Chemistry
Areas of Study
Our formula for success has led the chemistry department to produce among the nation’s highest number of chemistry graduates and is a top baccalaureate origin for Ph.D.s in chemistry.
While studying Chemistry at »»ÆÞÂÛ̳, students will be able to:
- Use the core principles of modern chemistry to develop creativity, quantitative reasoning, and critical problem solving skills.
- Develop conceptual, practical and analytical skills essential for planning, executing, and reporting successful independent and group research.
- Collaborate with faculty to build a strong research program.
- Join a community of responsible scholars and prepare for a future of intellectual, professional, and civic leadership.
Requirements
Required Courses:
- CHEM 181* Atoms and Molecules
- CHEM 221* Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 222* Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 231* Equilibrium and Reactivity
- CHEM 300* Instrumental Chemistry / Analytical Methods
- CHEM 335* Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
Two of the following three courses must be taken:
- CHEM 301 Biochemistry
- CHEM 336 Thermodynamics
- CHEM 351 Inorganic Chemistry
Students must also complete one elective listed as a CHEM course. Department offers electives on a rotating basis. Research in the chemistry department cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
Examples include:
- CHEM 304 (Synthetic Organic Chemistry)
- CHEM 305 (Mechanistic Organic Chemistry)
- CHEM 306 (Chemistry of Materials)
- CHEM 309 (Spectroscopy)
- CHEM 317 (Nanotechnology)
- CHEM 332 (Applications of Analytical Chemistry)
- CHEM 325 (Environmental Forensics)
- CHEM 361 (Biophysical Chemistry)
- CHEM 364 (Advanced Biochemistry)
- CHEM 373 (Polymer Chemistry).
Chemistry majors must also complete the following courses from outside of the Chemistry department:
- PHYS 115* Physics I
- MATH 133 or 134 & 135 or 136 Calc I and II
*These classes have a lab component that must be taken as an overload.
Knowledge and experience gained in high school AP courses provide an excellent background for our introductory chemistry courses. Students who have received a score of 4 or 5 on the AP chemistry exam can earn credit for CHEM 181 and can begin with CHEM 221 or CHEM 231. Students will forfeit their AP credit if they opt to take CHEM 181. Medical and allied health programs generally do not accept AP credit for basic sciences and students pursuing these opportunities should consider taking CHEM 181. Students with AP credit who wish to major in chemistry earn advanced standing in the major yet are still required to complete 9 CHEM classes other than research to fulfill the requirements of the major. Students are invited to contact the department chair to discuss this option.
Chemistry (ACS certified major)
Required Courses:
- CHEM 181* Atoms and Molecules
- CHEM 221* Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 222* Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 231* Equilibrium and Reactivity
- CHEM 300* Instrumental Chemistry / Analytical Methods
- CHEM 335* Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
- CHEM 301 Biochemistry
- CHEM 336 Thermodynamics
- CHEM 351 Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 3XX Chemistry Elective
- PHYS 115* Physics I
- PHYS 116* Physics II
- MATH 133 or 134 & 135 or 136 Calc I and II
- Chemistry Research with comprehensive report
Required Courses:
- CHEM 181* Atoms and Molecules
- CHEM 221* Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 222* Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 231* Equilibrium and Reactivity
- CHEM 300* Instrumental Chemistry / Analytical Methods
- CHEM 335* Quantum Mechanics and Spectroscopy
- CHEM 301 Biochemistry
- CHEM 336 Thermodynamics
- CHEM 351 Inorganic Chemistry
- CHEM 3XX Chemistry Elective
- PHYS 115* Physics I
- PHYS 116* Physics II
- MATH 133 or 134 & 135 or 136 Calc I and II
- Chemistry Research with comprehensive report
Sample Courses
- Drugs and Biotechnology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Chemistry of Food
- Organic Chemistry 1
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Introduction to Research
Opportunities
Research in the Department
Several research courses are available to students, by permission from the faculty advisor.
CHEM 389: Involves a commitment to join a research group.
CHEM 390: Involves an original and individual experimental investigation.
CHEM 405/406: Involves an original and individual experimental investigation.
CHEM 407/408: Builds on the investigation started in CHEM 405/406.
CHEM 410: Builds on the experiences gained in previous research and provides an opportunity for more in-depth investigations.
Peer Assisted Learning
Peer Assisted Learning is a series of free, collaborative twice-weekly review sessions open to all students enrolled in CHEM 181: Atoms & Molecules and CHEM 221: Organic Chemistry I. The sessions are led by Peer Assistance Leaders (PALs), strong chemistry students who have previously taken and succeeded in the course. Your PAL will help answer your questions about course material and challenge you to work with other students to practice learning strategies designed to help you succeed in chemistry.
Teacher Education Program
Students in the Teacher Education Program will meet all chemistry requirements for certification as a secondary or middle school chemistry teacher in Massachusetts (MA Chemistry License), with successful completion of the chemistry major plus one course/project in the history and philosophy of science (e.g., PHIL 271). Students should select a course in biochemistry as one of their electives. Formal application to the Teacher Education Program (TEP) and additional education courses are also required for licensure. Since Massachusetts’ teacher certification requirements continue to evolve, students should work closely with the chemistry department TEP liaison to make sure all state requirements are met.
Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to partake in study abroad immersion programs, integrating their studies and experiences abroad.
Meet Your Department Chair
Outcomes
Students Present at Conferences, Serve as Co-Authors
Research students are often co-authors on research publications and present their results at national conferences. Students publish as co-authors in top peer-reviewed journals and about 20 students a year present their research results at the national meetings of our professional societies.
Chemistry Professor, Who Frequently Involves Student in Research, Has Netted $1.5M from NSF
Since 2001, research projects conducted by Kenneth Mills, associate professor of chemistry, have enjoyed uninterrupted financial support from the National Science Foundation bringing in more than $1.5 million. Mills, whose research integrates student research participation, has mentored more than 50 undergraduate students in his research lab and has produced 25 publications, many of which have included student co-authors and appeared in peer-reviewed publications.
