The chemistry department at Hobart and William Smith Colleges takes seriously its responsibility of educating, mentoring and training the science professionals of the future. We recognize that education must extend beyond the classroom and this commitment is evidenced by the extensive opportunities for student engagement in meaningful undergraduate research activities. Feedback from our alums indicates that we provide an excellent background with which to pursue a variety of post-graduate careers.

The chemistry curriculum is designed for students with a wide variety of interests and needs, from an introduction taken to satisfy personal interest to a strong preparation for careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, environmental science, chemical engineering, teaching, medical research or industrial chemistry.

The chemistry curriculum is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. By completing a program that includes CHEM 322, 348, 436, 437, 450, a student obtains an American Chemical Society certified major in chemistry. This program is recommended for those planning graduate work in chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields, or for those pursuing a career as a practicing industrial chemist. Those wishing a certified major should plan their programs with a chemistry department faculty member. Chemistry can also be a major supporting a joint degree program in chemical engineering. Contact the chemistry department chair for details.

Chemistry offers majors in two disciplinary tracks, chemistry and biochemistry, at the B.A. and B.S. degree levels and a minor in chemistry. All courses, departmental and cognate, must be completed with a grade of C or better in order to be credited toward the major. Credit/no-credit grading options should not be used for departmental or cognate courses. Chemistry 460, senior seminar, is strongly recommended for all majors but may not count as one of the 13 courses for the B.A. or one of the 16 courses for the B.S. Independent Study research (CHEM 450, 490, 495) is strongly recommended but may not count as one of the 13 courses for the B.A. degree.

COURSE CONCENTRATIONS

Requirements for the MAJOR in Chemistry (B.A.)
disciplinary, 13 courses

CHEM 110 Molecules That Matter
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity
CHEM 210 Quantitative Chemical Analysis
CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II

* two additional 300- or 400-level chemistry courses not to include CHEM 450, 460, 490, or 495; MATH 130 Calculus I; MATH 131 Calculus II; PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I and PHYS 160 Introductory Physics II.

Click here to see a possible four year course plan

Requirements for the MAJOR in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry (B.A.)
disciplinary, 13 courses

CHEM 110 Molecules That Matter
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity
CHEM 210 Quantitative Chemical Analysis
CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 348 Biochemistry I
CHEM 449 Biochemistry II

* plus one additional biology elective, plus one additional biology or chemistry elective not to include CHEM 450, 460, 490, or 495; MATH 130 Calculus I, MATH 131 Calculus II; PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I and PHYS 160 Introductory Physics II.

Click here to see a possible four year course plan

Requirements for the MAJOR in Chemistry (B.S.)
disciplinary, 16 courses

CHEM 110 Molecules That Matter
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity
CHEM 210 Quantitative Chemical Analysis
CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 348 Biochemistry I
CHEM 436 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
CHEM 437 Instrumental Analysis
CHEM 450 Independent Study (Offered each semester)
* MATH 130 Calculus I; MATH 131 Calculus II; PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I; PHYS 160 Introductory Physics II; and one additional course in the natural sciences.

Click here to see a possible four year course plan

Requirements for the MAJOR in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry (B.S.)
disciplinary, 16 courses

CHEM 110 Molecules That Matter
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity
CHEM 210 Quantitative Chemical Analysis
CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 241 Organic Chemistry II
CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 322 Physical Chemistry II
CHEM 348 Biochemistry I
CHEM 449 Biochemistry II
CHEM 450 Independent Study (Offered each semester)
* plus one additional biology elective, plus two additional biology or chemistry electives; MATH 130 Calculus I; MATH 131 Calculus II; PHYS 150 Introductory Physics I; and PHYS 160 Introductory Physics II.

Click here to see a possible four year course plan

Requirements for the MINOR in Chemistry
disciplinary, 6 courses

CHEM 110 Molecules That Matter
CHEM 120 Chemical Reactivity
CHEM 240 Organic Chemistry I
CHEM 320 Physical Chemistry I
CHEM 241Organic Chemistry II
* one additional chemistry course from the 300- or 400-levels, not to include CHEM 450, 460, 490, or 495.