Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences (ICS) Major

Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences (ICS)

May be elected as a departmental major

Effective Fall 2012-Summer 2015

Exclusions.  May not be elected by those pursuing a major in Chemical Science (or Chemistry), Biochemistry, or Biomolecular Science; or any of the Chemistry minors

The Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences (ICS) major allows students the flexibility to supplement a core study of chemistry with courses in complementary fields. The intended audience for the major includes pre-health professional students, students interested in the relationship between science and societal concerns such as the environment or public policy, students interested in fields such as the philosophy of science or history of science where a sound background in a scientific field will provide a deeper level of engagement, and students interested in broadly interdisciplinary sciences not well represented in any individual department. This major can be effective preparation for graduate study in the sciences, graduate studies in an interdisciplinary area that might benefit from a strong science background, for medical, law, and business schools, or for direct entry into the job market.

Prerequisites to the Major

• PHYSICS 135/136 or 140/141 or equivalent
• MATH 115 and 116, or an equivalent sequence

Requirements for the Major

A minimum of 27 credits in Chemistry and 15 credits in cognates approved by the department advisor, as follows:

1. Core Courses in Chemistry: 
   • CHEM 210/211; 
   • CHEM 241/242 or CHEM 245/246/247; 
   • CHEM 260; 
   • CHEM 302 or 303.
2. Electives. 12 credits in CHEM, including at least three courses at the 300-level or above. At least one of these must be a 400-level lecture course.
3. Theme Focus/Cognates: 15 credits of course work at the 200-level or above, with at least two courses (6 credits) at the 300-level or above. The plan must be designed with prior approval of a chemistry department advisor.

The Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences major allows students substantial flexibility to define the thematic focus of their study in cognate courses. The flexibility inherent in the ICS major comes with a responsibility: each student must work closely with an ICS department advisor to select the proper upper level chemistry classes and define a cognate course plan when declaring the ICS major. Possible cognate plans are posted on the department website. Example subplans include a focus on: 

• Health and Life Sciences
• Philosophy
• Chemical Physics
• ICS at the interface between science and public policy

Honors Plan in Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences

Maintenance of a satisfactory GPA (3.4) in courses for the major, including prerequisites, and satisfactory completion of an Honors thesis (CHEM 499) based on the research done in CHEM 399 are required for Honors. All students, whatever their program, who are interested in an Honors degree should see the Chemistry Honors advisor (Room 1500 Chemistry) for approval for participation in the Junior-Senior Honors Program in Chemistry.

Advising

Students develop a plan for the major in consultation with a program advisor. Advisor approval of the plan for the major will be required when a student declares an ICS major. Those interested in a major in Interdisciplinary Chemical Sciences are urged to consult a program advisor during the freshman and/or sophomore years. Prospective majors are advised that further study in chemistry requires adequate performance in early chemistry courses (preferably B- or better) as well as in the mathematics and physics prerequisites. Students interested in an Honors degree should see the Chemistry Honors advisor. Appointments are scheduled online.