The major in chemistry comprises the ten one-semester chemistry courses (and associated laboratories) listed below, plus five co-requisite courses. The minimum requirements for the chemistry major are as follows:
Two semesters of general chemistry and laboratory
CH 109-110 or CH 117-118 lecture
CH 111-112 or CH 119-120 laboratory
Two semesters of organic chemistry and laboratory
CH 231-232 or CH 241-242 lecture
CH 233-234 laboratory
Prerequisite: CH 109-110 or CH 117-118
One semester of analytical chemistry and laboratory
CH 351 lecture and CH 353 laboratory
Prerequisite: CH 109-110 or CH 117-118
Two semesters of physical chemistry
CH 575-576 lecture
Pre- or co-requisites: MT 202, PH 209-210 or departmental permission
One semester of inorganic chemistry
CH 222 lecture and CH 224 laboratory
Prerequisite: CH 109-110 or CH 117-118
One semester of biochemistry
CH 461 lecture
Prerequisite: CH 231-232
One semester of advanced methods in chemistry
CH 557 lecture and CH 554 laboratory
Prerequisite: CH 351
In addition to the above, the following courses are also required:
Two semesters of physics with laboratory
PH 209-210 lecture and PH 203-204 laboratory
Two or three semesters of calculus
MT 102-103 or MT 105
MT 202
A fourth semester of calculus, MT 305, is recommended
The preceding fulfills the Boston College requirements for a B.S. degree in chemistry. For this degree to be also certified by the American Chemical Society, two additional chemistry laboratory electives are required, usually CH 591-592, Intro. to Chemistry Research.
The department strongly recommends that students take additional advanced chemistry electives (courses numbered CH 500 or higher).
Students are also strongly urged to engage in a research project under the direction of a faculty member, particularly if the student is planning to attend graduate school. Juniors who show exceptional ability may engage in an independent research project and receive academic credit by registering for CH 391-392, Undergraduate Research I and II. Students who wish to pursue research in their senior year should register for CH 591-592, Introduction to Chemical Research. Students who intend to complete a Scholar of the College thesis should register for CH 495-496, Advanced Research in Chemistry I and II. Consult a faculty advisor concerning these research options. See also Undergraduate Research.
The following is the sequence of courses recommended by the department. However, it is possible to take courses out of sequence in many cases if conflicts arise in your program or if you do not begin your major in the freshman year. Consult your faculty advisor concerning the best program for you.
Recommended sequence of courses
First Year
Fall
CH 109 General Chemistry I or
CH 117 Principles of Modern Chemistry I
CH 111 General Chemistry Laboratory I or
CH 119 Modern Chemistry Laboratory I
PH 209 Intro to Physics I
PH 203 Physics Laboratory I
MT 102 Calculus I
Spring
CH 110 General Chemistry II or
CH 118 Principles of Modern Chemistry II
CH 112 General Chemistry Laboratory II or
CH 120 Modern Chemistry Laboratory II
PH 210 Intro. to Physics II
PH 204 Physics Laboratory II
MT 103 Calculus II
Second Year
Fall
CH 231 Organic Chemistry I or
CH 241 Honors Organic Chemistry I
CH 233 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
CH 351 Analytical Chemistry
CH 353 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
MT 202 Calculus III
Spring
CH 232 Organic Chemistry II or
CH 242 Honors Organic Chemistry II
CH 234 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
CH 222 Intro. Inorganic Chemistry
CH 224 Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
Third Year
Fall
CH 575 Physical Chemistry I
Chemistry Electives (recommended)
Spring
CH 576 Physical Chemistry II
CH 557 Advanced Methods in Chemistry I
CH 554 Advanced Methods in Chemistry Laboratory I
Fourth Year
Fall
CH 461 Biochemistry (chemistry majors)
Chemistry Electives (recommended)
Spring
Chemistry Electives (recommended)
For additional information, contact Professor Lynne O'Connell, Merkert 107, ext. 2-3626, oconnell@bc.edu.
•The Honors Program
•Study Abroad
•Secondary Education/Chemistry Majors
