The Chemistry Department offers a flexible curriculum for those who wish to acquire a knowledge of chemistry within the environment of a liberal arts college.
Requirements for the Major in Chemistry: 10 courses plus 5 co-requisites constitute the minimum. Students who wish to prepare for graduate school in Chemistry should seek the advice of a department faculty member.
Advice regarding introductory chemistry courses
General Chemistry I-II (CH109-110 plus lab) is recommended for the majority of beginning students.
Principles of Modern Chemistry I-II (CH117-118 plus lab) is recommended for students who have taken and performed well in an advanced level chemistry course in high school, such as AP, IB or British A levels.
Principles of Modern Chemistry I-II constitutes the first year of the two year Honors Program in Chemistry. It moves at an accelerated pace, skipping basic principles from general chemistry that our honors students already know. This makes it possible to begin the study of Organic Chemistry in the second semester of the course, CH118.
Students who are interested in the Honors Program should contact a chemistry department advisor (see below).
Two semesters:
CH 109-110 General Chemistry I-II
plus
CH 111-112 General Chemistry Laboratory I-II
or
CH 117-118 Principles of Modern Chemistry I-II
plus
CH 119-120 Modern Chemistry Laboratory I-II
One semester:
CH 222 Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry
plus
CH 224 Inorganic Chemistry Lab
Two semesters:
CH 231-232 Organic Chemistry I-II
plus
CH 233-234 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I-II
or
CH 241-242 Honors Organic Chemistry I-II
plus
CH 243 Honors Organic Chemistry Laboratory I
and 234 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II
One semester:
CH 351 Analytical Chemistry
plus
CH 353 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
Two semesters:
CH 575-576 Physical Chemistry I-II
One semester:
CH 554 Advanced Methods in Chemistry Laboratory I
plus
CH 557 Advanced Methods in Chemistry I
One semester:
CH 461 Biochemistry (Chemistry Majors)
Plus the co-requisites:
Two semesters:
MT 102-103 Calculus for Math/Science Majors I and II
or
MT 105 Calculus II-AP
One semester:
MT 202 Calculus for the Physical Sciences III
Two semesters:
PH 209-210 Introductory Physics I-II,
plus
PH 203-204 Introductory Physics Laboratory I-II
If you have questions about the Chemistry major, please call Prof. David McFadden, Merkert Center 222, x 2-3614. Please also see below for a suggested sequence of courses.
(Updated 1/12/09)
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
