First-year students interested in chemistry are encouraged to enroll in one chemistry course (see Placement Information below) and one additional lab-based science or math course during their first semester. Students are encouraged to complete their calculus requirements as early as possible. Chemistry faculty are eager to discuss class schedules and other opportunities with students at any time.
Placement Information
Most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry should take the Chemistry Placement Exam during the summer prior to their first year. Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the Chemistry AP exam have the option of enrolling in CHEM 130 without taking the placement test, but are encouraged to contact the department chair if they have questions about this placement.
Most students who are interested in majoring in Chemistry should also take the Calculus Placement Assessment (ALEKS) during the summer prior to their first year. You do not need to take the Calculus Placement Assessment if any of the following are true:
- You received a score of 4 or 5 on either the AP Calculus AB or BC exam;
- You received an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above;
- You have already taken a Calculus 1 course at another accredited college or university.
An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5, or an IB Calculus HL score of 5 or above, fulfills the major’s Calculus 1 requirement. An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement. Students should make sure that their official score reports are sent to the Registrar’s Office for processing.
Sample 4-Year Plans
Students who Place into CHEM 100
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Students who Place into CHEM 120 or CHEM 130
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Curricular Notes
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An AP Calculus AB score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 1 requirement.
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An AP Calculus BC score of 4 or 5 fulfills the Calculus 2 requirement.
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While not required for the major, MATH 212 and MATH 214 are strongly recommended prior to taking CHEM 305.
Chemistry Transfer Student Advice
Transfer Course Limit for Transfer Students: No Limit
Expected preparation for transfer students wanting to major in Chemistry:
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Junior transfer students
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Should have completed the equivalent of Occidental’s CHEM 120, CHEM 240, CHEM 220, CHEM 221, and Calculus 2 prior to transferring. If starting in the spring, a junior transfer student should also have completed the one year Physics sequence prior to transferring.
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Should have completed at least three of the Culture, Fine Arts and Language Core requirements before transferring
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Transfer students starting mid way through their sophomore year:
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Should have completed the equivalent of Occidental’s CHEM 120, ideally Calculus 2, and either CHEM 240 or CHEM 220 prior to transferring.
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Should have completed at least one Core requirement in Culture/Art/Language
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Sophomore transfer students
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Should have completed CHEM 120 and ideally Calculus 2 prior to transferring.
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General advice for transfer students wanting to major in Chemistry:
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No online Chemistry Lab courses will transfer into Occidental and count toward the major
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The Senior Seminar is the only course that must be taken at Occidental
What courses should a transfer student take during their first semester at Occidental?
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Junior transfer students must take CHEM 300 in their first semester.
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Transfer students starting mid way through their sophomore year must take CHEM 240 or CHEM 221, and, if they have not already completed it, Calculus 2.
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Sophomore students must take CHEM 220, CHEM 240, or CHEM 221. Sophomore students starting in the spring semester are advised to take Calculus 2 in addition if they have not already completed it.