Students in a chemistry lab

Chemistry provides the connection between molecular concepts and the complex systems found in nature. Our courses stress the understanding of chemical principles through theory and experiment. We provide a strong foundation for graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry, and related areas. We prepare students for careers in industry, teaching, and the medical and health sciences.

Students in a chemistry lab

About Chemistry

Chemistry provides the connection between molecular concepts and the complex systems found in nature. Chemistry courses stress the understanding of chemical principles through theory and experiment. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry, and other chemistry-related areas, for positions in industry, for high school teaching, and for studies in the medical and health sciences. The department is on the list of those approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students may choose to pursue an ACS certified degree. See the Chemistry Department website for details on the ACS-certified major.

Prospective chemistry majors should begin their study of mathematics, physics and chemistry in the first year. Majors are encouraged to participate in scientific research programs off campus or in the Chemistry Department Summer Research Program at Carleton.

The Introductory Courses

Most first-year students will take CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab, Principles of Chemistry, a one-term course designed for students who have had a good high school chemistry preparation. In the winter term we also offer a section of CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab, which covers the same topics as CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab but incorporates additional class meetings for problem solving and review and is appropriate for students who have had a high school chemistry course but want more interaction with the instructor as they begin the study of college-level chemistry. All sections of CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab and CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab will cover the fundamental topics that prepare students for further work in chemistry, biology, geology, or medicine.

Students who have not had a high school chemistry course should take CHEM 122: Introduction to Chemistry, An Introduction to Chemistry, which is designed to prepare students with little or no prior work in chemistry for further study in the discipline. This course is offered in fall term and also includes class sessions with problem solving and review.

All students who have not received placement through AP or IB exams must take the self-administered chemistry placement evaluation before enrolling in CHEM 122: Introduction to Chemistry, CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab, or CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab (further details may be found as Information for First-Year Students on the Chemistry Department web page). This evaluation covers topics dealing with simple formulas, equations, stoichiometry, gas laws, and the properties of solutions. The website for the placement evaluation contains more information about topics covered and suggestions to help students review prior to taking the evaluation.

Requirements for the Chemistry Major

Major Requirement – 67 Total Credits

Core Courses – Required 33 credits

Each of the following core courses (except, either CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab or CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab):

  • CHEM 123: Principles of Chemistry I and Lab
    OR CHEM 124: Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab
  • CHEM 224: Principles of Chemistry II and Lab
  • CHEM 233: Organic Chemistry I and Lab
  • CHEM 234: Organic Chemistry II and Lab
  • CHEM 301: Chemical Kinetics Laboratory
  • CHEM 343: Chemical Thermodynamics

Quantitative Course – Required 6 credits

Elective Course – Required 6 credits

  • BIOC 301: Biochemistry
  • CHEM 348: Introduction to Computational Chemistry (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 351: Inorganic Chemistry
  • CHEM 353: Organic Chemistry III (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 354: Spectroscopic Applications in Chemistry (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 358: Organometallic Chemistry
  • CHEM 361: Materials Chemistry (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 362: Chemistry at the Nanoscale (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 364: Pharmaceutical Chemistry (not offered 2026-27)

Elective Lab Courses – Required 4 credits

  • BIOC 311: Biochemistry Laboratory
  • CHEM 302: Quantum Spectroscopy Laboratory
  • CHEM 306: Spectrometric Characterization of Chemical Compounds
  • CHEM 331: Instrumental Chemical Analysis Laboratory
  • CHEM 338: Computer-Assisted Experimentation for Chemists (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 349: Computational Chemistry Laboratory (not offered 2026-27)
  • CHEM 352: Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

Other STEM Course Requirements – Required 12 Credits

Physics Courses – (6 credits)

  • Two three-credit PHYS courses from courses 131-165
    OR One six-credit PHYS course from courses 131-165
    OR received a score of 4 or better on BOTH of the following Advanced Placement exams: PHYS C: Mechanics and Physics exam and PHYS C: Electricity & Magnetism exam.

