Requirements for the
Bachelor of Arts
A. Two semesters of general chemistry lectures (CHEM 11a,b; or 15a,b) with laboratory (CHEM 18a,b; 19a,b).
B. Five semester lecture courses, at least four of them in CHEM, chosen from among CHEM 25a,b and courses in CHEM or BCHM numbered 30 or higher (including BIOL 105b and NBIO 148b). Courses must include at least one in each of the following three groups: inorganic chemistry (CHEM 121a, 122b or 123b), organic chemistry (CHEM 25a,b), physical chemistry (CHEM 141a, 142a or 143b).
C. CHEM 29a plus three laboratory courses chosen from CHEM 29b, 39b, 59a, or 59b.
D. MATH 10a,b and PHYS 11a,b or15a,b, which are prerequisites for physical chemistry and advanced experimental chemistry. Students are urged to complete PHYS 11a,b or 15 a,b by the end of their sophomore year. Students with AP credit for MATH 10a,b are advised to take at least one additional MATH course at Brandeis, as is generally expected by professional schools. A recently-taken math course may also strengthen preparation for physical chemistry. MATH 15a, 20a, or 21a are suitable for either the medical school requirements or preparation for physical chemistry.
E. Additional requirements for degree with departmental honors: Two semesters of CHEM 99d (Senior Research); grade point average of 3.00 or higher in all courses taken to meet the major requirements, including laboratories. Students must petition the department by September 15 of their senior year to enter the senior honors program. Students interested in taking a program of study approved by the American Chemical Society should consult their faculty advisors.
F. Students planning to pursue graduate study in chemistry should be sure that their program of study includes at least two semesters each of organic chemistry lectures (CHEM 25a,b) and laboratory (CHEM 29a,b), physical chemistry lectures (CHEM 141a, 142a or 143b) as well as BCHM 100a. Degree requirements can be satisfied by any combination of physical chemistry courses (CHEM 141a, 142aor 143b); however, in general, thermodynamics (CHEM 141a) should be one of them. Students should discuss their choice of a second physical chemistry course with the undergraduate advising head. Physics laboratory (PHYS 19a,b) is also advisable.
G. All transfer students must pass satisfactorily a minimum of three chemistry or biochemistry courses at Brandeis at a level of CHEM 25 or higher with one of the three being CHEM 39b, 59a, or 59b.
H. A student may graduate with a double major in biology and chemistry if the major requirements in each department are fully met.
I. A student may graduate with a double major in chemistry and biochemistry if the major requirements in each department are fully met.