Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jason M. Belitsky, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department Chair
Celina Cahalane, Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Shuming Chen, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Matthew J. Elrod, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
J. Patrick Lutz, Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Manish A. Mehta, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Cristinel Mîinea, Instructor & Laboratory Manager
Catherine M. Oertel, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
William H. Parsons, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Lisa M. Ryno, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Rachel A. Saylor, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Visit the department webpage for up-to-date information on department faculty, visiting lecturers and special events.

Chemistry and Biochemistry:

Are interdisciplinary subjects with roots in physics and mathematics and with applications in biology, geology, neuroscience, environmental science, and a wide range of technology.
Biochemistry integrates chemical principles with modern molecular biology. Biochemistry courses provide students with the tools to study the chemistry of life and biology in atomic detail.
Have courses designed to emphasize fundamental principles and their application to observed phenomena. These courses develop chemical reasoning and experimental skills, reflect chemistry’s and biochemistry’s interdisciplinary nature, and prepare students for success in graduate or professional programs.
Are experimental sciences. In addition to learning skills and techniques in laboratory courses, opportunities are provided for in-depth research experiences with faculty during the semesters, summer, and Winter Term.
A major in chemistry or biochemistry can lead to a variety of careers besides chemical or biochemical research. Among these are medicine, teaching, patent law, business, and interdisciplinary sciences such as molecular biology, environmental science, pharmacology, toxicology, materials science, geochemistry, and chemical physics.

See information about Research, Internships, Study Away and Experiential Learning (RISE).

Advanced Placement

The normal general chemistry sequence is CHEM 101 (fall) and CHEM 102 (spring). For students with strong high school preparation, CHEM 103 (fall) can substitute for CHEM 101/102.

With Chemistry Advanced Placement (AP) examination scores of 4 or 5, students can receive transfer credit equivalent to CHEM 101 (one full course) and enter at either CHEM 103 (highly recommended) or CHEM 102.
Students will have to relinquish AP credit if the corresponding coursework (CHEM 101) is repeated at Oberlin.
With Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry exam scores of 6 or 7, students can receive transfer credit equivalent to CHEM 101 (one full course) and enter at either CHEM 103 (highly recommended) or CHEM 102.
Students will have to relinquish IB credit if the corresponding coursework (CHEM 101) is repeated at Oberlin.
With A-levels scores of A*, A, or B, students can begin college chemistry with CHEM 103.

Organic Chemistry (CHEM 205)

Students with exceptional high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry, and an AP score of 5 or an IB higher-level chemistry exam score of 6 or 7, may petition the department chair to enroll in CHEM 205 (fall and spring).
Upon successful completion of CHEM 205 (earning a C- or better), the student would also receive credit for CHEM 103.

ACS Approved

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society and certifies graduates who satisfy the ACS guidelines.

For certification in Chemistry, majors must successfully complete:

the minimum major requirements
CHEM 254
one full course (or two half-courses) of research (CHEM 525/526)

For certification in Biochemistry, majors must successfully complete:

the minimum major requirements
one full CHEM course (or two half-courses) at the 300 level
one full course (or two half-courses) of research (CHEM 525/526)

Explore Winter Term projects and opportunities.

Majors and Minors

Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions

Other than the exceptions listed in the Advanced Placement (AP) section, the only entry points for the chemistry and biochemistry majors are in the fall.

The normal general chemistry sequence is CHEM 101 (fall) and CHEM 102 (spring).

For students with strong high school preparation, CHEM 103 (Fall) can substitute for CHEM 101/102. Placement in CHEM 103 is based either on an Oberlin placement exam or on AP, IB, or A-level scores. CHEM 103 also has a co-requisite of MATH 133 (Calculus I).

Students with exceptional preparation can petition to enter at CHEM 205 (Organic Chemistry); see AP section.

Students with no high school preparation can take CHEM 101, or may benefit from taking a non-majors class first (e.g. CHEM 045, 050, 051).

See Majors Handbook for additional details.

Potential Biochemistry majors are encouraged to take:

In their first year:
- CHEM 101/102, or CHEM 103
- MATH 131/132, or MATH 133
By the end of their second year:
- BIOL 100
As early as possible:
- MATH 134
- PHYS 103 or PHYS 110
- PHYS 104 or PHYS 111
- CHEM 254 and BIOL 213 (prerequisites for CHEM 374)

Potential Chemistry majors are encouraged to take:

In their first year:
- CHEM 101/102, or CHEM 103
- MATH 131/132, or MATH 133
In their second year:
- MATH 134
- PHYS 103 or PHYS 110
- PHYS 104 or PHYS 111

Courses

Chemistry and Biochemistry