Curricular Overview
Frances Rose Blase, Associate Professor and Department Chair
More information may be found in the following pdf downloads:
Our curriculum is designed to allow chemistry majors to learn fundamental chemical concepts and laboratory skills and to have ample opportunity to engage in original research with guidance from a faculty mentor. Our curriculum is flexible enough to allow chemistry majors to study abroad for one or two semesters during the junior year, and about one-third of our majors take advantage of this opportunity. At all levels advantage is taken of the wide range of modern instruments in the department.
The core curriculum of the department consists of courses in general chemistry and organic chemistry (both with laboratory). Students wishing to major have two options for moving through the core, depending on their level of preparation. Students taking their first course in the department must take a placement examination. This examination, secondary school records, scores from standardized and advanced placement tests, and individual consultation, are all used as a basis for a recommended course of study.
Firt-year sequence and Sophomore year
No previous chemistry is assumed for the first-year sequence 100a-101b (General Chemistry), followed in the sophomore year by 220a-221b (Organic Chemistry). Students with adequate preparation may begin their study of Chemistry at Haverford with the second semester of General Chemistry (101b) or, in a few cases, with Chemistry 220a (Organic Chemistry).
Junior Year
The central offerings of the junior and senior years for chemistry majors are Physical Chemistry (304a, 305b; most chemistry majors elect to take both semesters, although only the first semester is required for the major) and the integrated laboratory courses (301a, 311g, 312h), in which laboratory work in chemistry and biochemistry provides an introduction to research. Modern methods of instrumental analytical chemistry are stressed throughout these courses. Either in the junior or senior year, students take Inorganic Chemistry (two half-semester courses), two additional advanced courses, and the departmental seminar. Students are urged to participate in research for advanced course credit.
Concentrations
Students may choose to concentrate in Biochemistry as chemistry majors. The Biochemistry and Biophysics Concentration is sponsored jointly by the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Chemistry majors in the concentration substitute Biology 300b, the Biology Department's laboratory course devoted to proteins and nucleic acids, for Chemistry 311g/312h and take other appropriate Biology and Chemistry courses in the areas of molecular biology and biochemistry.
Major and minor requirements are presented in the Chemistry section of the Haverford College catalog.
More information may be found in the following pdf downloads:
- Brochure for prospective students
- Advice to sophomores considering the Chemistry major (summarizes the course sequences most commonly used to fulfill the requirements)