Bachelor of Science in ChemistryProgram RequirementsWith its roots in ancient Egyptian alchemy and the medieval search for the philosopher's stone, modern chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter at both the macroscopic and atomic levels. Students choosing chemistry as their major field of study will learn to understand and appreciate the physical world as a manifestation of its smallest molecular parts, both through abstract theoretical models and in direct laboratory experimentation. Through participation in a discipline that often occupies a central and unifying role in contemporary science programs, the student of chemistry is especially well equipped to pursue professional careers in medicine, industry, and teaching. During the course of their study, majors will have opportunities to perform and present original research of their own, to engage in a culture and tradition of inquiry that is simultaneously rigorous and rewarding, and to take part in a variety of collaborations with the faculty. Exceptional students may also elect to pursue the degree with Honors.1 Flexibility within the major allows the student and adviser to design a program of study based on one of the following available concentrations: The General Concentration is intended to provide a fundamental, well-rounded education in science and is ideal for pre-dental, pre-law or pre-medical students, for students who wish to teach, or for students seeking job entry at the technical level. The Biochemistry Concentration is modeled on a course of study recommended by the American Chemical Society and places significant emphasis on the study of the molecules and reactions of life processes. It is intended for chemistry students who have an interdisciplinary interest in biology. Students will be prepared for entry-level careers in biochemistry and biotechnology or for further graduate and professional study in biochemistry or medicine. The Environmental Concentration is intended for students with an interest in understanding the effects of human activity on atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments within a chemical context. By seeking solutions for such chemically based environmental problems as water pollution, acid rain, and hazardous wastes, environmental chemists help ensure a healthy environment for all living things. The Professional Concentration is, like the Biochemistry Concentration, a recommended course of study from the American Chemical Society. It is especially suited for students who want to pursue graduate work in chemistry, or careers in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries. Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education - click here for details. Each student who studies the chemistry major should consult regularly with his or her adviser, particularly concerning selection of electives. Total credit hours required for degree: 128 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS(See also General Education Core)
1 The following requirements must be satisfied for the student to be considered for Honors in Chemistry:
2 Students choosing the Professional Concentration must take Physics 261, 262. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
"I got a chance to do hands-on research, which really helped when I applied to graduate schools. I was more prepared, compared to students from larger colleges, because we had more one-on-one instruction and a chance to do more hands-on work with the instrumentation."
~
Assistant Director of Chemical Development
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
~
John Dillon, Jr.
'78, Ph.D.Assistant Director of Chemical Development
Bristol-Myers Squibb Co.
