Chemistry
Major and minor offered

Chemistry is hailed as the central science, a distinction merited by the role it plays in understanding the functioning of the natural world. Technological innovations spawned by advances in chemical science can either dramatically improve or negatively affect our quality of life and the environment in which we live. Public policy and societal issues of enormous magnitude involving the potential application of chemical knowledge are constantly before us. A fundamental understanding of chemical concepts, the types of questions chemistry addresses and the tools applied in pursuit of solutions positions one to productively inform public debate and to be a responsible citizen.

The focus of the chemist is at the atomic and molecular levels, on the structure and function of molecules, their interactions with other molecules, their transformation into new substances and the physical laws that govern these processes. The chemistry department offers a program noted for close student-faculty collaboration in and out of class and at every level from general chemistry through the senior year research experience. The curriculum is bolstered by outstanding instrument and computer facilities that enable us to offer exciting laboratory experiences and provide wonderful support for faculty-student research projects.

While completing one of two possible major plans, students can prepare themselves for future educational opportunities including graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, the pharmaceutical sciences, forensics, oceanography, environmental science and geoscience, among others. An undergraduate chemistry degree is a prelude for many to medical, dental, veterinary, law and related professional schools. Alternatively, a degree in chemistry can be crafted in conjunction with the appropriate education courses to prepare for a career in secondary school science education. Bachelor-level chemistry graduates are employed in many areas of industry and commerce including research and development, marketing and sales, management, banking and patent law.

In addition to the major, a student may opt for a six-course minor in chemistry or pursue a combined major in environmental studies and chemistry. The department also offers a biochemistry major in collaboration with the biology department and a chemical engineering program in which students complete three years at St. Law-rence and two years at an engineering school, receiving bachelor’s degrees from each institution. Please see “Pre-Professional Programs” for more information.

Major Requirements

A student majoring in chemistry elects from two basic courses of study:

Plan 1 requires a minimum of nine or 10 units in chemistry and provides basic preparation for medical or dental school and secondary school teaching. It also provides greater flexibility for those who wish to participate in study abroad programs. Students are required to complete Chemistry 103-104 or 105, 205, 221, 222, 341, 342, 352, and either 351 or 452 or Biochemistry Research Methods and the senior project (489 and/or 490). Two semesters of calculus (Math 135, 136) and physics (either Physics 103, 104 or 151, 152) are also required. We recommend completing the math requirements in the first year and physics during the second.

Plan 2 requires a minimum of 11 or 12 units in chemistry and is endorsed by the committee on professional training of the American Chemical Society (ACS); satisfactory completion of this course of study entitles the student to certification by the society. Those contemplating graduate study in chemistry or careers in industrial research are encouraged to opt for this plan. The ACS certified degree requires Chemistry 103-104 or 105, 205, 221, 222, 341, 342, 351, 352, 403, 452 and the senior project as explained under Plan 1 above. The senior project must involve original research (one of 489 or 490). Two semesters of calculus (Math 135, 136) and physics (calculus-based Physics 151-152) are also required.

Note that to fulfill prerequisites for moving from Chemistry 103 to 104 a grade of 1.75 is required. To advance from Chemistry 104 or 105 to 221 and 205 and from 221 to 222 requires a grade of 2.0 or higher.

Planning

It is extremely important that those considering a major in chemistry complete General Chemistry, the prerequisite to all upper-level courses, during their first year. Although the courses required to major in chemistry are almost completely prescribed, some flexibility is possible in their timing within the curriculum to allow for participation in study abroad programs or late starts in the major. Such departures from the normal path should be made only with guidance from your advisor. It is important to note and schedule appropriately the necessary mathematics and physics prerequisites for upper-level chemistry courses, particularly Physical Chemistry. Good planning results from effective advising. All first-year students contemplating a major in chemistry are encouraged to formally or informally establish a secondary advising relationship with a member of the department as soon as possible.

Typical Major Curriculum
Year Courses

First
General Chemistry (103,104 or 105)

Second
Organic Chemistry (221,222)
Quantitative Analysis (205) (spring)

Third
Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy (341)
Biophysical Chemistry (342)
Advanced Organic Laboratory: Synthesis, Separation, Analysis (351) (fall)
Physical and Inorganic Laboratory (352) (spring)

Fourth
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (403) (fall)*
Instrumental Analysis (452) (fall)*
Senior Project

*Requirement for the American Chemical Society ­certified major (Plan 2).

