Chemistry Advising Guide

Introduction

The Chemistry department provides students with knowledge and understanding of the composition, structures, properties, and transformations of natural and man-made substances through classroom work, laboratory work, and seminars.  Advanced courses offered by the department are designed to meet the needs of students who are preparing for graduate work in chemistry or related areas, for medical or dental school or related health professions, for high school teaching of chemistry, and for a wide variety of chemistry-related positions in industry and government. 

Introductory course appropriate for non-science majors

CHEM 111, Topics in Chemistry, is designed for students who do not intend to pursue additional study in the sciences; it does not count toward the chemistry major or any other major in the sciences and is not accepted by medical schools.  A student starting with this course who later decides to take chemistry at the 200-level or to become a major will need to take CHEM 131/132 or CHEM 141 and consult immediately with the department chairperson to plan the rest of his/her course work. 

Introductory courses appropriate for prospective majors, science  majors, and pre-health students

Two introductory level chemistry courses are offered in the fall semester of the first year, but it is essential to understand the difference between them:

CHEM 131/132, General Chemistry with Lab, is a two-semester introductory sequence for science majors or pre-health students. These courses include lecture and lab, and students must select a lab that corresponds to the specified lecture. 

CHEM 141, Accelerated General Chemistry with Lab, is a one-semester introductory course for especially well-prepared science majors or pre-health students.  Students place into this course by their performance on the Chemistry Placement Exam given in the summer before the first year,  

It is highly recommended that science students take CHEM 131/132 in the first year, especially those who want to study abroad during the junior year.  CHEM 131 is offered only in the fall and is a pre-requisite for CHEM 132, which is offered only in the spring. 

MATH 170 & 171, Single Variable Calculus and Multivariable Calculus, should be taken as early as possible to allow a wider choice of chemistry electives in upper-class years.   

Test scores and credits that may affect course selection 

Advanced Placement: course credit and/or placement  

Students who earn 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP Exam will receive General College Credit.  Those students planning to continue with Chemistry must take the Chemistry Placement Exam.  Students who place into CHEM 141 will have the General College Credit changed to Chemistry General Credit upon successful completion of 141.    

Transfer Credits 

Transfer students planning to major in chemistry should confer with the chairperson as early as possible, in order to assess the student's background and plan future chemistry courses.  It is necessary that the student bring a course description, and a course syllabus for the department chairperson to fully evaluate courses. For Dickinson students who wish to take Chemistry courses at another institution, the department strongly recommends that students have those courses approved by the department as eligible for transfer prior to enrolling.  

Introductory courses that fulfill distribution requirements

Division III:  

Independent study or research

Independent study or research is available to students who are prepared for it.  Normally this requires the completion of CHEM 131/132 or CHEM 141 as a minimum.  More advanced courses are required for most independent research projects.  Interested students should talk with faculty members in the department to arrange a topic for independent work 

Chemistry majors who desire a degree that is certified by the American Chemical Society are required by the Chemistry department to complete an approved research experience.  This experience gives the researcher an insight and depth of understanding of Chemistry that can be obtained in no other way.  Some students fulfill their requirement with approved off-campus industrial or academic internships. 

Additional remarks

Chemistry Club:  The Chemistry Club is a student-run organization that is open to all students interested in Chemistry.  The Chemistry department and the Chemistry Club schedule a variety of programs such as outside speakers, trips to Chemistry meetings and graduate schools, seminars, field trips, and picnics.  Most activities are open to all students and faculty.  In addition, many majors are active in the Pre-Health Society. 

Careers:  Currently one third of our majors are planning careers in the health professions.  Many chemistry graduates continue their studies in graduate schools and obtain advanced degrees that qualify them for responsible positions.  A significant number of graduates attain jobs in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries immediately after graduation from Dickinson.