Theme-based exams have been implemented in a one-semester, advanced-level general chemistry course for science and engineering majors. The exams are based on interdisciplinary topics related to chemistry, physics, materials science, environmental science, earth science, soil science, biochemistry, and chemical, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering. This is part of a larger effort to bring a motivating state-of-the-art focus to the lecture and laboratory of this course by teaching general chemistry in the context of current research topics and technical challenges related to the career goals of the students in the course. Student attitudes toward the theme-based exams were evaluated. Students determined the theme-based exams to be more interesting, informative, and less upsetting than traditional exams. Additionally, end-of-course evaluations indicated that students were almost unanimous in recognizing that chemistry would be important for their future professional careers.