Below are some suggested plans of study for current and incoming chemistry majors:

• Chemistry Majors beginning in Chemical Principles (.pdf)
• Chemistry Majors beginning in Advanced Chemical Principles (.pdf) 
• Chemistry/Biology Double Majors (.pdf) 
• Chemistry Majors beginning in the second year (.pdf)
• Chemistry Majors with an emphasis on Biochemistry (.pdf)
  

Chemistry for Chemistry and Biology Students

Students majoring in chemistry and biology are required to take Chemical Principles (general chemistry).

When? Chemistry majors should take Chemical Principles beginning in the fall semester of their first year. Biology majors who intend a second major in chemistry are advised to take Chemical Principles in the fall semester of their first year in lieu of Biology 151. If one plans to major in biology with no second major in chemistry, the choice of either taking Chemical Principles or Biology 151 in the first year at Luther is not critical and depends on a number of factors that should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Which Chemical Principles course—151 or 201? Chemistry 151-152 is the most common sequence of Chemical Principles courses. Chemistry 201 is Luther’s Advanced Chemical Principles course. Chemistry 201 covers much of the same material as in Chemistry 151 and 152, only at a faster rate. This enables students who take 201 in the fall to take Analytical Chemistry (202) in the spring. The sequence 201/202 can be considered a year of advanced general chemistry. The advantages of 201 are that it permits additional flexibility in the next three years and it better matches the needs of higher ability students.

If you are very familiar with stoichiometry and comfortable with chemical calculations, Chemistry 201 is a good choice. Students with good ACT scores, a strong chemistry background, and good math skills (testing into Math 151 - Calculus I is suggested) are encouraged to register for 201.

Important note: Students may certainly switch from 201 to 151 (and vice versa) early in the semester. Strong students are advised to give 201 a try.