One additional 200-level physics course is strongly recommended (PHYS 228: Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab or PHYS 235: Electricity and Magnetism and Lab)

Mathematics Courses – (6 credits)

An AP Calculus BC exam score of 4 and above does not meet the Math requirement, because it does not include multivariable calculus. Take MATH 211: Introduction to Multivariable Calculus (or MATH 120: Calculus 2 with permission from the Math Department, and forgo six AP credits) before enrolling in CHEM 343: Chemical Thermodynamics.  

Senior Integrative Exercise – Required 6 credits

In addition to six credits of comps (see CHEM 400: Integrative Exercise description), Chemistry majors will be required to attend at least 10 seminars between the term in which they declare and the end of winter term of their senior year to ensure breadth in the exposure to the ways chemists approach their work.

Additional Departmental Notes

Major under Combined Plan in Engineering

In addition to completing the requirements for the Chemistry major listed above, the student should also take the following courses required for admission to the engineering schools: PHYS 165: Introduction to Electricity, Magnetism, and Optics and Lab or PHYS 228: Atomic and Nuclear Physics and Lab, MATH 241: Ordinary Differential Equations, and CS 111: Introduction to Computer Science. At the discretion of the department, one advanced course may be waived in some instances to allow the student more latitude in selection of courses.

Chemistry Courses

  • CHEM 113 Concepts of Chemistry and Lab

    A one-term chemistry course designed for non-science majors. In this course we examine what gives rise to three-dimensional shapes of molecules and we explore how the structure and composition of molecules gives rise to chemical reactivity. Our goal is to understand readily observable phenomena (e.g. removal of grease by soap, storage of toxins in fat tissues, cancer, viruses, etc.). Topics include those of current global interest such as anthropogenic forces on the environment and energy producing technologies. The course includes one four-hour lab per week. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

    Not offered in 2026-27

  • CHEM 122 Introduction to Chemistry

    An introduction to the fundamentals of chemistry to prepare students to enter subsequent chemistry courses (Chemistry 123 or 124). Atoms and molecules, stoichiometry, and gases will be covered in the course. Although learning through discovery-based processes, small groups, and short laboratory experimentation will occur, this is not a lab course and does not fulfill the requirements for medical school. This course assumes competence with simple algebra, but no prior chemistry experience.

  • CHEM 123 Principles of Chemistry I and Lab

    An introduction to chemistry for students who have strong high school preparation in chemistry or who have taken Chemistry 122. Topics include the electronic structure of atoms, periodicity, molecular geometry, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and acids and bases. Each offering will also focus on a special topic(s) selected by the instructor. Students cannot receive credit for both Chemistry 123 and 124.

    During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

  • CHEM 124 Principles of Chemistry I with Problem Solving and Lab

    An introduction to chemistry for students who have strong high school preparation in chemistry or who have taken Chemistry 122. Topics include the electronic structure of atoms, periodicity, molecular geometry, thermodynamics, bonding, equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and acids and bases. Each offering will also focus on a special topic(s) selected by the instructor. Students may only receive credit for one of Chemistry 123, 124, and 128. This section of Chemistry with problem solving is periodically offered for students who wish to further develop their general analytical and critical thinking skills. The smaller section will have additional class meetings for problem solving and review. Chemistry 124 is appropriate for students who would like to have more scheduled time to work with a faculty member on developing their scientific reasoning skills and understanding of the foundations of chemistry. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

  • CHEM 224 Principles of Chemistry II and Lab

    A more advanced study of several core introductory chemistry principles. This course is suitable for students with advanced placement in chemistry or students who have completed Chemistry 123, 124 or 128. Topics include coordination chemistry, advanced bonding models, spectroscopy, advanced acid/base and redox equilibria, and electrochemistry. The topics will be taught from varying perspectives using examples from biochemistry, the environment, energy, or materials chemistry. The lab will focus on developing computational, quantitative, and synthetic skills and will prepare students for more advanced laboratory work in chemistry.

