Honors Program

The Department of Chemistry has several ways students can enhance their education and/or earn an honors degree from the University of Washington.

1. Honors courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry are offered yearly. All sequences start in the Autumn Quarter.

CHEM 145, 155, 165--General Chemistry
CHEM 335, 336, 337, 347--Organic Chemistry
BIOC 440H, 441H, 442H--Biochemistry
CHEM 475--Physical Chemistry

Prerequisites are published in the catalog. CHEM 145 is open to Early Entrance and Academy students who pass the Summer Prep Course; those with a score of 4 or 5 on the AP test;or a 5, 6, or 7 on the High Level Chemistry IB exam; or those who have passed the general chemistry honors placement test offered by the UW Educational Assessment Office. Students receiving a borderline passing score should consult with the chemistry advisers regarding appropriate placement.Students who enter via high AP or IB scores will need to pick up a review worksheet from chemistry advising to be completed before the course starts. Students should be aware that CHEM 145 (pdf, 145k) assumes full mastery of the basic concepts of elementary chemistry so the course will not review this material. The expectation for math and problem solving proficiency is also high in the honors courses. The web link for CHEM 145 (pdf, 145k) contains a complete listing of prerequisites, exam information, source materials, and sample exam questions indicating areas and levels of knowledge expected on entry.

Admission to CHEM 335, the first quarter of honors organic chemistry, is restricted and requires a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the honors general chemistry sequence or a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 in the regular general chemistry sequence. Consult with the chemistry advisers for registration. 

2. Departmental Distinction can be earned by maintaining a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, participating in a minimum of six credits of approved 399/499 research and completing an approved 2500 word thesis. The student's faculty adviser must read the thesis and sign their approval on the cover page. The thesis must then be given to chemistry/biochemistry undergraduate advisers who ensure that it is reviewed by Chemistry's Associate Chair for Undergraduate Education for final approval. 

An invitation to pursue Departmental Distinction is offered after a student completes the organic chemistry sequence with a qualifying grade point average. A departmental honors invitation form must be submitted by the chemistry/biochemistry advisers to the Honors Program Office in order for student to enter the program. 

3. "College Honors" can be earned by fulfilling the departmental distinction requirements and by acceptance into the UW Honors Program and fulfilling their requirements which include rigorous general education requirements. Contact the UW Honors Program for more information about this option.