Chemistry

Professor R. Smith (Department Chair); Associate Professors Craig, Nilsson and Wladkowski; Visiting Assistant Professor M. Smith.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor R. Smith: computational and experimental studies in the mechanism of action of anti-AIDS and cancer chemotherapeutic agents; Professor Wladkowski: computational studies of enzyme reaction mechanisms; Professor Craig: bioinorganic chemistry of heavy metals; Professor Nilsson: biochemistry of the diseases of aging; Dr. M. Smith: application of computational methods to drug design.

The offerings in Chemistry are intended to provide the essential background for students electing a major in the subject to qualify for graduate study, government and industrial work, and secondary education. When the offerings are combined with the appropriate courses in Biology, students would be qualified for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, and optometry programs, as well as graduate programs in medicinal chemistry, clinical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental studies, pharmacy, pharmacology, and related fields. The program in chemistry meets the undergraduate professional standards of and is certified by the American Chemical Society.

The Department counsels each of its students carefully in order to ensure that each takes the courses which will best meet expected career goals. Opportunities exist for internships, research, and/or employment to give students practical experience in chemistry and allied fields. Extensive use is made of off-campus internships and on-campus summer research assistantships to give students practical experience in their chosen profession.

The Department encourages students to combine courses in Chemistry with those in other departments—such as Biology, Mathematics, Physics, Economics, Exercise Science and Physical Education, and Political Science—to develop programs which will provide broad awareness consistent with the College’s liberal arts and sciences philosophy. Other educational options in Chemistry: American Chemical Society Certified Chemistry Major; Biochemistry major; EPEChemistry (Exercise Chemistry) dual major; Pre-Professional Curriculum for the Health Sciences; Industry; and Teacher Certification Secondary (middle/high school).

The basic major and the additional options suggested offer a Chemistry major of sufficient flexibility to pursue further training in graduate or health professional studies or to begin a career directly with employment in industry, government, teaching, or a variety of other fields. The curriculum has been approved by the American Chemical Society as one containing sufficient breadth and depth to enable students to pursue any of these goals.

Please see the Education section under Curriculum in this catalog for teacher certification requirements in Chemistry.

Please see the Dual Major section for the dual major with Exercise Science and Physical Education (Exercise Chemistry); and the Biochemistry section for the description of the Biochemistry major.

Honors in Chemistry (or Biochemistry or Exercise Chemistry)

Honors in Chemistry (Biochemistry, Exercise Chemistry) will be awarded to graduating seniors who have earned at least a 3.50 grade point average in all courses required for the particular major, who have performed an independent laboratory research project (including a written paper and an oral presentation concerning the project), and who are recommended by the Department(s). (Chemistry for Chemistry and Biochemistry; Chemistry and Exercise Science and Physical Education for Exercise Chemistry)

Advanced Placement Test

Incoming students who have attained an AP chemistry score of 4 will be entitled to four scientific inquiry credits without lab, as outlined in the McDaniel Plan. Students who attained an AP chemistry score of 5 will be entitled to four scientific inquiry credits with lab. For students who are entitled to college credit as outlined above and who decide to take introductory chemistry courses, those with an AP chemistry score of 4 will start with the courses CHE-1101 and CHE-1001, while those with an AP score of 5 will start with the courses CHE-1102 and CHE-1002.

Before a student may register for CHE 1101, the student is required to either (1) place above MAT 1002, OR, (2) register for MAT 1001 Basic Mathematics (if deficient in arithmetic) and/or MAT 1002 Basic Algebra (if deficient in algebra) as a co-requisite(s) and successfully complete the requirement(s) of the mathematics course(s).

Placement above MAT 1002 is required before a student may register for any course in Chemistry except CHE 1101.