Chemistry

Distribution Requirements

The following chemistry courses satisfy the Natural Science distribution requirement: 103, 105, 106, 107, 110, 115, 201, and 215. The following courses satisfy the distribution requirement of a laboratory course in Natural Science:  105, 106, 107, 115, 201, and 215.

Introductory Chemistry Program

Students who have earned AP credit for Chemistry 115 may begin their study of chemistry with either Chemistry 201 or 215. Other students should begin with either Chemistry 110 or 115. Chemistry 110 is designed for those students who have not completed at least one year of high school chemistry, or who have taken high school chemistry but need a more thorough introduction to the subject. Chemistry 115 is recommended for students who have a good background from high school chemistry.

Major Requirements

Prospective majors are encouraged to discuss their interest and course planning with a faculty member as soon as they begin considering a chemistry major. The prerequisites for advanced courses require careful planning to obtain a feasible schedule.

1. Chemistry courses:
     a. 201 (115 is prerequisite for this course), 202, 215, 351, 352, 361, 371, 391, and 401
     b. One additonal 300- or 400-level course, except 306
2. Supporting and prerequisite courses:
     a. Mathematics 135, 137, 140, or 160
     b. Physics 220 or 230
3. Students must attend 10 sessions of the chemistry colloquium during their junior and senior years.

Honors Requirements

Graduation with honors requires fulfillment of the basic major as well as completion of Chemistry 497.  Chemistry 497 may be used to fulfill the elective requirement (1.b.) of the basic major.

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Chemistry Program

The American Chemical Society recommends a specific program for all chemistry majors who plan to study chemistry in graduate school or to seek employment as professional chemists. The program includes general chemistry, foundation courses, in-depth courses, and experiences in the laboratory and research. Completion of the American Chemical Society program requires fulfillment of the basic major as well as a research experience.  The research experience may be satisfied through either a summer of research after the junior year or by completion of Chemistry 496. Students who fulfill this requirement through summer research must submit a written report to the department chair; others, to their adviser.  Students may use Chemistry 496 or 497 to satisfy the elective requirement (1.b.) of the basic major. Students pursuing the American Chemical Society degree also are strongly encouraged to take Mathematics 150 and 235.

Minor Requirements

The minor consists of Chemistry 115, 201, 202, 215, and two additional courses numbered 300 or higher. Only one of the 300-level courses may be fulfilled with a research credit. In addition, students must attend at least six sessions of the chemistry colloquium during their junior and senior years. At least five courses counted toward the minor must be taken at Davidson. None of the courses counted toward the minor may be taken Pass/Fail.

Chemistry Courses

Chemistry courses at the 100 level may be taken with no prerequisites.  All courses offered at the 200 level have one chemistry prerequisite. Laboratory fees are charged in most 100- and 200-level courses. Courses at the 300 level are designed for majors and minors who have completed (or are taking concurrently) Chemistry 115, 201, 202, and 215.  The 400-level courses are primarily advanced, senior-level courses for chemistry majors.

• CHE 103 - Topics in Chemistry
• CHE 105 - Chemistry and Society
• CHE 106 - Chemistry of Art and Artifacts
• CHE 107 - Chemistry of the Environment
• CHE 110 - Introduction to Chemistry
• CHE 115 - Principles of Chemistry
• CHE 201 - Introductory Organic Chemistry I
• CHE 202 - Introductory Organic Chemistry II
• CHE 215 - Chemical Equilibrium
• CHE 301 - Chemistry of Natural Products
• CHE 302 - Energy
• CHE 303 - Bioorganic Chemistry
• CHE 304 - Topics in Environmental and Green Chemistry
• CHE 305 - Forensic Chemistry
• CHE 306 - Biophysical Chemistry
• CHE 308 - Chemistry of Biomedical Polymers
• CHE 309 - Medicinal Chemistry
• CHE 351 - Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics
• CHE 352 - Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Quantum Mechanics
• CHE 361 - Biological Chemistry
• CHE 371 - Analytical Chemistry
• CHE 391 - Experimental Physical Chemistry
• CHE 395 - Literature Investigation
• CHE 396 - Laboratory Research I
• CHE 397 - Laboratory Research II
• CHE 401 - Inorganic Chemistry
• CHE 410 - Advanced Organic Chemistry
• CHE 420 - Advanced Physical Chemistry
• CHE 450 - Advanced Seminar in Biochemistry
• CHE 496 - Senior Research I
• CHE 497 - Senior Research II