Chemistry

Why take courses in this discipline?

Chemistry, as pure science, seeks to describe and make comprehensible the nature and transformations of matter. As applied science, it provides society with knowledge and tools to achieve its material purposes. By coupling creative thought with experimentation, the study of chemistry contributes to a liberal education.

A major in chemistry may lead to a career in chemical research or education. It also serves those who seek to enter the medical, engineering, or law professions and those wishing to pursue graduate work in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, physiology, pharmacology, geology, environmental science, nutrition, and materials science, or for others, as a focus for liberal education.

How does this discipline contribute to the liberal arts?

The study of chemistry involves study of the natural sciences and quantitative reasoning.

What kinds of questions are asked in this discipline?

• How are we going to discover a new generation of materials to produce and store energy?
• How can we make and design better catalysts to help facilitate different chemical processes?
• In biochemistry, we are probing the link between molecular structure and function in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the complex biological systems that govern cellular and organismal behavior.
• How do we innovate new ways to make and deliver pharmaceuticals for medicinal purposes?

How does a student get started?

The Department of Chemistry recommends that students considering chemistry as a major begin coursework as first-year students. The starting point for those with no more than a year of secondary school chemistry is CHM 129 (General Chemistry). For students with AP/IB credit, starting with CHM 210 (Analytical Chemistry) may be appropriate. To complete the major MAT 131 (Calculus I) and MAT 133 (Calculus II) and PHY 131 (General Physics I) and PHY 132 (General Physics II) are needed and should be taken as early as possible.

Chemistry majors should take courses in mathematics and statistics, biology, and physics. The department recommends the study of a foreign language because chemistry is an international discipline.

For nonscience majors, Chemistry is Everywhere (CHM 100) introduces the basic principles of chemistry with special emphasis on everyday life and sustainability. The course illustrates these principles through extensive use of classroom demonstrations and hands-on explorations.

AP/IB Credit

Students can get credit for and place out of CHM 129 with the Registrar's approval of course equivalences such as those from AP, IB, or CAPE (refer to the Registrar's website for specifics), but students should consult a member of the department to confirm the appropriate first course.  If a student has AP, IB, CAPE, or other credit for CHM 129, they must complete CHM 210 prior to enrolling in CHM 221 in a subsequent semester.

Courses in Chemistry

All Courses in Chemistry

Regularly Offered 200-Level Courses

• Analytic Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry I
• Organic Chemistry II
• Environmental Chemistry

Recent Advanced Courses

• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Advanced Organic Chemistry
• Aquatic Geochemistry
• Bioorganic Chemistry
• Biophysical Chemistry
• Instrumental Analysis
• Physical Chemistry

Recent Special Topics

Enzyme Engineering
Foundations of Inorganic Chemistry

Research

All chemistry students are required to have a research experience (CHM 499 or 399). This requirement can be met during the academic year or during the summer chemistry MAP program.