Chemistry (CHEM)

Chemistry is the study of the composition, synthesis, physical properties, and transformations of materials, including biological substances, technological materials, and natural products. The goals of the chemistry major are to give students a firm foundation in the fundamental principles of chemistry, its subdisciplines, and their interrelationships; to develop a proficiency in experimental technique, design, and interpretation; and to expose students to contemporary research questions and applications. This is accomplished in part through hands-on experience with modern instrumentation throughout the curriculum, a broad array of advanced course work, and engagement in active discussion and collaboration with the chemistry faculty.

Choosing a First Chemistry Course and Placement
The chemistry department offers three points of entry into the curriculum. Chemistry 101, General Chemistry I, is usually the first course for an entering Mount Holyoke student who has taken fewer than two years of high school chemistry. Chemistry 101 provides such a student with an opportunity to develop her understanding of the foundations of reaction chemistry, thermochemistry, electronic structure, chemical bonding, and acid-base chemistry.

Students interested in studying biochemistry, or interested in satisfying pre-health requirements, may find it helpful to take both introductory biology and introductory chemistry in their first semester.  Biology 160/Chemistry 160 integrates topics from biology and chemistry to give an introduction to both disciplines. The eight-credit course have about six hours of lecture/discussion and one 4 hour lab per week. The course prepares students to continue in both second semester chemistry (Chemistry 201) and second semester biology (Biology 200) in the Spring semester.

Many students enter Mount Holyoke College with a substantial background in chemical principles. These students should strongly consider one of the chemistry department's 200-level courses. Such students include those who have taken two years of high school chemistry, completed A-level chemistry or the International Baccalaureate, taken the Advanced Placement examination in chemistry with a score of 4 or 5, or taken the Achievement Test in chemistry with a score of 650 or higher. Chemistry 201, General Chemistry II, is usually the appropriate choice. In this course, students extend their understanding of electronic structure, equilibrium, spontaneity and electrochemistry, and receive an introduction to some descriptive chemistry of the elements.

First-year students may consider enrolling in:

CHEM-101f	General Chemistry I
CHEM-105f	Chemistry: Applications, Innovations, and Social Justice (FY Seminar)
CHEM-160f	Integrated Introduction to Biology & Chemistry
CHEM-201s	General Chemistry II
INDPT-133f	Gods and Monsters: Science and Scientists in the Modern World (FY Seminar)