Requirements

I. Academic Programs

The Department of Chemistry offers a chemistry major, an American Chemical Society certified major (required for students pursuing departmental honors), and a chemistry minor. Each program is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their academic program to diverse interests and goals, including in the areas of biochemistry, chemical biology, environmental chemistry, materials science, medicine, and engineering, as highlighted below in VI. Planning your Path in Chemistry. The flexibility of the chemistry curriculum makes consultation with an academic advisor essential, particularly for students who may be interested in graduate school. The department also participates in a joint interdisciplinary major in environmental studies-chemistry and an interdisciplinary major in molecular biology and biochemistry, which prepare students for a wide range of pursuits in science and beyond.

II. Getting started in Chemistry

The department offers three courses as starting points on your chemistry journey at Middlebury College: CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry, a half-credit course focused on foundational chemical concepts and problem-solving skills; CHEM 0105 General Chemistry, a full-semester course with lab that provides the background needed to launch into an array of 0200-level intermediate courses; and CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry, a full-semester course with lab that provides a more advanced dive into a broader set of topics than CHEM 0105. Students may not receive credit for both CHEM 0105 and 0107. The CHEM 0102 major/minor requirement is automatically waived for students who begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 0105 or 0107.

To determine the appropriate first chemistry class for you at Middlebury, most students must take the department’s placement test. Students who have earned AP Chemistry scores of 2 or higher or have completed IB Chemistry (SL or HL) do not need to take the placement test.  Use the table below and your scores to determine the correct course for you to start chemistry.

III. Course requirements

For Frequently Asked Questions about the Chemistry majors and minor, please visit our Chemistry FAQs page!

Chemistry Major (CHEM)

Consists of at least 9 courses in chemistry and up to 3 courses in math and physics cognates, depending on placement

1. Foundations (see II. Getting Started in Chemistry for placement information):
   1. CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry (half-credit) (CHEM 0102 is automatically waived for students who begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 0105 or 0107.)
   2. CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry
2. Chemistry Core:
   1. CHEM 0205 Organic Chemistry I
   2. CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry
   3. physical chemistry (either CHEM 0355 Thermodynamics & Kinetics or CHEM 0455 Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy)
   4. either CHEM 0231 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry or CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules
3. Electives: four CHEM courses at the 0200-0700 level, selected in consultation with your academic advisor, subject to the following:
   1. at least one elective must be a College Writing (CW) laboratory course,
   2. A total of six laboratory courses numbered 0200 or higher are required in the major, inclusive of the Chemistry Core and Electives. This means that depending on the courses chosen in the Chemistry Core, 2-3 of the electives need to  be laboratory courses.
   3. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700 or CHEM 0701) are considered laboratory courses and may serve as a maximum of one of the electives.
4. Cognates:
   1. MATH 0121 Calculus I and MATH 0122 Calculus II or if you placed out of MATH 0122 based on high school work (see Mathematics & Statistics Department Placement Information), any fall/spring MATH course numbered higher than 0122 or fall/spring STAT course numbered 0201 or higher.
   2. PHYS 0108 Physics of Motion or PHYS 0109 Introductory Mechanics (see Physics Department Placement Information).

American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified major (ACS-CHEM)

Consists of at least 12 courses in chemistry and up to 4 math and physics courses, depending on placement. Compared to the major, the ACS-CHEM major requires additional chemistry breadth and depth, a second semester of physics, and senior thesis research, ACS-CHEM is required for students pursuing departmental honors.

1. Foundations (see II. Getting Started in Chemistry for placement information):
   1. CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry (half-credit) (CHEM 0102 is automatically waived for students who begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 0105 or 0107.)
   2. CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry
2. Chemistry Core:
   1. CHEM 0205 Organic Chemistry I
   2. CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry
   3. physical chemistry (either CHEM 0355 Thermodynamics & Kinetics or CHEM 0455 Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy)
   4. CHEM 0231 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry
   5. CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules
3. Electives: four CHEM courses at the 0200-0400 level, excluding CHEM 0400, selected in consultation with your academic advisor. Three of the four must be laboratory courses, including one College Writing (CW) laboratory course.
4. Thesis Research: With prior approval of a research advisor, CHEM 0400 Seminar in Chemical Research and CHEM 0701 Senior Thesis
5. Cognates:
   1. MATH 0121 Calculus I and MATH 0122 Calculus II or if you placed out of MATH 0122 based on high school work (see Mathematics & Statistics Department Placement Information), any fall/spring MATH course numbered higher than 0122 or fall/spring STAT course numbered 0201 or higher.
   2. PHYS 0108 Physics of Motion or PHYS 0109 Introductory Mechanics  (see Physics Department Placement Information).
   3. PHYS 0111 Waves, Optics, & Thermodynamics or PHYS 0114 Electricity & Magnetism.

