Undergraduate Studies in Chemistry
Chemistry is a broad, interdisciplinary and evolving field that shares boundaries with the life sciences, physics, and engineering. The Cornell chemistry major combines rigor with flexibility, allowing students to explore chemistry and related areas and preparing them for a wide range of careers and professions.
The curriculum for chemistry majors has changed, starting in the 2013-2014 academic year. Students entering Cornell as first year students prior to Fall, 2013 (classes of 2014, 2015, and 2016) will follow the curriculum that was in place when they entered. Students entering Cornell in Fall, 2013 and later (classes of 2017 and later) will follow the new curriculum. Transfer students will follow the program that applies to their class.
Classes of 2014, 2015, and 2016
The chemistry major offers two routes to the A.B. degree in Chemistry. The standard major provides preparation for students planning graduate study or a career in chemistry. Thealternative major is a flexible program with a core of chemistry courses and room for a personalized plan of study including other areas of interest, such as biology, computer science, economics, or government. Students who wish to design a major comparable to the new curriculum instituted in Fall, 2013 can do so within the framework of the alternative major .
Class of 2017 or later
The chemistry major offers a single, flexible route to the A.B. degree in Chemistry. This curriculum has three sets of requirements: (i) a set of core lecture and laboratory courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics; (ii) a laboratory requirement; (iii) a set of electives chosen from a list of designated courses in chemistry and related subjects. The wide selection of designated electives allows chemistry majors to add depth and breadth to their studies, and to design a major appropriate to their interests and goals.
