented Research Thesis may also be supervised by faculty from the Biology Department, but the student must obtain written agreement from the supervisor that they will handle all aspects of the honors examination of the thesis.

   Not resolved to a course
3. One additional 100-level seminar from either the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry or from the Biology Department. For seminars in Biology, students must obtain written agreement in advance from the professor that they will handle all aspects of the honors examination for the seminar.

   Not resolved to a course

Course Major in Chemistry and Educational Studies

Requirements

Ancillary Requirements from Other Departments

Acceptance Criteria

Requirements for Honors Major in Chemistry and Educational Studies

Comprehensive Requirements

Chemistry

1. The department will provide a minimum of 6 opportunities to write reflections each academic year.

   Not resolved to a course
2. The department will provide guidelines on the reflection format and students will have one week to submit their reflection following the colloquium presentation.

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3. Satisfactory performance on 4 reflections constitutes completion of this component of the comprehensive requirement.

   Not resolved to a course

Biochemistry

Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate Credit

Transfer Credit

Off-Campus Study

Research

Academic Year Opportunities

1. CHEM 094

   Research Project

   As published: “(research project). Students may enroll in this course for either a half credit or a full credit. A half credit implies a time commitment of 5-7 hours per week, while a full credit implies a time commitment of 10-15 hours per week.”
2. CHEM 096

   Research Thesis

   As published: “(research thesis). A full year (two credits) of CHEM 096 corresponds to a research thesis for course majors.”
   1
3. CHEM 180

   Honors Thesis- Research

   As published: “(honors research thesis). A full year (two credits) of CHEM 180 corresponds to a research thesis for honors majors.”
   1
4. Enrollment in CHEM 096 and 180 must be accompanied by concurrent enrollment in the non-credit CHEM 199 (Thesis Writing Workshop).

   Not resolved to a course

Research Conducted in Other Departments

American Chemical Society Certification

Chemistry and Biochemistry Courses

1. CHEM 003B

   Painting, Chemistry and Conservation.
   1
2. CHEM 010

   Foundations of Chemical Principles
   1
3. CHEM 011

   Integrated Foundations of Chemical Principles
   1
4. CHEM 015

   Environmental Chemistry
   1
5. CHEM 022

   Organic Chemistry I
   1
6. CHEM 032

   Organic Chemistry II
   1
7. CHEM 038

   Biological Chemistry
   1
8. CHEM 042

   Physical Chemistry I
   1
9. CHEM 043

   Analytical Methods and Instrumentation
   1
10. CHEM 048

    Biological Chemistry II
    1
11. CHEM 052

    Physical Chemistry II
    1
12. CHEM 056

    Inorganic Chemistry
    1
13. CHEM 058

    Advanced Experimental Biological Chemistry
    1
14. CHEM 065

    Advanced Integrated Experimental Chemistry
    1

Seminars

1. CHEM 104

   Topics in Organic Chemistry
   1
2. CHEM 110

   Topics in Biophysical Chemistry
   1
3. CHEM 112

   DNA Nanotechnology
   1
4. CHEM 116

   Topics in Organometallic Chemistry
   1
5. CHEM 118

   Special Topics in Biochemistry and Its Applications
   1
6. CHEM 120

   Topics in Environmental Nanotechnology
   1

Student Research

1. CHEM 094

   Research Project
2. CHEM 096

   Research Thesis
   1
3. CHEM 180

   Honors Thesis- Research
   1
4. CHEM 199

   Senior Thesis Workshop
   0