The College also has an English composition requirement to include not only the traditional introductory composition course but also an upper-level writing requirement, which may be satisfied by a chemistry course. A student proposing to specialize in chemistry at the college level should exhibit some natural inclination for science and mathematics. He or she should have enjoyed and shown aptitude for high school science and mathematics. In common with other sciences, chemistry requires the ability to observe accurately, think logically, and correlate diverse information. Perseverance, resourcefulness, and imagination are requisites for success in a scientific profession.
Chemistry is central to many other disciplines.
A degree in chemistry is good preparation for fields as diverse as business, law, and medicine. Chemistry concentrators often plan for themselves programs that reflect a wide variety of interests. A biochemistry concentration is also available for students who wish to achieve a sound foundation in the chemical aspects of the life sciences. Many chemistry concentrators also get degrees in Cellular and Molecular Biology for a broad preparation for further work and study. Students entering the University with a strong background in high school chemistry and with an interest in chemistry, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, biology, medical school, or engineering may start in a two-term sequence entitled Structure and Reactivity, in which the major concepts of chemistry are introduced in the context of organic chemistry.