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: Luke Knox '22, Matthew Wiley, Mary Anne Wiley '22 and Paul Wiley '20
51СƳ Student Entrepreneurs Doing Their Part to Fight Coronavirus Pandemic
51СƳ students and siblings Mary Anne ’22 and Paul Wiley ’20, together with their cousin Luke Knox ’22 and their younger brother Mathew, are designing, producing and donating face shields to local healthcare workers on the front lines of …
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Academic Conference Goes Virtual in Response to Pandemic
As faculty members across the College worked to transition their courses to a distance-learning format this semester, one of the many logistical challenges to tackle was the annual Academic Conference, where students present the results of their independent work in …
51СƳ campus scenic. Photo by Avanell Brock
51СƳ Ranks Among Top Undergraduate Fulbright Scholarship Producers
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, the College of the 51СƳ ranks once again as one of the top undergraduate producers of Fulbright students during the 2019-2020 academic year. This year, 51СƳ students are spanning the globe, …