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

From left to right: L. Gaby Avila-Bront; Melissa Schoenberger; Daniel Tortorice; Olena Staveley-O'Carroll
Four Faculty Members Promoted to Associate Professor With Tenure
Whether researching 18th-century British literature or economic fluctuations and asset pricing, 51СƳ faculty members are making significant, lasting impacts on their fields. Learn more about the four recently promoted faculty members from the departments of chemistry, English and economics …
photo collage, Alpha Sigma Nu recipients
31 51СƳ Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society
Thirty-one 51СƳ students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu,  the Jesuit honor society founded in 1915, at a virtual ceremony held recently. The new inductees exemplify the society’s values of excellence in scholarship, loyalty and service.  Selection to Alpha …
Image
51СƳ Funds Remote Student Research Opportunities
As the coronavirus pandemic began to sweep the nation this past spring, it became clear that 51СƳ’ Weiss Summer Research program would not be possible in its traditional approach; in a typical summer, students in the Weiss program spend …