The Honors Major – Three Year Plan
The honors chemistry major is ideal preparation for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in chemistry or entering the chemical industry. It is also excellent preparation for a diverse array of other careers after graduation, including forensics, law, business, consulting, education and the health professions.
The following schedule is meant as an example of how a student might progress through the chemistry major conveniently and efficiently beginning the sophomore year at Sewanee. The schedule shown assumes no science or math classes were taken during the first year of study. The chemistry faculty is available to help customize this framework to meet each student’s educational goals.
| Year | Fall | Spring |
| Sophomore |
Chemistry 1011 OR 111 Math 101 OR 1022 Distribution/Elective3 Distribution/Elective |
Chemistry 102 Math 102 OR 207 Distribution/Elective4 Distribution/Elective |
| Junior |
Chemistry 201 Physics 101 Chemistry 444 (1/2 course)5 Distribution/Elective Distribution/Elective |
Chemistry 202 Physics 102 Chemistry 301 (1/2 course)6 Chemistry 352 OR 311 Chemistry 444 (1/2 course)5 |
| Senior |
Chemistry 307 Chemistry 308 Chemistry 444 (1/2 course)5 Chemistry 4xx (Adv Chem Course)7 |
Chemistry 352 OR 311 Chemistry 401 (1/2 course)6 Chemistry 4xx (Adv Chem Course)7 Chemistry 444 (1/2 course)5 Distribution/Elective |
Notes:
- Well-prepared students with a strong math background and previous chemistry experience may be invited to enroll in Chemistry 111 (Adv. General Chemistry) or be offered placement directly into Chemistry 102 in the spring semester.
- Math placement will be determined by the mathematics department. While Math 207 is not required for the chemistry major, it is strongly recommended.
- The general distribution requirements (shown below) must be completed by the end of the junior year. Additionally, two physical education courses must be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
- Students interested in pursuing a career in the health professions will need to take a minimum of two Biology courses as electives. Courses in Biology will also be helpful to students wishing to pursue advanced study in biochemical or biomedical fields.
- Students, particularly those that have completed their distribution requirements, are strongly encouraged to consider collaborating with a faculty member on a research project during the academic year. Completion of a research-based thesis is a requirement for Honors.
- For both Chemistry 301 and 401, students are required to attend departmental seminars throughout the year and give at least one seminar each year. Registration for credit occurs during the spring semester of each year.
- The advanced chemistry electives are selected based on the student’s interests. They may taken in either semester of the junior or senior year. If the student if preparing for graduate studies in chemistry, Chemistry 422 (Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy) is particularly appropriate for one of these elective courses.
General Distribution Requirements not included in the major:
- English 101
- History 100
- Philosophy or Religion course
- Art, Art History, Theater, or Music course
- Social science course
- Foreign language course at the 300-level
- Two physical education courses