*Students not completing the ACS certified major may substitute Instrumental Analysis or Biochemistry Research Methods for Advanced Organic Laboratory.

Suggested Courses

Many of the most important and stimulating chemical research areas involve projects at the interface of chemistry with other disciplines including biology, geology, physics, psychology and computer science. Based on their interests, students should consider introductory and -advanced coursework in at least one of these -disciplines.

Minor Requirements

Eligibility to declare a minor in chemistry is obtained by completing Chemistry 103-104 or 105 and 221-222 and a minimum of two additional chemistry courses at the 200 level or above.

Combined Major

A combined environmental studies–chemistry major is available. Refer to the entry for Environmental Studies in this Catalog for details.

Advanced Standing

Students who have taken Advanced Placement chemistry in high school and received a grade of 4 or 5 on the advanced test are eligible to receive one unit of college credit for Chemistry 103. These students are eligible to enroll in Chemistry 104 in the spring but are encouraged to consider taking Accelerated General Chemistry (105) in the fall instead.

Research and Independent Study

Student research is at the heart of the chemistry curriculum and culminates in a year-long senior project carried out in close collaboration with a faculty mentor. In special cases it is possible to complete SYE in one semester with the approval of the advisor and the chair. Examples of recently completed senior projects can be found at the department’s Web page. For the senior project, students enroll each semester in one of the following courses (489 or 490) for which they typically receive .5 unit of credit each. Students undertaking the American Chemical Society certified degree option must enroll in 489 or 490 and complete a project that involves original research.

Students are also encouraged to avail themselves of research opportunities prior to the senior year. Both academic year and a limited number of paid summer research assistantship positions are available every year. The Stradling Fund provides a stipend for a research assistantship each summer and other sources of funding are normally available to support summer student research.

Certification to Teach Chemistry

Students seeking initial certification as a 7-12 chemistry teacher in New York must major in chemistry and also complete the certification minor in education. Chemistry majors intending to complete student teaching after graduation in the University’s Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program must complete the chemistry major and the educational studies minor in education (or its equivalent) as undergraduates. Consult the Education section of this Catalog and/or speak to the coordinator of the teacher education program in the education department as early as possible.

Seminars

The department hosts a series of seminar speakers throughout the academic year; attendance at these events by all majors is encouraged and is a requirement for seniors as part of their senior project.

Honors

Chemistry department honors require a minimum GPA of 3.5 in major courses, original research and the submission and defense of a thesis. The student must assemble a thesis committee including three faculty members (at least two from chemistry) prior to the end of the first semester of his or her senior year. The committee will conduct the oral examination that is part of the student’s presentation and defense. Qualified students can elect to complete the requirements for honors within the context of the senior year project. A minimum grade of 3.5 on the senior project is required for honors. Students do not register for honors; an honors award will be reflected ex post facto with a course title and number change on the transcript.

Awards

The department recognizes outstanding per-formance by students in research and in the -capacity of teaching assistant with annual Clarke L. Gage prizes. A local honorary society, Chymist, offers membership to junior and senior chemistry and biochemistry majors who have completed at least six units of chemistry/biochemistry with a GPA of 3.5 or higher and who have overall GPAs of 3.2 or higher.

Professors

Larry George French, B.S., Maine (Orono); Ph.D., Princeton
Professor of Chemistry and Chair of Department

Ning Gao, B.S., Zhongshan (China); M.S., M.S., Illinois; Ph.D. Clarkson
Associate Professor of Chemistry

Natalina Marano, M.S., Manhattan; M.A., Ph.D., Princeton
Associate Professor of Chemistry

Emily Humphrey Dixon, Ph.D., Harvard University
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

Samantha Glazier, B.A., B.S., Western Washington; M.S., Ph.D., Cornell
Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Neil A. Law, B.S., Kent State; M.S., Ph.D., Michigan
Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Matthew C. Skeels, B.A., SUNY Potsdam; Ph.D., Clarkson
Assistant Professor of Chemistry