Here the student becomes associated with current research in a particular area either by reading and studying recommended advanced material in that area or by undertaking an individual research project. Such projects often result in publications. All of the courses in the department are open to properly prepared undergraduates and most upper-level courses do have some undergraduates. The courses emphasize fundamental laws and principles. The more advanced courses are designed to be related closely to active areas of research in chemistry.
Most research groups have meetings and informal seminars at which topics of interest are discussed.
In addition to a balanced program of at least eight half-courses in chemistry, concentrators are encouraged to take courses in physics, biology, biochemistry, applied science, and mathematics as part of their concentration requirements. Because of the sequence of prerequisites for chemistry courses, the department strongly recommends some work in mathematics as well as chemistry in the first year. Freshmen contemplating this program are urged to consult the Director of Undergraduate Studies of the Chemistry concentration in planning their work for the first year. Chemistry 20 and 30, or Chemistry 17 and 27, or equivalent. Laboratory work performed in Chemistry 91r, 98r, or 99r may not be counted in fulfillment of the advanced laboratory requirement.