There are two version of the St. Olaf chemistry major: the graduation major and the ACS major.

The first table, below, describes the graduation major. This major is the minimum sequence of courses that can be used to earn a chemistry major as described by St. Olaf College. Note at the bottom of the table that some requirements are from other departments (calculus and physics) and some requirements are not classroom/lab related (the seminar requirement). Many St. Olaf College chemistry majors complete an expanded version of this major…taking extra courses in the area(s) that most interest them.

The ACS major (in the second table, below) is a chemistry major that meets the requirements for certification by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The ACS major has requirements beyond the graduation major. Overall the ACS major requires four more chemistry courses (three that are specified and an additional “in-depth course” of the student’s choice), 1.25 additional laboratory credits (one lab experience must be either a biochemical or inorganic experience), and two math courses beyond calculus (chosen from Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus, Introduction to Differential Equations and Statistics for Science). The ACS major also requires two supporting courses in physics (usually Phys 124 and 125) and attendance at 12 departmental seminars; only those seminars attended as a junior or senior count toward this requirement. Note that some courses double or triple count toward various requirements; for instance, Chem 380 counts both as the additional “in-depth” course and as 1.0 credit toward the laboratory requirements.

Because of the diverse background provided by the ACS major, this major is strongly recommended for students planning to seek employment in the chemical industry directly after graduation from St. Olaf. In many cases students planning on attending graduate school would benefit from the ACS major. It is best for graduate school bound students to work with their advisor and other chemistry faculty to determine the best choices for their situation.

The chemistry faculty will be happy to discuss either of these major options with you.

^aThe integrated Chemistry/Biology course sequence (CH/BI 125, 126, and 127) can replace one-hundred level Chemistry courses.

^bChemistry 252 (Organometallic Chemistry), Chemistry 260 (Medicinal Chemistry in Jamaica: An International Perspective), Chemistry 380 (Organic Analysis and Theory), and Chemistry 384 (Bioanalytical Chemistry) are Interim Courses. Chemistry 260 and Chemistry 384 are offered in alternating years. Chemistry 260 is planned for even numbered years (for example, January 2012), and Chemistry 384 is planned for odd numbered years (for example, January 2013).

^cRequires departmental approval to count toward the major.

^dAdvanced Inorganic Chemistry (which is offered only in the spring) should be taken no later than spring of the junior year by students planning to take the GRE chemistry exam for graduate school admittance.

^eChemistry 388 (Advanced Organic Chemistry) is offered every other year (next offered Semester II, 2012-2013).

^fChemistry 391 has recently been offered as Biophysical Chemistry (Semester II). See current class and lab schedule for the availability of this, or other versions of Chemistry 391. Consult Chemistry faculty if you have questions.

^gChemistry 373 is required for the Biomolecular Science concentration; Chemistry 384, 385 and 391(Biophysical) can count as electives toward the Biomolecular Science concentration.

^aThe integrated Chemistry/Biology course sequence (CH/BI 125, 126, and 127) can replace 100-level chemistry courses.

^bChemistry 386 (Adv Inorganic Chem), which is offered only in the spring, should be taken no later than spring of the junior year by students planning to take the GRE chemistry exam for graduate school admittance.

^cChemistry 252 (Organometallic Chemistry), Chemistry 260 (Medicinal Chemistry in Jamaica: An International Perspective), Chemistry 380 (Organic Analysis and Theory), and Chemistry 384 (Bioanalytical Chemistry) are Interim Courses. Chemistry 260 and Chemistry 384 are offered in alternating years: Chem 260 in even numbered years (for example, January 2012), and Chem 384 in odd numbered years (for example, January 2013).

^dRequires departmental approval to count toward a major.

^eChemistry 373 is required for the Biomolecular Science concentration, Chemistry 384, 385 and 391 can be electives toward the Biomolecular Science concentration.

^fChemistry 388 (Adv Organic Chem) is offered every other year (next offered Semester II, 2012-2013).

^gChemistry 391 has recently been offered as Biophysical Chemistry (Semester II). See current class and lab schedule for the availability of this, or other versions of Chemistry 391. Consult Chemistry faculty if you have questions.