<p>So im definitely going to be majoring in chemistry and i live pretty close to virginia so im going to take a visit down there</p>
<p>I know they have a great engineering program, but what about their chem programs.</p>
<p>I am in my final semester as a chemistry (biochem) major. I am heading to med school next year. I can say that UVA chemistry is very competitive. It is a self-selecting major that feeds into medical school and top graduate programs. Most classes are curved. Only consider this major if you have gotten straight A’s in your lower level chem classes (most people in the major have). The majority of the class is going to med school (either when they graduate or they are applying after they graduate). Be prepared to really work hard for that A. The upper level labs (ie biochem lab) are very difficult and time consuming (although not curved fortunately).</p>
<p>The chemistry department is pretty good. Unfortunately, Professor Harman only teaches one class now. If you are interested in majoring in chemistry then I would take the 80’s series to see if you can handle the workload.</p>
<p>Yes, other people have said that the 80 series classes are generally better quality and have smaller classes - if you can handle them. There have been some complaints about some of the profs who typically teach the 40 series that most 1st years take. </p>
<p>The 80 series are considered accelerated and are designed for serious science majors. You can take the intro 1080 series of chem classes even if you get AP credit for first year chemistry. The dept. recommends that a 1st year student not jump right into the 2000 series for chemistry even if they have AP credit. </p>
<p>There is a good FAQ on the chem dept. website that is aimed towards incoming students that explains these matters.</p>
<p>If you do decide to attend UVA and are still certain that you want to major in chemistry, I would recommend taking the 80 series (CHEM1810,1820,2810,2820) as my peers above have recommended. The 80 series is an honors/accelerated chemistry program that you can take your first two years at UVA. The classes are smaller, and you have more one-on-one time with professors and TAs. However, beware: the 80 series is VERY difficult and time consuming. I would only suggest taking it if you have AP credit and really enjoy chemistry. Otherwise, it is not worth your time and effort. With that being said, however, CHEM1810 is taught by Dr. Harman, probably one of (if not) the best chemistry professors at UVA.</p>
<p>To answer your original question, I would say that the undergraduate chemistry program is generally pretty strong. The courses offered are challenging yet rewarding. In my personal opinion, the professors can be pretty spotty. Some of them are absolutely outstanding (such as Professor Harman) while others are not so good. One of the great things about the chemistry department, however, is the opportunities available. There are MANY undergraduate chem majors that TA classes as well as participate in undergraduate research. As mentioned before, most of the chemistry majors pursue a specialization in biochemistry, which feeds nicely into medical school if thats where you are looking. If not, other majors (such as myself) plan on going to graduate school for chemistry. </p>
<p>A chemistry major is very difficult, however, and do not plan on getting As in all of your chem classes. In addition, most classes grade on a curve, which is very frustrating too. The good news, however, is that you will be surrounded by some of the best and brightest students at UVA (which is saying something). I hope I was able to give some insight and I wish the best for you and your college search.</p>