    During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

  • CHEM 233 Organic Chemistry I and Lab

    Theoretical aspects of carbon chemistry are examined with reference to structure-reactivity relationships, functional groups, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms and spectroscopy. Laboratory work concentrates on modern techniques of organic chemistry, inquiry-based projects, and spectroscopic analysis. One laboratory per week.

    During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

    • Fall 2026, Winter 2027
    • 6
    • LS, Science with Lab QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any one of the following course(s): CHEM 123 or CHEM 124 with grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam or received a Carleton Chemistry 123 Requisite Equivalency or CHEM AL (Cambridge A Level Chemistry Exam) with a grade of B or better.
    • BIOC Core CHEM Core CL: 200 level
    • Julianna Koehl 🏫 👤 · Gretchen Hofmeister 🏫 👤

  • CHEM 234 Organic Chemistry II and Lab

    The chemistry of functional groups is continued from Chemistry 233, and is extended to the multifunctional compounds found in nature, in particular carbohydrates and proteins. The laboratory focuses upon inquiry-based projects and spectroscopic analysis. One laboratory per week. During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

  • CHEM 294 Directed Research in Chemistry

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation.

  • CHEM 301 Chemical Kinetics Laboratory

    A mixed class/lab course with one four-hour laboratory per week and weekly discussion/problem sessions. In class, the principles of kinetics will be developed with a mechanistic focus. In lab, experimental design and extensive independent project work will be emphasized.

    During registration, students will register for both the lecture and a corresponding lab section, which will appear on the student's academic transcript in a single entry.

  • CHEM 302 Quantum Spectroscopy Laboratory

    This lab course emphasizes spectroscopic studies relevant to quantum chemistry, including experiments utilizing UV-VIS, infrared absorption spectroscopy, and visible emission spectroscopy.

  • CHEM 306 Spectrometric Characterization of Chemical Compounds

    This combined lecture and lab course teaches students how to use modern spectrometric techniques for the structural characterization of molecules. Lectures will cover topics and problems in the theory and practical applications associated with GC-Mass Spectrometry, ESI-Mass Spectrometry, Infrared, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H, 13C, and 2D experiments). Students will apply all of these techniques in the laboratory for the structural characterization of known and unknown molecules

  • CHEM 330 Instrumental Chemical Analysis

    This course covers the basic principles of quantitative instrumental chemical analysis. Course topics include chromatography, electroanalytical chemistry, analytical spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The background needed to understand the theory and application of these instrumental techniques will be covered. In addition, students will have the opportunity to explore current research in the field of analytical chemistry through the reading and presentation of articles from the primary literature.

    • Winter 2027
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 224 Requisite Equivalency AND CHEM 233 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 233 Requisite Equivalency.
    • CHEM 331: Instrumental Chemical Analysis Laboratory
    • CHEM Quantitative CL: 300 level
    • Deborah Gross 🏫 👤

  • CHEM 331 Instrumental Chemical Analysis Laboratory

    This laboratory provides students with experience in using instrumental methods for quantitative chemical analysis. Laboratory work consists of several assigned experiments that use instrumental techniques such as liquid and gas chromatography, UV spectrophotometry and fluorometry, mass spectrometry, and voltammetry. This laboratory concludes with an instrumental analysis project that is researched and designed by student groups.

  • CHEM 338 Computer-Assisted Experimentation for Chemists

    This laboratory introduces students to the general components that make up an instrument used for chemical analysis. These components include transducers, analog and digital electronic components, data transmission hardware, computers, and appropriate software. The specific topics to be covered are ion selective electrodes, fluorometry, analog electronics, basic data acquisition principles, serial data communication, Arduino and LabVIEW programming.

    Not offered in 2026-27

    • 2
    • LS, Science with Lab

    • Student has completed the following course(s): CHEM 224 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 224 Requisite Equivalency.
    • CHEM Elective Lab CL: 300 level

  • CHEM 343 Chemical Thermodynamics

    The major topic is chemical thermodynamics, including the First and Second Laws, the conditions for spontaneous change, thermochemistry, and chemical equilibrium. To showcase how chemists utilize energy concepts to solve problems, thermodynamics will be regularly applied to a number of real-world examples and scientific problems.

