At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Housed in the Department of Natural Sciences of Pitzer and Scripps Colleges, the chemistry and biochemistry majors study the fundamental aspects of matter and life at the molecular level. Chemists focus on the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances, while biochemists delve into the chemistry of living organisms and processes within cells to understand the molecular basis of life.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
- CHEM014L/CHEM015L
- CHEM014L/CHEM042L(IBC)
- CHEM029L
Please note that students matriculating into Scripps with a less robust general chemistry background can consider taking Section 1 of CHEM014L. Available by permission to enroll (PERM) approval only, the class has one additional meeting time per week for instructional contact. Please contact Professor Amy Babbes at ababbes@natsci.claremont.edu if you think that Section 1 might be a good option for you.
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Yes. CHEM 014L (fall) must be taken before CHEM 015L or CHEM 042L in the spring. CHEM 042L must be taken concurrently with BIOL042L. Known as IBC, CHEM 042L/BIOL 042L is an integrated course that affords course credit equivalent to CHEM 015L and BIOL 043L in a single semester
CHEM 029L: Accelerated General Chemistry is designed for students who have previously had rigorous general chemistry preparation. It covers the CHEM 014L and CHEM 015L material in a single semester. Note that CHEM 029L is offered in the spring semester, but a placement diagnostic is administered in the fall as an entrance requirement. Please contact the CHEM 029L course instructor, Professor Nancy Williams at nwilliams@natsci.claremont.edu if you are interested in taking the placement diagnostic.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Yes! For general information and guidelines for majors, double majors, dual majors, and minors, please visit Scripps’ catalog here. Up to two courses (including prerequisite courses) may double count toward each of two majors but not also a General Requirement. Students may exceed this double-counting limit if the total number of unduplicated courses on the approved Senior Major Form for each major (excluding senior seminar and thesis) is at least six courses.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
The chemistry major is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). An ACS-certified major in chemistry signifies that a student has completed a broad-based, rigorous, and integrated program of study that meets the standards set by the ACS Committee on Professional Training (CPT). This certification indicates that the student has not only completed a strong chemistry curriculum but also graduated from an ACS-approved chemistry department. Please note that biochemistry is not an ACS-certified major.
Scripps Catalog link to specific requirements for the major/minor:
Chemistry Major: https://www.scrippscollege.edu/departments/chemistry
Biochemistry Major: https://www.scrippscollege.edu/departments/biochemistry
Link to profiles of faculty who teach in this field:
https://www.scrippscollege.edu/departments/chemistry
The student of chemistry examines, describes, and explores the composition, structure, and properties of substances and the changes they undergo. This curriculum provides a firm foundation in the principles of chemistry as well as sufficient experience to prepare the student for basic research, secondary school teaching, the pursuit of a career in medicine, or graduate study in the field. The Department of Natural Sciences chemistry major is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).