Overview
Chuck Borton
Karen Brewer, chair
Carolyn Hutchinson
Wesley Kramer
Max Majireck
Ryan Martinie
Ian Rosenstein
Sarah Rosenstein
Vanessa Song (visiting 2023–24)
Adam Van Wynsberghe
Michael Welsh
Special Appointment
Shawna O’Neil
Greg Rahn
Joe Stanco
For all students, whether through coursework or research, the Chemistry Department fosters the development of creativity, rigor, and flexibility in problem solving along with the ability to communicate ideas and processes with clarity and precision in the context of chemistry.
Students Will Learn to:
- Apply scientific reasoning to explain chemical phenomena as evidenced by performance on a standardized exam (breadth of chemical reasoning)
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct a sustained research project (chemical research)
- Communicate chemistry’s impact on society with attention to ethics and inequities in science from which science policy decisions are made (impact of chemistry)
A concentration in chemistry consists of ten credits including the following courses: CHEM-120; CHEM-190; CHEM-255; CHEM-263, CHEM-265 or CHEM-270; CHEM-321 or CHEM-322; CHEM-325; CHEM-348; CHEM-371; one additional credit at the 300- or 400-level; and CHEM-551 or CHEM-552. In addition, calculus through MATH-116 and two semesters of physics (calculus-based physics recommended) are prerequisites for CHEM-321 and CHEM-322. Students who are considering a concentration in chemistry are strongly encouraged to enroll in CHEM-120 in their first semester.
We believe that our students need to be aware how historical contributions of underrepresented groups in science illuminate inequalities of opportunity to contribute to science and technology, that a diversity of perspectives are crucial to science when dealing with complex problems, that the impact of science is both local and global, and that science policy decisions are made in the real world in which biases might be hidden. Concentrators satisfy the Social, Structural, and Institutional Hierarchies requirement by completing CHEM-348.
Students who plan to pursue graduate work or employment in chemistry or a related science are encouraged to satisfy the requirements for a degree certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Starting with the Class of 2025, in order to qualify for an ACS certified degree, students must take CHEM-263, CHEM-265 and CHEM-270, in addition to satisfying all other concentration requirements. Students who plan to attend graduate school in chemistry or chemically related fields are advised to take both CHEM-321 and CHEM-322. We invite all interested students to attend the departmental seminar series, which is a required part of CHEM-371, CHEM-551 and CHEM-552. Departmental honors are determined on the basis of distinguished coursework in chemistry (normally a minimum GPA of 3.7) and excellence in the Senior Thesis. Candidates for Honors should elect both 551 and 552.
A minor in chemistry consists of five credits, at least one credit must be at the 300-level or above. CHEM-298 may not be counted towards satisfying the requirements for the minor. The minimum requirement in chemistry for preparation for medical school consists of CHEM-120; CHEM-190 and CHEM-255; and one additional course at the 200-level (CHEM-263, CHEM-265, or CHEM-270). Students who take CHEM-270 as their additional 200-level course may also need to take BIO-346 to satisfy medical schools’ Biochemistry requirement.