Chemistry minor

The Chemistry minor consists of 5.0-5.5 courses in chemistry, depending on placement :

1. CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry (half-credit) (CHEM 0102 is automatically waived for students who begin their study of chemistry in CHEM 0105 or 0107.)
2. CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry
3. CHEM 0205 Organic Chemistry I
4. Three CHEM courses at the 0200-0400 level, of which at least two must be laboratory courses and at least one must be at the 0300-level or higher

Environmental Studies - Chemistry joint major

See the listing for the Environmental Chemistry focus under the Program in Environmental Studies. 

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry interdisciplinary major

See Program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 

IV. Independent Research and Senior Thesis Program

Many students participate in independent research (CHEM 0500 non-senior independent work) or CHEM 0700 senior independent work) or complete senior thesis projects (typically as CHEM 0400 and CHEM 0701). Students who are interested in research should apply for a research position during one of the two annual (Fall and Spring) research application windows, which will be announced via email to majors and minors and is posted on our website. Students who are interested in completing a senior thesis project should meet with their academic advisor for guidance in seeking a research advisor no later than winter term of their junior year. A two-term senior thesis is required for the ACS-CHEM major, but students may participate in independent research or in the senior thesis program without pursuing the ACS-CHEM major.

V. Eligibility for Honors

Students who successfully complete the ACS-CHEM major with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in the non-thesis requirements and earn at least a B grade on their thesis (CHEM 701) are awarded departmental honors. The thesis grade is determined collectively by the members of the Department of Chemistry faculty. High Honors may be awarded at the discretion of the department faculty to students who earn honors and demonstrate exceptional achievement in both the thesis program and departmental course work.

VI. Planning your Path in Chemistry

The chemistry majors and minor are highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their academic program to diverse interests and goals. This flexibility makes consultation with an advisor essential, especially for students who may be interested in graduate school. 

To allow maximum flexibility, including promoting the possibilities for studying abroad or completing the ACS-CHEM major, we recommend that all prospective majors seek to complete

1. CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry by the end of their first year.
2. MATH 0122 Calculus II and PHYS 0108 Physics of Motion or PHYS 0109 Introductory Mechanics by the end of their second year.

We recognize that this timeline is not always possible. The timeline should not be considered as a strict requirement for majoring in chemistry; it simply increases flexibility.

Deciding between the Chemistry Major and the ACS-certified chemistry major

Students planning on careers in chemistry (e.g., graduate school, industry) are encouraged to consider the American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified chemistry major. In this major, students engage in all the coursework and hands-on experiences that our national chemistry professional society considers a comprehensive and rigorous undergraduate training in chemistry. Compared to the CHEM major, the ACS-CHEM major requires additional chemistry breadth and depth, a second semester of physics, and senior thesis research. It is a demanding nationally recognized major and is required for students pursuing departmental honors (see section V.), but it is not for everyone; the large number of required courses can impose scheduling constraints that make it more difficult to study abroad or to complete other courses of study (e.g., a minor). The ACS-CHEM major is not required for successful transition to graduate school or a career in chemistry, although many graduate programs do expect additional coursework beyond the minimum CHEM major requirements, as outlined below.

Aligning Flexibility in the Major with Interests and Career Goals

Depending on the chosen major (CHEM or ACS-CHEM), students may have flexibility in choosing one of the courses within the “Chemical Core” and will definitely have flexibility in choosing four electives. This section provides some guidance regarding choosing electives that best align with some interests and career goals. These suggestions do not replace individualized guidance from your academic advisor. In addition to particular chemistry courses, some graduate programs may expect additional courses in other disciplines, such as physics, math, or biology. 

Careers within traditional areas of chemistry. Within the course choices available, we strongly recommend that students who are considering careers in traditional areas of chemistry, including physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry take:

1. CHEM 0305 Organic Chemistry II and a second physical chemistry course (either CHEM 0355 Thermodynamics & Kinetics or CHEM 0455 Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy) within their suite of electives.
2. a second physics course (either PHYS 0111 Waves, Optics, & Thermodynamics or PHYS 0114 Electricity & Magnetism).

Careers at the biological intersections with chemistry. Regardless of the chosen major (CHEM or ACS-CHEM), we strongly recommend that students who are considering careers at the biological intersections with chemistry, including biochemistry, chemical biology, toxicology, pharmacy, or biotechnology take:

1. CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules.
2. CHEM 0305 Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 0425 Biochemistry of Metabolism as two of their electives, and CHEM 0422 Biochemistry Laboratory as their CW Chemistry Laboratory course
3. a second physics course (either PHYS 0111 Waves, Optics, & Thermodynamics or PHYS 0114 Electricity & Magnetism).
4. BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics

Careers in the health professions. Both the CHEM and ACS-CHEM major are great options for students planning on careers in a broad range of health professions, including medical, veterinary, and dental careers. The courses expected for health professions fields vary widely. Students interested in health professions are strongly encouraged to consult with health professions and science advisors in the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research to discuss the nuances of different health fields: (https://www.middlebury.edu/teaching-learning-research/student-resources/health-professions)

