Chemistry and Biochemistry

Rebecca J. Whelan, Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair
Jason M. Belitsky, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Matthew J. Elrod, Professor of Chemistry, Biggs Professor of Natural Science
Cortland S. Hill, Lecturer in Chemistry; Laboratory Instructor and Manager
Albert R. Matlin, Professor of Chemistry
Manish A. Mehta, Donald R. Longman Professor of Chemistry
Catherine M. Oertel, Associate Professor of Chemistry
William H. Parsons, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Lisa M. Ryno, Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Robert Q. Thompson, Professor of Chemistry 

Modern chemistry is an interdisciplinary subject 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. The courses for chemistry and biochemistry majors are designed to emphasize the fundamental principles of the science 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.

Chemistry and biochemistry are experimental sciences. Graduate study in chemistry and biochemistry is centered on the research thesis, and most chemists/biochemists engage in research themselves or make use of the results of research. Physicians and others who use chemical material should have some experience in research in order to evaluate the results of research. Accordingly, opportunities are provided, and students are strongly encouraged to gain research experience through an in-term research project, summer research, a Winter Term project, or a combination of these.

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.

 

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, chemistry majors must take, in addition to the minimum major requirements: Chemistry 254, and one course equivalent of research (Chemistry 525-526). For certification, biochemistry majors must take, in addition to the minimum major requirements, one course equivalent of any 300 level or above Chemistry course and one course equivalent of research (Chemistry 525-526).

 

Advanced Placement.

Entering students who have scored 4 or 5 on the Chemistry Advanced Placement (AP) examination of the Educational Testing Service or scored 6 or 7 on the Higher Level International Baccalaureate (IB) Chemistry exam can receive transfer credit equivalent to Chemistry 101 (one full course) and begin college chemistry with 102 or 103. Students will have to relinquish AP or IB credit if the corresponding coursework is repeated at Oberlin.

Students with A-levels scores of A*, A, or B can begin college chemistry with 103.

Students with exceptional high school preparation in mathematics and chemistry, and an AP score 5 or an IB higher-level chemistry exam score of 6 or 7 may petition the department chair to enroll in Chemistry 205, Organic Chemistry.  Upon successful completion (C- or better) of 205, the student would also receive credit for 103 instead of 101.

 

Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions.

Most students who major in a science and most premedical students begin their study of college chemistry in the first year with Chemistry 101, 102 which are open also to other students who want a thorough introduction to the subject. Students with very good preparation in chemistry and advanced placement (see section above) or an acceptable score on the chemistry placement exam (offered during orientation in the fall) may enroll in Chemistry 103, a one-semester course that takes the place of 101, 102. For further details, please refer to the full course description for 103. Exceptionally prepared students may start with Chemistry 205, Organic Chemistry (see section above). Chemistry 050 and 051 are courses of general interest, which do not presume any prior knowledge of chemistry, and are aimed at non-science majors. Chemistry 050 and 051 may serve as a bridge to 101 for students who have not had high-school chemistry.

Students who are considering a major in either chemistry or biochemistry should consult the Majors Handbook (linked here) for detailed information on planning an appropriate sequence of courses. All potential majors are strongly advised to complete 101, 102 (or 103) and at least Mathematics 133 in the first year. Potential chemistry majors should take Physics 110, 111 (or 103, 104) in the sophomore year and should complete Mathematics 134 by the end of the sophomore year. Potential biochemistry majors should take Biology 100 no later than the sophomore year and should complete the mathematics and physics requirements as early as possible.

All majors should take careful note of prerequisites for later courses. For example, physical chemistry depends upon prior work in mathematics and physics as well as a background in general chemistry. Majors who plan to take advanced courses in chemistry or in other sciences, including research courses, find their senior-year schedules most manageable if they take physical chemistry in the junior year.