Chemistry and Biochemistry at Denison: an overview of the curriculum
Since Fall 2011, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been phasing in a new curriculum for majors and non-majors alike. We've wholly redesigned both our courses and the structure of our majors. From a conventional core course sequence of two semesters of General Chemistry followed by two semesters of Organic Chemistry, we are moving to a core sequence of
• one semester of Molecular Structure and Bonding
• one semester of Reaction Chemistry that will incorporate both inorganic and organic chemical reactions
• one semester of intermediate Organic Chemistry
• one semester of intermediate Biochemistry, including quantitative analysis of chemical and biochemical equilibrium.
This core sequence serves chemistry and biochemistry majors and minors, and also biology majors and pre-medical students. Students continuing on in the major will then take a series of intermediate-level courses in Inorganic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. They'll then be able to choose from a selection of advanced courses focusing on current topics in chemistry and biochemistry; we expect to offer five advanced courses on a broad range of topics each year.
The new courses and new majors/minor will be phased in over a period of four years, allowing students currently in the Chemistry/Biochemistry "pipeline" to continue with their studies unaffected by the changes.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the department chair, Dr. Peter Kuhlman, by email (kuhlman@denison.edu), phone (740-587-6698), or in person (Ebaugh 102).