Mar 29, 2024  
Course Catalog 2023-2024 
    
Course Catalog 2023-2024

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.


arrow View the catalog page for the chemistry and biochemistry 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.

Note(s) on Requirements


  • Students placing into and beginning the chemistry minor with CHEM 102  do not need to take an additional course in place of CHEM 101 .

Transfer of Credit Toward the Minor


Transferred credit for CHEM 101  or CHEM 102  counts toward the minor.

Study Away and Other Outside Coursework


Prior approval is required for chemistry coursework taken away from Oberlin to be applied to the chemistry minor.

Note: Except for coursework transferred in at the time of entry by transfer students, the department cannot approve transfer of credit for courses taken at community colleges.

At least two elective courses required for the minor must be completed while in residence at Oberlin or enrolled in Oberlin programs. Students desiring an exception to this policy must obtain the explicit approval of the department chair.

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

arrow View the detailed procedure and required forms for the department’s transfer of credit process.

Course of Study


Entry-Level Course Sequence Options


The normal general chemistry sequence is CHEM 101  and CHEM 102 . All students are eligible to enroll in CHEM 101 , regardless of prior study in chemistry.

  • Students with no high school preparation may benefit from taking a 000-level course (i.e., courses designed for non-majors) prior to enrolling in CHEM 101 .
  • Students with strong high school preparation may be able to begin with CHEM 102 .
  • Students with exceptional preparation can petition to enter at CHEM 205 .

arrow See the Initial and Advanced Placement section of the department catalog page for details.  

Detailed Minor Requirements