Chemistry
Look at life from the molecular level. In keeping with classical liberal arts principles, you’ll learn to experiment, observe, measure, and draw thoughtful conclusions in pursuit of understanding the natural world—and all of humanity. You’ll uncover these chemical truths with maximized hands-on lab time in facilities rarely found at liberal arts colleges. Our small classes and research requirements mean you’ll learn alongside professors, dedicated to the education and mentorship of undergraduates, and have the opportunity to publish as well. Our chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training, and our student ACS chapter is nationally recognized. Chemistry is offered as both a major and minor.
Featured Faculty
Chemistry
Courtney Meyet
Chemistry
Lee Baron
Chemistry
Christopher VanOrman
"In my opinion, there is a definite need to reestablish a positive image of chemistry, and the one-on-one interaction at a liberal arts institution makes this possible."
Christopher VanOrman, Chemistry
Chemistry
Mark Nussbaum
Higher education is about helping students become logical, clear thinkers and communicators and instilling a humble sense of wonder at the amazing universe we live in.Mark A. Nussbaum, Chemistry
Featured Courses
Quantitative determinations using gravimetric analysis, titrations (acid-base and complexiometric), and spectrophotometry are a part of the laboratory portion of this course.
Read More about "Analytical Chemistry"Designed for preprofessional students in allied health fields, as well as for students working in this field of concentration.
Read More about "Organic Chemistry I and II"Laboratory and/or literature research in advanced chemistry, designed to develop independent research skills through the guidance of a research mentor on a specific chemical problem.
Read More about "Chemical Research"Mission
The chemistry faculty seeks to prepare students:
- for graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry or for training in professional schools
- for teaching in educational institutions
- for positions in industry or government service
- for application of chemistry in medicine, biology, physics and other fields
The introductory courses may be taken by students desiring acquaintance with chemistry as a part of a liberal arts education. The purpose of the courses is not so much to train specialists as to equip the student to undertake intelligently any work of a chemical nature. Students will find a thorough foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry to be the best basis for future specialization in any branch of the subject.
Hillsdale College’s chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society for the training of undergraduate chemists and, therefore, allows for awarding ACS-certified degrees.
Facilities
The Chemistry Department occupies the third floors of the adjoining Strosacker Science and Dow Science buildings. Chemistry faculty and students have access to several state-of-the-art labs equipped with advanced chemical instrumentation.
American Chemical Society
The College’s chapter of the American Chemical Society is a student-run organization dedicated to increasing the appreciation for chemistry.
Iota Sigma Pi
Iota Sigma Pi is a national honorary society for women in chemistry.