Andrew Carr, Chair
Courses in chemistry provide a background in one of the important laboratory sciences, preparation for entering the chemical industry, preparation for graduate study in chemistry and chemical engineering, and basic preparation for the fields of medicine, dentistry, physics, biology, engineering, law, and teaching.
The mission of chemistry is to provide students with a solid basis in one of the important laboratory sciences which prepares the student for numerous career paths in a variety of fields, including the chemical industry, graduate study in chemistry and chemical engineering, medicine, law, and teaching. Chemistry students learn to think critically, to read the chemical literature, to collaborate in groups, to speak with competence on chemical subjects and to write effective scientific prose. To further those goals, the chemistry faculty maintain programs of research open to qualified students, the department maintains a seminar program and provides opportunities to qualified students for assisting in the teaching-laboratories and for peer-tutoring.
A major in chemistry consists of at least nine course credit units, seven of which must be Chemistry 111 (or equivalent), Chemistry 112 (or equivalent), Chemistry 221, 222, 332, 341, and 342. Of the remaining two, one course must be at the 400 level. In addition, a student must take either Chemistry 211 or 412 to meet the requirement for inorganic chemistry and must participate in a zero-credit experiential chemistry activity, Chemistry 480.
No more than one combined course credit for Chemistry 240, 460, 464, and 490 will count toward the minimum requirement at the 200 level and above. A chemistry major also is required to complete either Physics 106 or preferably Physics 112, Mathematics 152, and Biology 116. It is recommended that the major take the third semester of calculus (Mathematics 252).
A major in biochemistry consists of ten course credit units, eight chemistry courses (Chemistry 111 (or equivalent), Chemistry 112 (or equivalent), Chemistry 221, 222, 332, 341, 351, and 352) and two biology courses, selected from the following: Biology 328, 330, 342, 344, 352, 354, or 472. Prerequisite chemistry and biology courses include Physics 106 or preferably Physics 112, Mathematics 152, and Biology 116. See more about Biochemistry.
A minor in chemistry consists of Chemistry 112, two courses at the 200 level and two courses at or above the 300 level. At least one of the courses at or above the 300 level must have a lab and no more than one of the courses at or above the 300 level may be in any one discipline of chemistry. The disciplines of chemistry at Austin College are analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.
Students majoring in chemistry or biochemistry are strongly encouraged to take all their major courses for a letter grade. Prerequisite chemistry and biology courses must be passed with grades of at least C.
The Chemistry Department program has been recognized by the American Chemical Society as meeting national standards for the training of chemists. A major desiring certification by the American Chemical Society should make program plans early in the college career. Contact the department chair for specific requirements to achieve this goal.
