Chemistry Minor

The minor consists of a minimum of 5 full courses (or the equivalent).

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the minor.

View the catalog page for the Biochemistry and Chemistry department.

A formal chemistry minor may be helpful to non-chemistry majors seeking entry-level jobs in chemical industry, secondary-school teaching, or science journalism, as well as those students who plan further education in technological aspects of law, art, or other disciplines.

The minor is general chemistry (CHEM 101/102, or CHEM 103) and three full courses at 200-level or above.

View entry-level course sequence suggestions and recommended pathways.

Summary of Requirements

Two General Chemistry Courses
Additional Three Full Courses in 200- to 400-Level Chemistry

Entry-Level Course Sequence Suggestions and Recommended Pathways

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 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.

Recommended Pathways

There are many other paths through the minor. Three examples:
chem minor recommended pathways

Transfer of Credit

Prior approval is required for chemistry course work taken away from Oberlin.

Please note that, except for classes transferred in at the time of entry by transfer students, we cannot accept courses taken at community colleges.

At least two elective courses must be taken at Oberlin.

Normally, transfer credit for chemistry courses numbered 300 and above will not count toward the requirements of the biochemistry major.

View the detailed procedure and required forms for the transfer of credit process.

Chemistry Minor Course Lists

General Chemistry

Return to the summary of requirements.

Note: CHEM 103 may replace CHEM 101 and 102.

Chemistry Minor Electives

Return to the summary of requirements.

Note: Students that complete the General Chemistry requirement with CHEM 103 are not required to complete an additional elective.