Chemistry

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. The 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.

Advice to First-Year Students

Test Scores and Credits that may affect Course Selection

Advanced Placement: The department's policy is to give both credit and placement to students scoring 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement Test. A student who earns a 3 on this test may or may not receive credit depending on our assessment of the AP test paper and other evidence.

Students who earn a 3 on the AP exam can receive credit for CHEM 141 upon successful completion of CHEM 241. Some students who earn 3, 4 or 5 on the AP test still choose to take CHEM 141. This is because it is a hands-on, discovery-based course that integrates laboratory and lecture/discussion (see description below) – an experience many do not have in high school. If you are not sure if you want to skip 141, please, contact Prof. David Crouch (email crouch@dickinson.edu) or come talk to us during Orientation. If you do decide not to take 141, you will have to wait until the spring semester to take a chemistry course. Interested students who opt out of CHEM 141 may be hired as a prep student, a paid position in which you help set up equipment and make up solutions for other laboratory students. This opportunity serves as a refresher for you so that you are not forgetting your chemistry and also helps you to get to know the chemistry department earlier rather than waiting until the spring. Please let us know upon arrival to campus if you are interested in this option.

Transfer Credit: Transfer students should confer with the chairperson as early as possible, in order to assess the student's background and plan future chemistry courses. It would be helpful to have the student bring information on texts used, course syllabi, etc.

Introductory Courses Appropriate to First-Year 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 111, General Chemistry, is designed for students who do not intend to pursue additional study in the sciences. As described below, CHEM 111 satisfies a science (Division III) lab science requirement. CHEM 111 is a course for non-science majors; it does not count toward the chemistry major or any other major in the sciences. It is not accepted by medical schools. The content of this course varies yearly, but applications to everyday life are emphasized and the Case Study approach is used.

 

CHEM 141, Foundations of Chemistry, is a one-semester introductory course for science majors or pre-health students. In this course, lecture, discussion and laboratory are integrated to give in-depth and active working knowledge of the field. Four sections of this course are normally offered each fall. Note that the course includes lecture and lab and students must register for a lab the corresponds to the specified lecture.

Introductory Courses Appropriate for Prospective Majors

Students considering majoring in Chemistry should schedule CHEM 141 Foundations of Chemistry and 241 Synthesis & Reactivity I, as well as Calculus, their first year to allow a wider choice of chemistry electives in upper-class years. If you are waitlisted upon registering for CHEM 141, please, see one of us immediately upon arrival to campus. It is essential for certain students to take CHEM 141 the first semester of the first year, especially those who want to study abroad during the junior year. This year, we have opened a fifth section to accommodate new students who may need this course. Even if you are waitlisted, assume you will ultimately get into the class.

A student starting with 111 General Chemistry who later decides to take chemistry at the 200-level or to become a chemistry major will have to take CHEM 141 Foundations of Chemistry. The student should consult immediately with the department chairperson to plan the rest of his or her course work.

A sophomore taking 141 Foundations of Chemistry can still become a chemistry major, but because of prerequisites the scheduling of courses must be carefully done and therefore these students should consult with the department chairperson as early as possible.

Note: CHEM 244 has Calculus II (MATH 162) as a pre- or co-requisite and PHYS 142 or 132 as a pre- or co-requisite. CHEM 341 has Calculus II (MATH 162) as a pre-requisite and PHYS 141 or 131 as a pre- or co-requisite. Ideally, both Calculus and Physics should be finished before the junior year.

Course Descriptions and Requirements for the Major: www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/chem.html

Additional information: www.dickinson.edu/departments/chem/