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 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 111L your first semester.
You should also plan to take a chemistry course (and its lab) each of your first four semesters and to complete MST 112, PHY 113 and 114. Students interested in the Biochemistry or Medicinal Chemistry concentrations should take BIO 150 before the end of your fourth semester.
I am a chemistry major who would like to study abroad. Can I?
Yes! In fact, recently chemistry has simplified the course requirements specifically to help students study abroad.
The Department of Chemistry offers three courses in the United Kingdom on a rotation. Tentatively, the rotation is set:
- CHM 280 Summer 2020
- CHM 223 Summer 2021
- CHM 370 Summer 2022
Additional department chemistry programs have been held on an ad hoc basis – keep an eye out on the walls of Salem Hall or on the webpage of the Global Programs Office. There is ample space in the curriculum to spend a semester abroad at one of WFU’s summer houses or with an independent program.
If you hope to study abroad as a chemistry major, or if you wish to take one of Chemistry’s summer offerings, you should contact your adviser or the department chair.
I heard that not every chemistry class is offered each semester.
True. Here is a rough guide to when chemistry courses are offered.
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.
As a chemistry major, you’ll spend significant time in both buildings.
Can chemistry majors go abroad?
Yes. The chemistry major is very regimented. However, the department offers a rotation of classes in the United Kingdom each summer (see below). Occasionally, chemistry faculty teach full semester Wake programs abroad. As early as possible, meet with someone in the chemistry department to plan out your courses to find which semester (or summer) would be the best for you to go abroad.
Chemistry Study Abroad rotation:
Chm 223: Summer 2021, 2024, 2027, 2030
Chm 370: Summer 2022, 2025, 2028, 2031
Chm 280: Summer 2023, 2026, 2029, 2032
How do I join a research lab?
Research is a requirement for all chemistry majors. During your fourth semester, you should begin reading faculty webpages to find research that appeals to your interests. Form a short-list and email each faculty individually. Introduce yourself and explain your interest in their research. Ask to join their lab. Each faculty member has a different approach to new students, but all are open to bringing new students into their labs.