    • Fall 2026
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123 or CHEM 124, or CHEM 128 or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam or received a Carleton Chemistry 123 Requisite Equivalency AND MATH 120 or Math 211 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Math 211 or better Requisite Equivalency AND 6 credits from Physics Courses 131 to 165 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on both the Physics AP C Mechanics exam and the Physics AP C – Electricity and Magnetism exam.

    • CHEM Core CL: 300 level
    • Daniela Kohen 🏫 👤

  • CHEM 344 Quantum Chemistry

    This course introduces quantum mechanics with an emphasis on chemical and spectroscopic applications. The focus will be on atomic and molecular quantum behavior involving electrons, rotations, and vibrations. The objective is to develop both a deeper understanding of bonding as well as an appreciation of how spectroscopy provides insight into the microscopic world of molecules.

    • Winter 2027
    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 123 or CHEM 124, or CHEM 128 or received a score of 4 or better on the Chemistry AP exam or received a score of 5 or better on the Chemistry IB exam or received a Carleton Chemistry 123 Requisite Equivalency AND MATH 120 or Math 211 or greater with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Math 211 or better Requisite Equivalency AND 6 credits from Physics Courses 131 to 165 with a grade of C- or better or received a score of 4 or better on both the Physics AP C Mechanics exam and the Physics AP C – Electricity and Magnetism exam.

    • CHEM Quantitative CL: 300 level
    • Jun Jiang 🏫 👤

  • CHEM 348 Introduction to Computational Chemistry

    This class will introduce students to computational chemistry with a focus on simulations in chemistry and biology. This course will include hands-on experience in running classical molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry programs, an introduction to methods to simulate large systems, and demonstrations of the use of more sophisticated software to simulate chemical and biological processes. It will also include a survey of the current literature in this area, as well as lecture time in which the background necessary to appreciate this growing area of chemistry will be provided.

    Not offered in 2026-27

  • CHEM 349 Computational Chemistry Laboratory

    Credit for the laboratory portion of Chemistry 348.

    Not offered in 2026-27

  • CHEM 351 Inorganic Chemistry

    Symmetry, molecular orbital theory and ligand field theory will provide a framework to explore the bonding, magnetism and spectroscopic properties of coordination complexes. Topics in reactivity (hard and soft acids and bases), bioinorganic chemistry, reaction mechanisms, and organometallic chemistry, will also be introduced.

  • CHEM 352 Laboratory in Advanced Inorganic Chemistry

    Synthesis, purification and spectroscopic characterization of transition-metal complexes with an emphasis on methods for preparing and handling air-sensitive compounds. One laboratory per week.

  • CHEM 353 Organic Chemistry III

    This course explores the relationship between structure and reactivity in organic molecular systems, with an emphasis on reaction mechanisms. Topics include molecular orbital theory, stereoelectronic effects, linear free energy relationships, and kinetic isotope effects. We will use these theories to revisit and deepen our understanding of reactions from Chemistry 233 (Organic Chemistry & Lab) and 234 (Organic Chemistry II & Lab). We will then analyze additional classes of reactions, such as pericyclic, enantioselective, and organometallic transformations. Students will use the primary literature to further investigate these topics.

    Not offered in 2026-27

  • CHEM 354 Spectroscopic Applications in Chemistry

    The full power of spectroscopy extends well beyond the absorption or emission of a single photon. Details of energy flow through electronic, vibrational, and rotational excited states of molecules can be queried using the specific colors and timescales of one or more pulsed lasers. In addition to developing a working knowledge of lasers and forms of spectroscopy, this discussion-based class also has students presenting on evidence from literature in areas such as chemical reactivity, the atmosphere, and biology.

