Chemistry and Biochemistry Program

Faculty

Dr. Shizuka Hsieh, Associate Professor of Chemistry (program chair)
Dr. Patrice Moss, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

Description

The Chemistry/Biochemistry Program gives students a solid foundation in analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, and emphasizes the central roles that chemistry plays in biology and the global environment. The biochemistry major provides additional insight into the relationship of chemistry to living organisms. Throughout the programs in chemistry and biochemistry, students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in fields in which women are still underrepresented, and they gain the opportunity to explore options such as graduate school, medical school, or employment in the industrial and non-profit sectors.

Students in the College of Arts and Sciences may elect to pursue a B.S. degree in chemistry or biochemistry or a minor in either field.

Prospective science majors should be aware that most upper-level science courses are offered every other year, and it may not be possible to complete the requirements for the major in one academic year, regardless of the number of credits transferred in. It is suggested that any student transferring in with more than 64 credits who plans to major in chemistry or biochemistry meet with a chemistry faculty member before registering for any courses in order to plan an appropriate program and to determine how long it will take her to complete the degree requirements.

All students should note that MATH 123 is a pre-requisite for (or can be taken concurrently with) CHEM 111, the Fundamentals of Chemistry course.

Students who elect to major in biochemistry may not minor in either biology or chemistry.

Major Requirements

Chemistry

ALL of the following chemistry courses:

CHEM 111
CHEM 112
CHEM 221
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
CHEM 224
CHEM 341
CHEM 350
CHEM 351

ALL of the following mathematics and physics courses:

MATH 125
MATH 225
PHYS 111
PHYS 112

TWO electives from the following, totaling at least 7 credits and including at least one laboratory:

BIOL 220
CHEM 431
CHEM 432

ONE Senior Seminar:

NSCM 499

Other recommended courses:

CMSC 111
MATH 325
CHEM 491
CHEM 497

Students planning to attend graduate school in chemistry should also take a second semester of Physical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry I Laboratory, and course in Inorganic or Materials Chemistry.

Biochemistry

ALL of the following biology courses:

BIOL 112
BIOL 241
BIOL 341
BIOL 441

ALL of the following chemistry courses:

CHEM 111
CHEM 112
CHEM 221
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
CHEM 224
CHEM 341
CHEM 431
CHEM 432

ALL of the following mathematics and physics courses:

MATH 125
MATH 225
PHYS 111
PHYS 112

ONE Senior Seminar:

NSCM 499

Other recommended courses:

MATH 301
MATH 325
CHEM 491
CHEM 497

Minor Requirements

Chemistry

ALL of the following courses:

CHEM 111
CHEM 112
CHEM 221
CHEM 223

EIGHT additional credits in chemistry above the 100-level

Biochemistry

ALL of the following courses:

CHEM 111
CHEM 112
CHEM 221
CHEM 223
CHEM 431
CHEM 432

Program Policies

Advanced Placement: A grade of 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 111.

CLEP Policy: A satisfactory score on the CLEP exam in general chemistry will be accepted in lieu of CHEM 111.

Grades in Major Courses: Students are required to earn a grade of “C” (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major.

Pass/No Pass: The pass/no pass option is not acceptable for courses taken to fulfill major or minor requirements.

Senior Assessment The senior assessment in chemistry or biochemistry consists of a written report and oral presentation.

TELL Policy: Because of the importance of the laboratory experience, TELL credits may not be applied toward the chemistry major.

Transfer Credits: All chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to complete successfully a minimum of 15 credits in chemistry at Trinity College. With the approval of the program chair, courses in biology or other relevant areas of study offered at Trinity may be used to satisfy the 15 credit requirement. All chemistry/biochemistry majors must take NSCM 499 Divisional Seminar at Trinity (NSCM 499 may count toward the 15 credit hours taken at Trinity). Biochemistry majors must take CHEM 431 and CHEM 432 at Trinity.

Course Descriptions

BIOL 112
BIOL 220
BIOL 241
BIOL 341
BIOL 441
CHEM 111
CHEM 112
CHEM 221
CHEM 222
CHEM 223
CHEM 224
CHEM 341
CHEM 350
CHEM 351
CHEM 431
CHEM 432
CHEM 491
CHEM 497
CMSC 111
MATH 125
MATH 225
MATH 301
MATH 325
NSCM 499
PHYS 111
PHYS 112