The curriculum for a chemistry major is very linear with successive courses building upon previous ones. Chemistry courses, therefore, must be taken in a fairly rigid order and within a set time frame. Additionally, physics and mathematics prerequisites also must be taken, preferably in the first and second years. Below are two outlines of representative course selections that a chemistry major might follow over four years at Davidson. The first outline is for a student who starts in CHE 115. The second outline is for a student who has AP/IB credit for CHE 115. Please note that a student may also have AP/IB credit for a mathematics course or courses (see below for more information on the math requirement). Alternative math courses are possible.

The schedules listed above complete the coursework requirements of the basic chemistry major, which are summarized below:

• Chemistry courses: 201 (115 prerequisite), 202, 215, 351, 352, 361, 371, 391, and 401
• One additional 300- or 400-level course (excluding 306)
• Supporting courses: MAT 140 or 160 (see below) and PHY 220 or 230
• Attendance at a total of 10 or more chemistry colloquia during junior and senior years

Many Davidson students do not start taking chemistry courses in their first semester. These students will need to adapt their subsequent schedules and increase the number of semesters in which they take two chemistry courses. For example, CHE 215 can be taken concurrently with CHE 201 or 202 during the sophomore year. Some students find that CHE 371 must be delayed until senior year because they need to take CHE 202 or 215 in its place during fall of their junior year. At times physics also gets delayed until junior year. As a last resort, a student may need to consider completing the general chemistry or organic chemistry requirements at another institution during the summer between sophomore and junior years. Students seeking transfer credits should discuss this option with their major advisor in advance.

Some students may decide to go beyond the basic major and try to graduate with honors and/or with a degree that is certified by the American Chemical Society. Students interested in either of these options should speak with their major advisor or any chemistry faculty member.

Additional information on the math requirement

Students can fulfill the math requirement by receiving credit for either MAT 140 or MAT 160.  Only the MAT 160 option is shown in the course outline tables above. Please see the Mathematics Course Placement page for additional information.

• Normal path to MAT 160: MAT 111/112 -> MAT 113 -> MAT 160 (calculus sequence)
  Credit for MAT 160 requires a total of three courses, however credit for both MAT 111 & 113 may be earned through AP/IB testing.  [MAT 111: AP Calc AB 3 or higher or AP Calc BC 3; MAT 111 & 113: AP Calc BC 4 or higher, IB Calc 6 or higher]  With appropriate AB/IB credit, a student may fulfill the math requirement for chemistry by only taking MAT 160.
• Normal path to MAT 140: MAT 112 -> MAT 140 (calculus with modeling sequence)
  Credit for MAT 140 requires only two courses, and both must be taken at Davidson.  MAT 112 has no AP/IB equivalent.

The bottom line on math course selection...  Most incoming chemistry students have already taken calculus in high school.  With AP/IB credit, those students will be eligible to take MAT 113 & 160, possibly just MAT 160.  Without AP credit, those students will likely take MAT 112 & 140.  Starting with MAT 111 is only necessary for students who do not have any calculus background.  Keep in mind that while MAT 140 & 160 each fulfill the math requirement in chemistry, additional math courses are encouraged for students who intend to attend chemistry graduate school.