Requirements for the
Bachelor of Science
A. Two semesters of general chemistry lectures (CHEM 11a,b; or 15a,b) with laboratory (18a,b; 19a,b).
B. Two semesters of organic chemistry lectures (CHEM 25a,b) with laboratory (29a,b).
C. Two semesters of physical chemistry lectures (CHEM 141a, 142a or 143b).
D. One semester of inorganic chemistry lectures (CHEM 121a, 122b or 123b).
E. Three, four-credit laboratory courses (CHEM 39b; 59a,b; or one arranged with a laboratory instructor).
F. Two additional 100-level CHEM courses. (Either CHEM 33a or a 100-level BCHM course may be substituted for one of the two 100-level CHEM courses.)
G. MATH 10a,b and PHYS 11a,b or 15a,b, which are prerequisites for physical chemistry and advanced experimental chemistry. Students are urged to complete PHYS 11a,b or 15a,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.
H. Additional requirements for degree with departmental honors: Two semesters of CHEM 99d (Senior Research) and a 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.
I. For students planning to pursue graduate study in chemistry, BCHM 100a and physics laboratory (PHYS 19a,b) are also advisable. Degree requirements can be satisfied by any combination of physical chemistry courses (CHEM 141a, 142a or 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.
J. 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.
K. Provisions H and I of the Bachelor of Arts requirements also apply to B.S. degrees.