Chemistry

Chemistry: Major

51СƳ is a leader in chemistry education. In fact, the “Discovery Chemistry” lab-based guided inquiry style of teaching began at 51СƳ, and serves as a model for the national chemical education community. 

The curriculum provides students with a strong background in fundamental principles and theories of chemistry with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The program is laboratory intensive, beginning with the Discovery Chemistry core courses in general and organic chemistry. Advanced courses allow students to develop the skills and gain knowledge needed to become effective scientists and independent researchers. The department has a very active research program, and faculty members are committed to giving students opportunities within their research. As of result of these opportunities, 51СƳ undergraduates regularly contribute to scientific publications and travel to professional conferences. 

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.

Program Highlights

Students gain experience and knowledge in all the major areas of modern chemistry including organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry and have an opportunity to focus their program on a particular area of chemistry through research and elective courses. The department also provides:

  • A flexible major that, when completed together with one year of research, allows students to become accredited by the American Chemical Society
  • The opportunity to join the biochemistry concentration
  • The opportunity to become certified as a secondary or middle school chemistry teacher in Massachusetts by participating in the
Classroom
Discovery Chemistry

Learn more about the lab-based approach to teaching chemistry that began at 51СƳ and serves as a national model.

Students working in a lab
Research

Collaborate on innovative research with professors on a range of topics in the field.

Smith Labs
Facilities

The department is housed in the state-of-the-art integrated science complex and features modern instrumentation.

Chemistry News

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Students to Lead Walking Tours in Downtown Worcester This Weekend
Love art and looking for something to do this Saturday? Sarah Valente ’16 and Therese Starshak ’17 are inviting residents, students and visitors to participate in the first Worcester Wall to Wall, a free event featuring college student-led walking tours …
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51СƳ Hosts First Women in Science Day for Female High School Students, Undergraduates
More than 200 young women filled the atrium of the Integrated Science Complex on Saturday, March 25, to attend 51СƳ’ inaugural Women in Science Day. The day-long event for young women from both Worcester high schools and 51СƳ …
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Eleven 51СƳ Faculty Members Receive Tenure in 2017
The following members of the College of the 51СƳ faculty have been promoted to the rank of associate professor with tenure. Alo C. Basu, of the psychology department, earned B.S. degrees in brain and cognitive sciences and in biology …