Chemistry Major (B.S. in Chemistry) [offered through Honors Tutorial College]

The Honors Tutorial College Program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides outstanding students with the opportunity to progress beyond material covered in conventional courses and work closely with dedicated faculty. Students have the option of the following majors within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry, Pre-dentistry, Pre-medicine and Pre-pharmacy. Graduates of the program typically go on to graduate school or professional school (medicine, pharmacy, dental).

The Honors Tutorial Program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is based on the following College Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of their discipline.

All students will complete two semesters each of general chemistry, organic chemistry and analytical chemistry, calculus and physics and at least one semester of biochemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry. Specialization will typically start in the third year with the courses customized to the student's major. 

Students are required to take a tutorial each semester. Six of the tutorials are subject based. Faculty tutors meet with students individually, or in small groups of 2 or 3 students, for a 60-90 minute session each week to provide one-on-one instruction personalized to the student's needs and interests. The Director of Studies will assign the tutorials taken the first three semesters. Beginning in the second year, students will choose the nature of their tutorial in consultation with the Director of Studies. The individualized nature of the tutorials means that no two students will have the same tutorial experience.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the specific major within the department, students must complete first year composition, junior composition and the first year seminar.

2. Students will produce original, independent research or a creative activity.

Students are required to write a thesis as part of their graduation requirements. Students are encouraged to get involved in undergraduate research early in their undergraduate career. The two tutorials taken in the fourth year are research focused. Many students will present the results of their research at scientific meetings, and some students will publish the results of their research in scientific journals.

3. Students will demonstrate behaviors that are consistent with expectations of professional work ethics and responsibility.

As part of the program, students will learn about professional work ethics and expectations in terms of the responsible treatment of data, reporting scientific information, conflict of interest and responsibilities of the peer review system. Students will also learn about the responsibilities he/she has as a scientist and citizen in society.