The Standard Chemistry Major
The standard major provides a comprehensive background in all fields of chemistry. Most students who complete the standard major go on to graduate study in chemistry or to medical school, although some students proceed directly to a position in the chemical industry. Students completing the standard major will be considered for a degree with honors.
The Overview of the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum provides a visual comparison of the coursework for the standard and alternative majors. Either version of the major can be completed in three years of study. Most students, however, complete all of the requirements in their first three years of study with the exception of 4100 (Inorganic Chemistry), which is taken in the senior year. A typical course sequence is:
1st year: General chemistry and math
2nd year: Organic chemistry, organic chemistry lab, physics
3rd year: Physical chemistry, physical and analytical chemistry labs
4th year: Inorganic chemistry
Student entering Cornell in Fall 2012 and later with advanced standing in chemistry may choose Chem 2150 in the first semester, permitting an accelerated schedule:
1st year: General chemistry, organic chemistry, math
2nd year: Organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry lab, physics
3rd year: Physical chemistry,analytical and physical chemistry labs
4th year: Electives and advanced courses
The Standard Major Requirements
Introductory Chemistry: 2070 + 2080 or 2150. Student may not receive credit for both Chem 2080 and 2150 because of overlapping content.
- Organic Chemistry: 3590 + 3600 or 3570 + 3580
- Physical Chemistry: 3890 + 3900
- Inorganic Chemistry: 4100
- Experimental Chemistry: 3010 (Organic Chemistry Lab) + 3020 (Analytical Chemistry Lab) + 3030 (Physical Chemistry Lab)
- Mathematics: 1110 + 1120 + (2130 or 2310) or 1110 + 1220 + (2210 or 2220) or 1910 + 1920 + (2930 or 2940) The mathematics requirement for the standard major is satisfied by three semester courses. Two semesters should represent basic calculus and the third semester should cover one or more of the topics: multivariable calculus, differential equations, linear algebra. Students interested in physical chemistry should include a course in linear algebra such as Math 2210, Math 2310 or 2940, and should consider taking four semesters of math.
- Physics: 2207 + 2208 or 1112 + 2213 (1101 + 1102 is not acceptable)
Most standard majors also perform independent research at some point in their academic career, either during the academic year or in the summer. In addition to the required courses, many students take advanced courses to complement this program. Possible choices are listed here.
Optional Advanced Courses
- Biochemistry: BIOMG 3300 or BIOMG 3310 + 3320 (esp. suggested for pre-med students)
- Organic Chemistry: 6650, 6660
- Physical Chemistry: 7930, 7960
- Inorganic Chemistry: 4300,6050, 6080
- Analytical Chemistry: 6250, 6280, 6290
- Polymer Chemistry: 6690. 6700, 6710
- Chemical Biology: 4500
- Biophysical Chemistry: 7880
Contact Information
Office of Undergraduate Studies
131 Baker Laboratory
Hours: M-F 8am -4:30pm
Undergraduate Program Administrator
Pat Hine
pah3@cornell.edu
607-255-5287
Undergraduate Program Coordinator
Christine Ward
cmz32@cornell.edu
607-255-5287
Roger Loring
roger.loring@cornell.edu