Chemistry majors typically take the following courses in the fall semester of their first year:
First-Year Experience Learning Community Courses
We will register you in these courses.
- Philosophy (PHIL 201)
- English Composition (ENG 101) OR Theology (TRS 201)
Why am I taking these classes? Honors students take equivalent honors courses.
Major and Elective Courses
You will need to choose and register for these courses.
- General Chemistry lecture & lab (CHEM 103 & 113)
- Calculus for Social-Life Sciences I (MATH 111) or Analytic Geometry & Calculus I (MATH 121) (see placement information below)
- A foreign language (see below)
Math placement
Your major requires you to take the math placement exam to determine what math course is the right level for you. For more information on math placement, please review the Mathematics Department’s placement exam instructions.
Language placement
Your major requires you to complete the study of a foreign language through the intermediate level. Catholic University teaches the following languages that satisfy this requirement: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Irish, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. If you are interested in learning a language not listed here, consult with your advisor.
If you have previously studied a foreign language and are interested in continuing with that same language, or if you can demonstrate fluency in a foreign language, you should complete the language placement exam.
About Your First Semester Courses
The first chemistry course in a chemistry major is general chemistry (CHEM 103) and its accompanying lab (CHEM 113). This course lays the foundation for all the topics that will be covered in more advanced chemistry courses – physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic & biochemistry. A typical chemistry student takes general chemistry as a freshman and a year-long sequence of organic chemistry as a sophomore.
A chemistry major should also take the first semester of a calculus sequence, either Math 108, Math 111-112 or Math 121-122 depending on your calc placement exam results. Proficiency in math is required for advanced chemistry topics in physical chemistry. Math 121 is required if a student plans to have a minor in math.
For your fifth class, you should begin or continue with your study of a foreign language. In particular, you may be interested in studying Arabic, which could be useful if you intend to work in such areas as the petroleum industry.
To learn more about the Chemistry major, consult the Chemistry Department’s website.
Know which courses you want? Get registered.