academic catalogue

2023-2024 Catalogue

Chemistry

Chemistry is a central field of study that finds broad applicability in the physical and biological sciences. Coursework in chemistry exposes students to concepts and frameworks for understanding the chemical principles of varied systems. Coursework also emphasizes the applications of chemistry in the world around us. Students are encouraged to think independently, to approach problems creatively and skillfully, and to evaluate data and hypotheses critically.  Experimental design, modern laboratory techniques, and data analysis are emphasized. In addition to instructional courses, students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and internships to experience the thrills and struggles of experimental science while also earning academic credit.

Major Program. The Applied Chemistry major provides students with a theoretical basis for understanding chemical systems of many types. It also places a heavy emphasis on practical laboratory skills, interdisciplinary problem solving, and original research. The Munroe Science Center provides an array of instrumentation and laboratory space which can be utilized in the study of chemical systems. The Applied Chemistry major is designed to prepare students for employment in chemical analysis, for teaching careers, for graduate study in chemistry or related fields, or any career requiring advanced problem solving skills. Additionally, students may use the Applied Chemistry major to prepare for professional degrees such as those in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, or other allied health fields. Students interested in science advocacy can use the Applied Chemistry major to prepare for law school.

The major begins with a survey of modern chemistry, which provides the background for more specialized studies in analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, which together form the core of the major. Students will also explore additional sub-fields in chemistry, based on interest, and will complete both literature and laboratory research projects as part of their studies. To ensure breadth in ancillary disciplines which are important to the study of chemistry as a central science, students also take courses in physics and mathematics.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Applied Chemistry Major:

  1. Students will gain an understanding of foundational concepts in chemistry and effectively apply their understanding to chemical problems.
  2. Students will be able to conceive of organic, forensic, material, environmental, or other chemical systems as interconnected and articulate how the parts of the systems are related to each other.
  3. Students will learn methods and techniques needed to study chemical systems and understand the basic theory underpinning those techniques.
  4. Students will develop laboratory and data analysis skills necessary to complete a research project.
  5. Students will communicate their knowledge and research findings effectively through written and oral modes.

Major Requirements for Applied Chemistry. The Applied Chemistry curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to attend graduate school in chemistry or related fields, or to enter professions that require a strong background in chemistry or chemical analysis.

Students will complete a minimum of 49 hours of study:

Foundational (8 hours)
CHM 101 General Chemistry I (4)
CHM 102 General Chemistry II (4)

Expanding (16 hours)
CHM 221 Organic Chemistry I (4)
CHM 222 Organic Chemistry II (4)
CHM 342 Applied Chemical Analysis (4)
CHM 344 Analytical Methods for Problem Solving (4)

Diversifying (6 hours)
CHM 361 Thermodynamics (3)
One of the following courses:
CHM 225 Forensic Chemistry (3)
CHM 250 Environmental Chemistry (3)
CHM 318 Biochemistry (3)
CHM 320 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHM 396 Special Topics in Chemistry (3)

Integrating (5 hours)
CHM 422 Research in Chemistry (3)
CHM 424 Integrative Exercise in Chemistry (2)

Associating (14 hours)
MAT 205 Calculus I (3)
MAT 206 Calculus II (3)
PHY 115 College Physics I (4) or PHY 121 General Physics I (4)
PHY 116 College Physics II (4) or PHY 122 General Physics II (4)

Professional Development. All students at Wesleyan complete two courses in professional development (PDE 400 and PDE 401) to help them explore professional and career choices, articulate their skills to future employers, and acquire other skills for professional success. Applied Chemistry majors can use internships at research universities or professional laboratories, or independent research projects in chemistry to help satisfy College requirements for professional development.

Integrative Experience. Students will satisfy the integrative experience requirement of their general education through CHM 424, Integrative Experience in Chemistry. As part of this course, students will consider case studies that require them to examine some of the chemical, environmental, biological, material, social, political, and economic facets of a problem. Students will use scholarly sources to explore a question of interest from a scientific and social or economic standpoint. Students will integrate their findings through a project that culminates in a written or oral work of scholarship.

Minor in Chemistry. The Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics Department offers a minor that encourage students to develop a practical understanding of fundamental concepts of chemistry and laboratory techniques needed to explore practical problems in chemistry.

Minor requirements in Chemistry: Six courses are needed to complete a minor in Chemistry: CHM 101, CHM 102, CHM 221, one of CHM 342 or 344, and two additional courses at least one of which is 300 or 400 level.

Minor in Environmental Chemistry. The Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics Department offers a minor that encourage students to develop a practical understanding of fundamental concepts of environmental chemistry and laboratory techniques needed to explore related practical problems.

Minor requirements in Environmental Chemistry: Six courses are needed to complete a minor in Environmental Chemistry: CHM 101, CHM 102, CHM 250, CHM 344, and two additional courses, at least one of which is 300 or 400 level.

Resources for Non-Majors. All Wesleyan students are encouraged to include chemistry courses in their curricula of study. CHM 101 and CHM 100 may be used to satisfy the Natural Sciences general education requirement for all students.  

Undergraduate Research Opportunities. Research is a highly desirable component of the curriculum for Applied Chemistry majors. Many upper-level courses have research components, and all majors will complete at least one semester of original laboratory research before graduating. Research experience is highly valued by potential employers and graduate programs. Interested students should contact chemistry faculty to discuss potential projects and opportunities.

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