Where is the Department of Chemistry located?
The Department of Chemistry is housed in both Salem Hall on the Reynolda Campus and in the WFU space of Innovation Quarter. Slightly more than half of our chemistry courses are taught in Salem Hall.
I’m an incoming student interested in being a chemistry major. What should I do?
Take CHM 111 and CHM 111L in your first semester. The chemistry curriculum is more regimented than most majors at Wake Forest. It is very difficult to complete a chemistry major in four years if you do not take CHM 111 and CHM 111L your first semester.
Also look over our page for chemistry majors to see other course requirements and opportunities.
I am a chemistry major who would like to study abroad. Can I?
Yes! In fact, chemistry has simplified the course requirements specifically to help students study abroad. Follow this link to information on our study abroad program.
I heard that not every chemistry class is offered each semester.
True. Here is a rough guide to when lower division chemistry courses are offered. For upper level courses for our majors, click here.
Fall Spring Both Summer
111 122 111a 111
223 280 122a 122
324 342 223a 223b
334 361 351 280b
341 373 370b
a One section is, occasionally, offered in the “off” semester.
b Often offered abroad in the summer.
I have AP credit for CHM 111 and CHM 280. What do I take my first semester?
You are eligible to take CHM 123 (Introduction to Organic Chemistry, Honors) and 123L. CHM 123 is a direct replacement for CHM 122 and is reserved for first year students who, like you, have placed out of CHM 111. Typically, CHM 223 is offered to that group in the spring. You still must take CHM 280L, also offered in the spring. By taking 123, 123L, 223, 223L and 280L, you can be finished with the core chemistry requirements by the end of your first year, affording you great flexibility in designing the rest of your chemistry (or other pre-health) major. You can also wait and take Chm 122 (Organic Chemistry 1) in the spring with most of your incoming class.
The course I want/need was full before my registration time. What do I do?
Don’t panic. First, is there another section you can take? While we would like for you to have the best schedule you possibly can, our first priority is that students get into a section. If there is a spot open at 8am or Friday afternoon, you should jump on it. Professors can see those openings and will not be as accommodating if you’re only trying to get a “good” time. However, if you’re completely boxed out of a course, faculty will work with you. You should contact the professor and explain your situation. Either write a brief, respectful email or visit the professor in person.
Note that it is very common for schedules to remain fluid until a day or two after classes begin.
How do I join a research lab?