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

Jump to level: 100 • 200 • 300 • 400

Study of fundamental chemical principles focusing on properties of matter and theories of chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure and chemical reactions. This material will be taught through the lens of a specific theme and highlight applications to convey how chemistry is used to resolve current questions in science. Laboratory experiments are designed to offer a hands-on familiarity with the principles discussed in the lectures. Fall semester. Three class hours and one laboratory. Students registering for CHEM 107 must take the Chemistry Placement Exam.
Study of fundamental chemical principles focusing on properties of matter and theories of chemical bonding, atomic and molecular structure and chemical reactions. This material will be taught through the lens of a specific theme and highlight applications to convey how chemistry is used to resolve current questions in science. Laboratory experiments are designed to offer a hands-on familiarity with the principles discussed in the lectures. This is a more intensive version of CHEM-107, designed for students with a limited background in chemistry. Fall semester. Three class hours, one discussion hour, and one laboratory. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Students registering for CHEM 107 – I must take the Chemistry Placement Exam.
Covers the fundamental principles of chemical reactivity, including kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry and thermodynamics. This material will be taught through the lens of a specific theme and highlight applications to convey how chemistry is used to resolve current questions in science. Laboratory work is designed to illustrate and complement materials discussed in class. Spring semester. Three class hours and one laboratory. Prerequisite: CHEM 107 or CHEM 107 – I.
Covers the fundamental principles of chemical reactivity, including kinetics, equilibrium, electrochemistry and thermodynamics. This material will be taught through the lens of a specific theme and highlight applications to convey how chemistry is used to resolve current questions in science. Laboratory work is designed to illustrate and complement materials discussed in class. This is a more intensive version of CHEM-108, designed for students with a limited background in chemistry. Three class hours, one discussion hour, and one laboratory. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 107 or CHEM 107 – I and permission of instructor

Understanding the different subfields of chemistry and the implications of each of those fields on society. This course covers topics ranging from historical development of the field to the medical, environmental, and industrial applications of chemistry on modern society. The laboratory is focused on problem-solving—students refine their hands-on skills, develop independence, and design experiments—and culminates in an independent project. Three class hours and one laboratory. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 203; Recommended co-requisite CHEM 204.
The course is designed to provide a basic familiarity with the most common techniques used in structural biology and their applications to challenging biochemical, biotechnology and medical problems. Course focuses on current state-of-the-art biophysical methods that are being applied to study structure and function of biological macromolecules and biological systems with a focus on the most informative methods, such as X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and single molecule techniques. Theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications are covered. Three class hours. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 108, or either PHYS 110 or PHYS 211, or permission from the instructor

Study of the principles of classical and statistical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics as applied to the states of matter, chemical reactions and equilibria using lectures, readings, problems, discussions, and laboratory exercises. Computers are used as a tool for solving problems and for the analysis of experimental data. Three class hours, and one discussion hour. Prerequisites: CHEM 108, PHYS 110, and MATH 112 or permission of instructor.
Introduction to biophysical chemistry, with emphasis on thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, and spectroscopy using lectures, readings, problems, and discussions. Both theoretical underpinnings and the practical applications of commonly used experimental and computational techniques are covered. Three class hours, one discussion hour. Prerequisites: CHEM 108, PHYS 110, and MATH 112; or permission of instructor. CHEM 307 and BMB 307 are cross-listed.
Study of chemical analysis by use of modern instruments. Topics include complex equilibria, electroanalytical methods, quantitative spectroscopy, chromatography, and other chemical analysis methods. Analytical techniques will be studied from both a chemical and an instrumental point of view. The laboratory stresses quantitative analytical procedures and includes an independent project. Three class hours and one laboratory. Fall semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 108
Detailed study of the structure and function of macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies as they pertain to living organisms. Topics include the structure and chemistry of proteins; the mechanisms and kinetics of enzyme catalyzed reactions; and the structure, chemistry, and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and biological membranes. Classic and modern bioanalytical methods are emphasized. Fall semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 204. Three class hours and one laboratory. CHEM 333 and BMB 333 are cross-listed.
Detailed survey of the primary and secondary metabolic processes in living cells. Topics discussed include the overall organization of metabolic pathways, carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolism, biological oxidation and reduction and energy production. Special attention is given to regulation, hormone action, metabolic disorders and disease. Laboratory work includes an independent research project. Three class hours and one laboratory. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 204. Biology majors -- BIOL 212 and CHEM 204, or permission of the instructor. BIO 334, BMB 334, and CHEM 334, are cross-listed.
Upper-level chemistry laboratory course emphasizing analytical techniques and integrating concepts and methods from at least two of the following: biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students undertake in-depth research projects to solve complex problems using approaches across chemical disciplines. Skills including literature searching, experimental design, implementation of research plans, and data analysis are highlighted, and the projects culminate in oral and written presentations. Lab only course, meets two afternoons per week. Pre-requisite: Chemistry 204.
Upper-level chemistry laboratory course emphasizing analytical techniques and integrating concepts and methods from at least two of the following: biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students undertake in-depth research projects to solve complex problems using approaches across chemical disciplines. Skills including literature searching, experimental design, implementation of research plans, and data analysis are highlighted, and the projects culminate in oral and written presentations. Lab only course, meets two afternoons per week. Pre-requisite: Chemistry 204.
Upper-level chemistry laboratory course emphasizing analytical techniques and integrating concepts and methods from at least two of the following: biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students undertake in-depth research projects to solve complex problems using approaches across chemical disciplines. Skills including literature searching, experimental design, implementation of research plans, and data analysis are highlighted, and the projects culminate in oral and written presentations. Lab only course, meets two afternoons per week. Pre-requisite: Chemistry 204.
Upper-level chemistry laboratory course emphasizing analytical techniques and integrating concepts and methods from at least two of the following: biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry. Students undertake in-depth research projects to solve complex problems using approaches across chemical disciplines. Skills including literature searching, experimental design, implementation of research plans, and data analysis are highlighted, and the projects culminate in oral and written presentations. Lab only course, meets two afternoons per week. Pre-requisite: Chemistry 204.
Combined upper-level chemistry and physics lab designed to emphasize the use of tools in these disciplines to answer questions in biology. This course concentrates on the role of lipids (fats) and ions (salt) in biology. Utilizing multiple biochemical and biophysical techniques, students will perform multiple experiments to ultimately answer a complex biological problem. Two laboratories. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 108 and either PHY 110 or PHY 211, or permission from the instructor.
Combined upper-level biology and chemistry laboratory where students design and synthesize organic compounds and determine the impact of structural modifications on these compounds’ biological activity. The semester is divided into two parts: the synthesis, isolation, and characterization of a derivative of a known, biologically active organic compound; and the assessment of its biological activity using in vivo disease models. Capstone course for Biology majors. Two laboratories. Spring semester. Prerequisite: CHEM 204 and BIO 211 or permission of the instructor.

Senior research seminar for all Chemistry majors and for BMB majors doing research in the Chemistry Department. Students perform independent research projects, present their results in oral presentations, compose a senior thesis, critique their classmates’ and their own work, and take part in literature discussions. A student who plans to receive credit for independent research supervised in the Chemistry Department as part of the Chemistry or BMB major should register for this course in the spring semester of the senior year. Spring semester.
Independent investigation in an area of mutual interest to the student and faculty director. Project normally includes both a literature and a laboratory study. An oral report to staff and students and a final written thesis are required. A student wishing to enroll in this course should consult with the faculty director at least two weeks before the end of the semester preceding the semester in which this course is to be taken. Open to junior and senior chemistry majors. Offered both semesters.