Major/Minor Requirements

Applicable for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Major Requirements

Students are encouraged to choose a specific sub discipline and focus in related upper-level courses. Upper-level courses in cognate disciplines that fit specific sub disciplines of chemistry may be substituted as equivalent if approved by the Department. In addition, every senior must enroll in Chemistry 490 Senior Seminar. Computational approaches, including programming and statistical analysis, are integrated into the majors, but more experience may be useful.   

Research Blocks

A total of three mentored research blocks may be taken for credit.   However, only one Chemistry 201 may be taken for credit, as it is intended for students who want to start research early, and have no prior background in research. 

Chemistry Major

A chemistry major must receive credit for courses equivalent to Chemistry 107, 108; Mathematics 126, 129; Physics 241, 242; Chemistry 241, 250, 275, 366 or 365, and 382. One of these five chemistry courses may be replaced by an upper-level chemistry course or an approved upper-level course in a sub discipline or cognate discipline. Students must take three upper-level courses chosen from: Chemistry 251, 342, 351, 367, 383, 475, 480, one credit of (CH201, 300-level research^a or 400-level research^b) and other approved upper-level chemistry courses that contain a significant laboratory component. Chemistry 490 Senior Seminar is required. The Department recommends research for all students, especially those intending to pursue graduate study.

The information listed on this page is only a summary; students should check with their advisor to ensure they have fulfilled all requirements. Full requirements for the major can be found in the Colorado College Catalog of Courses for the year in which you declared your major. Download a PDF file of the following requirements.

Biochemistry Major

A biochemistry major must receive credit for courses equivalent to Chemistry 107, 108; Mathematics 126, 129; Physics 241, 242; Molecular Biology 131, 201; Chemistry 250, 251, 382, 383 and either 241 or 366/365 or 275; and one credit of (Chemistry 201, 300-level research^a or 400-level research^b or MB399 with Department approval), and two additional credits from the upper-level courses: Chemistry 342, 351, 367, 400, 475, 480, Molecular Biology 350, 355, 360, BE 344, 345. Chemistry 490 Senior Seminar is required. Additional upper-level biochemistry or molecular biology courses when taught with a significant relevant laboratory component may also be approved by the Department. 

The information listed on this page is only a summary; students should check with their advisor to ensure they have fulfilled all requirements. Full requirements for the major can be found in the Colorado College Catalog of Courses for the year in which you declared your major. Download a PDF file of the following requirements.

Distinction in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Students interested in graduation with Distinction in Chemistry or Biochemistry should discuss the requirements with a Department advisor by spring of their junior year. Distinction involves research and a significant thesis or publishable manuscript. Students interested in receiving American Chemical Society certification should also consult an advisor within the Department.

Minor Requirements

To be awarded a minor, students must receive a total of 6 units of credit in the Department (from six one-unit courses that are comprised of either lecture or lecture + lab).  A chemistry minor must receive credit for courses equivalent to Chemistry 107, 108, 250, and three additional (one unit) credits selected from Chemistry 251, 241, 275, 382 or other 300- and 400-level chemistry and biochemistry courses in this catalog (with their prerequisites). Investigations in Chemistry can count as one of the upper-level courses. A biochemistry minor must receive credit for Chemistry 382 as one of the three courses taken beyond Chemistry 250. The 300-level research^a and 400-level research^b experiences do not qualify for the minor.

^a from 301, 302, 303, 304, 305
^b from 401, 402, 403, 404, 405

Chemistry/Biochemistry Minor