Chemistry

Full Time Faculty: Kelsey Boyle, Ronald Brisbois, Dennis Cao, Paul Fischer, Susan Green, Keith Kuwata, Kathryn Splan (Chair), Thomas Varberg, Leah Witus

Laboratory Supervisor: Marc Rodwogin

Laboratory Instructor: Amy Rice

The chemistry curriculum is designed to serve three purposes:

To enhance and broaden the general culture of all its students by a consideration of some of the great intellectual achievements and current frontiers in the field of chemistry.
To lay the foundation for graduate study and professional careers in chemistry and biochemistry in the academic, research, or industrial fields.
To provide the training in chemistry necessary for those who plan scientifically oriented careers in such fields as biology, environmental studies, geology, physics, dentistry, and medicine.

General Distribution Requirement

All courses in the Chemistry Department count toward the general distribution requirement in mathematics and natural science except courses numbered CHEM 194 , CHEM 294 , CHEM 394 , and CHEM 494 (topics), CHEM 300 , CHEM 614 , CHEM 624 , CHEM 634 , and CHEM 644 .

General Education Requirements

Courses that meet the general education requirements in writing, quantitative thinking, internationalism and U.S. identities and differences will be posted on the Registrar’s web page in advance of registration for each semester.

Additional information regarding the general distribution requirement and the general education requirements can be found in the graduation requirements section of this catalog.

Department policy on in-person coursework requirement

Given the integral role of strong lab safety and technical skills to contemporary chemistry training, the Chemistry Department requires that all lab components of courses that serve as prerequisites for other chemistry courses be taken in-person. Specifically, the following chemistry courses require in-person lab experiences as prerequisites: CHEM 112 , CHEM 211 , CHEM 212 , CHEM 222 , CHEM 311 , CHEM 312 , CHEM 351 , CHEM 352 , and CHEM 411 . The Department also highly encourages in-person lecture classes whenever possible.

Honors Program

The Chemistry Department participates in the Honors Program. Eligibility requirements, application procedures and specific project expectations are available on the departmental web site or the Academic Programs and Advising Office.

Topics Courses

CHEM 194 , CHEM 294 , CHEM 394 , CHEM 494

Examination of a topic of general interest in chemistry, the topic to be announced in advance of registration. Recent titles have included Molecular Medicine and Physical Organic Chemistry. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. To be announced at registration. (4 credits)

Independent Study

The department offers independent study options in the form of independent projects, internships, preceptorships and Honors independent projects. For more information contact the department and review the Curriculum section of the catalog.