    Not offered in 2026-27

    • 6
    • No Exploration QRE, Quantitative Reasoning

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): One 6 credit 300 Level CHEM course AND One 6 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) course or Two 3 credit Introductory Physics (131-165) courses with a grade of C- or better.
    • CHEM Elective CL: 300 level

  • CHEM 358 Organometallic Chemistry

    This course covers the bonding and reactivity of organometallic complexes in the context of their applications to industrial catalysis, the synthesis of complex organic molecules, and energy science. We will use simple yet powerful tools such as the eighteen-electron rule and isoelectronic arguments to rationalize and predict observed reactivity, and current literature will be extensively utilized.

    • Fall 2026
    • 6
    • No Exploration

    • Student has completed the following course(s): CHEM 234 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 234 Requisite Equivalency.
    • CHEM Elective CL: 300 level
    • Rana Abdu 🏫 👤

  • CHEM 361 Materials Chemistry

    Materials chemistry seeks to understand condensed matter through the study of its structural, electronic, and macroscopic properties with an eye on practical applications. Therefore, the study of matter from a materials perspective requires a multidisciplinary approach involving chemistry, physics, engineering, and technology. Some topics to be covered include crystalline structure, X-ray diffraction, band theory, conductivity, magnetic and optical properties, the effect of size on materials properties, and soft materials. Current research in materials chemistry will be explored through group presentation and discussion of primary literature papers.

    Not offered in 2026-27

    • 6
    • No Exploration

    • Student has completed any of the following course(s): CHEM 224 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 224 Requisite Equivalency exam AND CHEM 234 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 234 Requisite Equivalency.
    • CHEM Elective CL: 300 level

  • CHEM 362 Chemistry at the Nanoscale

    This discussion-based seminar involves critical examination of research literature authored by prominent investigators in the interdisciplinary field of nanochemistry. Learning will draw upon the multiple disciplines of chemistry (physical, analytical, inorganic, and organic), physics, and biology. Includes a focus on the integrative themes of design, size, shape, surface, self-assembly, and defects. Novel and emerging applications in technology, biology, and medicine will be explored.

    Not offered in 2026-27

    • 6
    • No Exploration

    • Student has completed or is in the process of completing any of the following course(s): CHEM 343 or CHEM 344 AND One 300 Level CHEM course with a grade of C- or better.
    • CHEM Elective CL: 300 level

  • CHEM 364 Pharmaceutical Chemistry

    This course explores the molecular mechanisms by which drugs interact with biological systems to elicit their effects. Topics include structure-activity relationships, drug-receptor interactions, metabolic pathways, and the chemical basis of drug toxicity and selectivity. Work will be centered around case studies of long-established drug classes as well as more recent therapeutic approaches.

    Recommended Preparation: BIOL 126

    Not offered in 2026-27

    • 6
    • No Exploration

    • Student has completed the following course(s): CHEM 234 with a grade of C- or better or received a Carleton Chemistry 234 Requisite Equivalency.
    • BIOC Elective CHEM Elective CL: 300 level

  • CHEM 394 Directed Research in Chemistry

    Students work on a research project related to a faculty member's research interests, and directed by that faculty member. Student activities vary according to the field and stage of the project. The long-run goal of these projects normally includes dissemination to a scholarly community beyond Carleton. The faculty member will meet regularly with the student and actively direct the work of the student, who will submit an end-of-term product, typically a paper or presentation. Students conducting research that is not directly tied to ongoing faculty research programs should enroll in Chemistry 391/392.

  • CHEM 400 Integrative Exercise

    Three alternatives exist for the department comprehensive exercise. Most students elect to join a discussion group that studies the research of a distinguished chemist or particular research problem in depth. Other students elect to write a long paper based on research in the primary literature, or write a paper expanding on their own research investigations. Most of the work for Chemistry 400 is expected to be accomplished during winter term. Students should enroll for five credits of Chemistry 400 during the winter, receive a “CI” at the end of that term, and then enroll for one credit during the spring, with the final evaluation and grade being awarded during spring term. Chemistry majors will be required to attend at least 10 seminars between the term in which they declare and the end of winter term of their senior year to ensure breadth in the exposure to the ways chemists approach their work.