The chemistry major combines study in the discipline with a broadly based liberal arts education. Students gain valuable experience with modern instrumentation and the methods of scientific investigation through their coursework. The department focuses specifically on providing extensive laboratory experience to all students, to complement a thorough grounding in chemical theory. Class projects and presentations develop the students’ ability to speak clearly and write cogently on scientific topics. Advanced students are encouraged to conduct independent projects and to participate in the wide variety of research opportunities and internship positions available on campus or at professional laboratories in the Frederick and Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area.
Requirements for the Major
Required:
Additional courses in mathematics, computer science and intermediate-level physics are recommended for all chemistry majors. MATH 253 Multivariable Calculus; MATH 304 Differential Equations; and MATH 339 Linear Algebra are especially useful courses. Students interested in physical or theoretical chemistry should consider taking at least two of these courses.
Curricular Directions in Chemistry
The chemistry major provides excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers. Many students find professional positions immediately following graduation. In addition to laboratory research positions, chemistry majors are in demand in such fields as toxicology, public health, patent and intellectual property law, forensics, teaching, marketing, technical writing, art restoration and scientific information retrieval. Chemistry majors are well prepared to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry, biochemistry and related biotechnology fields; or medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, physical therapy and the range of allied health fields. Students with specific career aspirations can consider the following recommendations as they develop their undergraduate schedules.
Pre-medical Studies
The chemistry major will provide excellent preparation for students who are pursuing a career in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacology, or any allied health field. In order to prepare for the Medical College Admission Test or the Dental Admission Test, students should complete the following courses by the end of their junior year:
BIOL Courses 8 credits in biology at the 200 level (BIOL 202 and BIOL 203 are recommended)
CHEM 101, CHEM 102 General Chemistry I, II
CHEM 209, CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I, II
PHYS 101, PHYS 102 General Physics I, II or PHYS 203, PHYS 204 Introductory Physics I, II (requires calculus)
CHEM 301 Biochemistry I
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
SOC 101 Principles of Sociology
Some schools will recommend or require additional courses, which most frequently include anatomy and physiology, genetics, microbiology, biochemistry II, a year of English, some calculus and philosophy or ethics. The Health Professions Advisory Committee works closely with the Center for Career Development and Experiential Education to assist students in the medical school application process.
Environmental Chemistry Studies
For students interested in environmental issues, we offer a concentration in environmental chemistry in association with the Department of Biology. Students declare a major in environmental science and policy–chemistry track, and undertake substantial coursework in chemistry providing a technical enhancement to the broad interdisciplinary preparation inherent in the program. In addition to the general requirements of the major, students interested in environmental chemistry take:
CHEM 209, CHEM 210 Organic Chemistry I, II
CHEM 215 Quantitative Analysis
CHEM 324 Instrumental Methods of Analysis
CHEM 401 Environmental Chemistry
MATH 201 Calculus I
The following courses, which provide stronger preparation in math and theory for those interested in post-baccalaureate study, are highly recommended:
CHEM 431 Quantum Mechanics
CHEM 433 Thermodynamics & Statistical Mechanics
MATH 202 Calculus II
Forensics Studies
For students interested in forensic sciences, the chemistry major provides excellent preparation for a variety of career paths. Chemistry classes will give you a thorough grounding in the analytical techniques laboratory forensic chemists utilize on a daily basis. Our explicit pedagogical focus on the scientific method helps students develop the deductive reasoning skills necessary for a successful forensics career. In addition to the courses required for the major, and depending upon specific areas of interest, students can consider taking: