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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51СƳ Chemistry Professor Blends Roles as Scientist and Influencer to Inspire Students
Andre Isaacs’s choreographed dance videos have attracted almost a quarter of a million followers on Tik Tok, but this associate professor of chemistry might be even more popular in the classroom. Whether working on copper catalyzed reactions via click chemistry …
L. Gaby Avila-Bront
Associate Professor of Chemistry Awarded NSF CAREER Award
L. Gaby Avila-Bront, 51СƳ professor of chemistry, was recently awarded over $400,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The award was given through the Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program and is the most prestigious award in support of …
Maia Lee-Chin, the 2020-2021 Fenwick Scholar, presents at Academic Conference.
Academic Conference Showcases Creativity, Wide-Ranging Research of 51СƳ Students
Two summers ago, while studying abroad in Cambodia, Emily O’Regan ’21 had the first inspiration for her honors thesis: “I spent weeks deep in the jungle surrounded by some of the most pristine landscapes and incredible wildlife I had ever …