Chemistry Major & ChemFlex Option

The chemistry curriculum leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry includes the General Institute Requirements as well as the specific chemistry subjects listed on this page. The laboratory curriculum of Undergraduate Research Inspired Experimental Chemistry Alternatives (URIECA) introduces students to cutting-edge research topics in a modular format. Students at all levels are encouraged to undertake original research under the supervisions of a member of the chemistry faculty. Students with a strong interest in independent research, working with Chemistry Department faculty, may take 5.39 (Research and Communication in Chemistry) to fulfill part of the laboratory requirement.

Chemistry Major

The Chemistry Major is designed both for those who intend to go on to graduate study and those who intend to pursue a professional career immediately in chemistry or an allied field, such as medicine, in which a sound knowledge of chemistry is important.
The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is certified by the American Chemical Society.

Chemistry Major Roadmaps

 

ChemFlex Option

The ChemFlex Option is designed to provide an education based on science, both for those who intend to pursue chemistry as a career and for those who plan to go into an allied field, such as biotechnology or scientific consulting, in which a sound knowledge of chemistry is important. This training can be tailored to the student’s interests by the judicious choice of elective focus subjects that contribute to the major. More details about the ChemFlex option are provided in the FAQ. You can submit your proposed focus area using the online form here.

ChemFlex Option Roadmaps

Sample ChemFlex Focus Areas

Your focus area can be tailored to your specific interests, either within chemistry or another discipline. While we offer some suggestions below, you are not limited to those options. You will need to select a minimum of 36 units of coursework which form an intellectually coherent unit in an area, then create a name for the focus. The subjects do not need to all be in the same department. The focus area will be subject to the approval of the department.