Genetics was the highest-level biology course offered at Cornell College, taught by Dr. Craig Tepper, a tenured professor with over 30 years of experience. Renowned for its difficulty, the course had a reputation for challenging even the most dedicated students. Admission to the class required successfully completing all biology and chemistry prerequisites, ensuring students had a strong foundation before tackling the rigorous material. Dr. Tepper's expertise and high standards made Genetics a cornerstone of the biology program at Cornell. 

Senior-year biochemistry at Cornell College is regarded as one of the most challenging courses offered. It combined rigorous instruction with an intensive lab component, where students undertook independent projects designed to demonstrate their mastery of lab skills accumulated over four years of study. By the end of the course, students were expected to track every carbon atom in the human body through every chemical reaction occurring in every organ and cell displayed clearly in a comprehensive metabolism map.

Analytical Chemistry was the highest-level chemistry course offered at Cornell College, demanding precision, independence, and a deep understanding of chemical processes. The class consisted of 12 intricate experiments performed independently in the lab, with exceptionally tight margins for error and r-values. More significant figures were required in this course than in any other at the college. Students synthesized inorganic molecules, concentrated dyes, and created photochromic crystals, among other complex projects. Each experiment required detailed explanations of the chemical reactions involved and comprehensive lab reports. Professors provided no direct assistance, instead evaluating students based on their lab techniques, percent yield, and the purity of their final products.

Organic Chemistry focused on the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and synthesis of carbon-containing compounds. At Cornell College the Organic classes were an intense and fast-paced 3-course class, the only class at Cornell that required three Blocks to complete. Covering 50% of the textbook in each lecture class then organic lab.