Chemistry Major

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Major Program

The chemistry curriculum at Hamline emphasizes understanding the fundamental theoretical concepts upon which all molecular sciences are based. The development of skills useful in problem solving, in construction of models, and in interpretation of data is stressed. The laboratory courses place strong emphasis on experimental design, instrumental methods, modern laboratory techniques, and data analysis.

Nearly all courses in chemistry are sequential and have prerequisites. Careful planning is necessary if students are to take full advantage of other options available to them at a liberal arts college. A decision to major in chemistry should be made as early as possible, certainly no later than the sophomore year. A student deciding to major in chemistry should consult with one or more of the chemistry staff.

Major Requirements

Students may choose to complete Chemistry major A or B:

A.

For students desiring certification by the American Chemical Society, the following courses constitute the minimum requirement:

Completion of the following:

Any two of the following advanced courses

Note

An advanced course in biology, biochemistry, mathematics, or physics may be substituted for one of the advanced chemistry courses with departmental approval.

B.

For students wishing to establish a double major, a chemistry major without certification by the American Chemical Society, or a secondary teaching license, the following courses constitute the minimum requirement:

MATH 3320 - Multivariable and Vector Calculus
or the equivalent

One set of courses chosen from

Completion of the following:

Licensing for Secondary School Teaching

Chemistry majors pursuing a teaching license at the 9-12 level must complete a standard chemistry major (major B above). In addition, students must also complete the education department courses required for a Minnesota teaching license (see Education). The methods course required for this secondary license is EDU 5740,

Teaching Science in the Middle and Secondary School. To extend this license to include teaching science in grades 5-8 requires the following four additional courses: BIOL 1800, Principles of Ecology and Evolution; BIOL 1820: Principles of Plant and Animal Physiology; PHYS 101, Astronomy (to be taken at Augsburg); and GEOL 150, Dynamic Earth and Global Change (to be taken at Macalester).