Chemistry Curriculum

At Gettysburg College, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department delivers a dynamic and hands-on education rooted in close faculty mentorship, interdisciplinary exploration, and real-world research. Students in both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs gain deep exposure to fundamental and advanced chemical concepts while building critical scientific reasoning and laboratory skills.

Curriculum

One of the most distinctive aspects of the chemistry curriculum is the opportunity for students to engage in faculty-mentored research as early as their sophomore year. Whether through the Cross-Disciplinary Science Institute (X-SIG), summer research fellowships, or for-credit independent study, students often co-author publications and present at national conferences. The department also hosts regular seminar series, inviting prominent guest speakers and giving students a window into current trends and careers in chemistry and related fields.

Gettysburg's emphasis on undergraduate teaching ensures small class sizes and direct access to state-of-the-art instrumentation—tools typically reserved for graduate students at larger institutions. Courses integrate inquiry-based laboratory experiences, and upper-level electives allow students to explore topics like biochemistry, environmental chemistry, and inorganic materials. Whether you plan to pursue graduate school, enter the health professions, teach, or work in industry, Gettysburg’s chemistry curriculum provides a rigorous and rewarding foundation.

Summary Curriculum Requirements

Program Chemistry Courses Supporting Courses
B.A. in Chemistry CHEM 107, 108, 203, 204, 222, 305 or 307, plus two upper-level electives (at least one with lab) PHYS 109, 110; MATH 111, 112
B.S. in Chemistry All B.A. courses plus CHEM 306, 375, 410, two advanced labs, and one additional elective PHYS 109, 110; MATH 111, 112, 211
ACS Certified Degree B.S. requirements plus CHEM 333 or CHEM/BIO 334
Minor in Chemistry CHEM 107, 108, three 200-level or higher courses including at least one at the 300 level

Learning Outcomes

Chemistry majors at Gettysburg will graduate with:

  • Strong understanding of chemical theory and problem-solving
  • Proficiency in using modern laboratory instrumentation
  • Ability to design, conduct, and interpret experiments
  • Experience in reading primary literature and communicating scientific findings
  • A strong foundation in safety and ethical lab practices

The program is structured to help students not only succeed academically but also develop the habits of mind and skills required for consequential work—whether in the sciences, medicine, education, or beyond.

First Year Advising and Registration recommendations

General Chemistry (Chemistry 107 and Chemistry 108) is required or recommended for students studying Biology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB), Chemistry, Environmental Studies (BS degree), and Health Sciences (BS degree). Chemistry and BMB majors should taking Chemistry 107 in their first semester. We strongly recommend that Biology majors take Chemistry 107 in their first semester, too, especially if they are interested in molecular biology or any molecular-level research. If you are considering attending professional school in a medical field (medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy, or pharmacy school), you will need to take at least a year of chemistry, including Chemistry 107 and 108. Students planning on attending medical, dental, or veterinary school directly after college (with no gap year) must take Chemistry 107 in their first semester.

Since the Chemistry Placement Test is required to enroll in CH107, it is suggested that anyone planning on enrolling in CH107 in their first or second year should take it this summer. If you do not take the test, but change your mind and decide to take CH107, the Placement Test can be taken any time prior to registering for the course the semester you plan on taking it. The placement test can be accessed through the First-Year Dashboard. If the Dashboard has closed, please contact Lea Czar to get access to the test.

The Chemistry Placement Test—a 40-question, 60-minute, multiple-choice test—allows us to place you in a section of Chemistry 107 that is appropriate for your background. We offer two levels of Chemistry 107: Chemistry 107 sections A–D and Chemistry 107-I. Chemistry 107-I is an “intensive” section with its own labs and discussion sections designed to provide extra support for students with limited chemistry and quantitative problem-solving experience in high school. Other Chemistry 107 sections are for students with stronger chemistry and quantitative problem-solving backgrounds. All Chemistry 107 sections prepare students to be successful STEM majors.