For those specifically planning on medical school, a typical pre-med curriculum within the Chemistry Department would include the same courses recommended above for the biological intersections with chemistry:

1. CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules.
2. CHEM 0305 Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 0425 Biochemistry of Metabolism as two of their electives, and CHEM 0422 Biochemistry Laboratory as their CW Chemistry Laboratory course
3. a second physics course (either PHYS 0111 Waves, Optics, & Thermodynamics or PHYS 0114 Electricity & Magnetism).
4. BIOL 0145 Cell Biology and Genetics

Aligning Flexibility in the Minor with Interests and Career Goals

All minors take introductory chemistry (CHEM 0102 Foundations in Chemistry and CHEM 0105 General Chemistry or CHEM 0107 Advanced General Chemistry) and CHEM 0205 Organic Chemistry I. Three electives (including at least two laboratory courses and one course at the 0300-level or higher) offer considerable flexibility to align the minor to student interests and goals. Example electives choices for students with specific interests include:

• Health Professions: CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules, CHEM 0305 Organic Chemistry II (lab), and one of: CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (lab) or CHEM 0231 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry (lab) will satisfy pre-health chemistry requirements for many schools
• Chemistry-Biology interface: CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (lab), CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules, and any biologically-related lab course, such as CHEM 0422 Biochemistry Laboratory
• Energy & Climate or Geochemistry: CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (lab), CHEM 0231 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry (lab), and CHEM 0370 Environmental Chemistry (lab)
• Environmental health: CHEM 0211 Foundations of Analytical Chemistry (lab), CHEM 0322 Biochemistry of Macromolecules, CHEM 0370 Environmental Chemistry (lab)
• Chemistry-Physics interface: CHEM 0231 Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry (lab), CHEM 0355 Thermodynamics & Kinetics (lab), and CHEM 0455 Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy (lab). Note that the physical chemistry courses (CHEM 0355 and 0455) carry MATH and PHYS prerequisites.

For students who matriculated prior to Fall 2025 and have chosen to adhere to the older requirements.

VII. Majors 

Students can elect to major in chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry (joint major), or molecular biology and biochemistry.

VIII. Course Requirements

(available to students who matriculated prior to Fall 2025)

Chemistry

MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103* (offered through spring 2025), CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 0204 (or 0305), CHEM 0311 (or 0411), one of CHEM 0351 (or CHEM 0455), or 0355, and two electives chosen with an advisor’s approval from CHEM 0200-, 0300- or 0400- courses. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700, or CHEM 0701) cannot count as electives.

Honors in Chemistry

MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103* (offered through spring 2025), CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026), CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 204 (or 0305), CHEM 0311 (or 0411), CHEM 0355, CHEM 0351 (or 0455), CHEM 0431, CHEM 0400, CHEM 0701.

Biochemistry

MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103*(offered through spring 2025),CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026), CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 204 (or 0305), CHEM 0313 (or 0422), CHEM 0322, and two electives chosen, with an advisor’s approval, from CHEM 0200-,0300- or 0400-level courses or BIOL 0314. Independent study courses (CHEM 0400, CHEM 0500, CHEM 0700, or CHEM 0701) cannot count as electives.

Honors in Biochemistry

MATH 0121*, MATH 0122*, PHYS 0108 or PHYS 0109*, PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0111, CHEM 0103*(offered through spring 2025), CHEM 0104 (offered through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105 or CHEM 0107, CHEM 0203 (or 0205), CHEM 204 (or 0305), CHEM 0311 (or 0411), CHEM 0313 (or 0422), CHEM 0322, CHEM 0355, CHEM 0425, CHEM 0400, CHEM 0701.

Environmental Chemistry

See the listing for the Environmental Chemistry focus under the Program in Environmental Studies. 

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

See Program in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. 

*Students who have scored a 4 or 5 on the advanced placement examination in chemistry or an IB Chemistry (SL or HL) score of 6 or higher do not need to take the placement test, will be waived out of CHEM 0103, and should enroll in CHEM 0107, when offered, or CHEM 0104 (available through spring 2026) or CHEM 0105. All others must take the department’s online placement examination to determine which course they should start in (CHEM 0103, 0104/0105, or CHEM 0107). 

IX. Independent Research and Senior Thesis Program

see Section IV.

X. Eligibility for Honors

Students who successfully complete the honors coursework (Section VIII) with a minimum grade point average of 3.00 in the non-thesis requirements, and earn at least a B grade on their thesis (CHEM 701) are awarded departmental honors. The thesis grade is determined collectively by the members of the Department of Chemistry faculty. High Honors may be awarded at the discretion of the department faculty to students who earn honors and demonstrate exceptional achievement in both the thesis program and departmental course work.