You will be informed of your placement test results by your Gettysburg College email a few days before registration. We will let you know whether you should register for Chemistry 107-I or one of the other Chemistry 107 sections.

The Chemistry major builds upon itself, and therefore certain courses need to be taken in a specific order. Students planning a major in Chemistry should take Chemistry 107 (any themed section) or Chemistry 107-I and Mathematics 111 or a higher-level mathematics course during the fall semester of their first year. During the spring semester students should register for Chemistry 108 (any themed section; it does NOT need to be the same theme as your Chemistry 107 section) or Chemistry 108-I and Math 112 or a higher-level mathematics course. Chemistry majors must ultimately take mathematics through Math 112 (for the BA degree) or Math 211 (for the BS degree) and a year of calculus-based physics in preparation for Physical Chemistry. Physics courses are often taken during the sophomore year along with Chemistry 203 and 204 (Organic Chemistry).

Students who are interested in taking a chemistry class to fulfill the Natural Science with a Lab Multiple Inquiries requirement should also take the Chemistry Placement Test, which will place you into either Chemistry 107 or Chemistry 107-I. While all sections of Chemistry 107 cover the fundamentals of the discipline (such as exploring the atom, molecules, chemical bonds, the properties and theories of matter, and chemical reactions), each section approaches the topics through a different theme such as art, consumer products, medicine, or the environment.

For complete information, consult the First Year Advising and Registration Guide.

Major in Chemistry

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

The B.A. in Chemistry is designed to provide a solid grounding in chemical principles while allowing flexibility for students interested in combining their chemistry study with other disciplines. It requires eight chemistry courses, including foundational courses in general and organic chemistry, along with at least one upper-level elective that includes a laboratory component. Students also complete coursework in physics and calculus.

This degree is ideal for students planning careers in health sciences, secondary education, science policy, or technical writing, or for those pursuing a double major.

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

The B.S. in Chemistry is a more intensive program that prepares students for graduate study in chemistry or professional careers in scientific research. It includes all B.A. requirements plus additional upper-level courses in physical and inorganic chemistry, advanced laboratory work, and a senior capstone seminar in chemical research. Students also take more advanced math (including multivariable calculus) and physics.

Students interested in earning an ACS-certified degree—a designation from the American Chemical Society that strengthens graduate and employment prospects—must also complete either Biochemistry I (CHEM 333) or Biochemistry II (CHEM/BIO 334).

Minor in Chemistry

The minor in chemistry offers a compact but meaningful experience in the chemical sciences. It includes general and organic chemistry plus additional coursework at the 200- and 300-levels, allowing students from other majors—such as biology, environmental studies, or health sciences—to add chemical expertise to their primary field of study.

Chemistry Placement Exam

Before enrolling in General Chemistry (CHEM 107), students must take the Chemistry Placement Exam, a requirement designed to ensure the best match between students’ backgrounds and course levels.

Who Takes the Exam?

This exam is required for:

  • Chemistry and Biochemistry/Molecular Biology majors
  • Biology majors pursuing the molecular biology track
  • Health Sciences (B.S.) and Environmental Studies (B.S.) majors
  • Any student planning to enroll in General Chemistry (CHEM 107/108)

Even students using General Chemistry to fulfill a general education lab science requirement must take the placement exam unless they’ve already received AP or IB credit for CHEM 107.

Timing and Format

Incoming first-year students complete the exam during the summer through the First-Year Dashboard. Returning students must take the exam before registering for CHEM 107.

The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 60 minutes. Students may use a scientific calculator and scrap paper (graphing calculators are not required). There's no penalty for wrong answers, and guessing is discouraged—the goal is to assess genuine readiness, not test preparation.

Placement Results

Based on the results, students are placed into either:

  • CHEM 107 (standard): for students with strong preparation in high school chemistry and math
  • CHEM 107-I (intensive): includes additional support through discussions and labs for students needing more foundation-building. This course grants the same credit as CHEM 107 and leads into CHEM 108-I in the spring.

Placement results are emailed to students before course registration opens, helping them make informed decisions about their academic path.

Chemistry Courses

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