The chemistry curriculum provides students with rigorous preparation for graduate studies, medical school, industrial employment, or teaching. Throughout their coursework, students develop an understanding of chemical principles, appreciation of experimental methodology, and critical thinking skills.
All chemistry majors perform original research as part of their required coursework. All chemistry majors must also pass a standardized comprehensive chemistry examination prior to graduation.
American Chemical Society Certified Degree
The chemistry program at Hillsdale College has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training. This gives students the option to earn an ACS-certified degree in chemistry. Students who pursue the ACS track must write a thesis based on significant laboratory research done with a faculty mentor and take additional upper-level courses.
Requirements
Note: This represents a general overview of the major and minor. For more information, please consult the current college catalog, or contact the department.
Chemistry Major
Requirements for a major in chemistry include the following mandatory courses:
- Chemistry 303: Organic Chemistry I
- Chemistry 304: Organic Chemistry II
- Chemistry 406: Inorganic Chemistry
- Chemistry 415: Analytical Chemistry
- Chemistry 452: Biochemistry
- Chemistry 470: Junior Seminar
- Chemistry 475: Junior Seminar
- Chemistry 502: Physical Chemistry I
- Chemistry 503: Physical Chemistry II
- Chemistry 522: Instrumental Analysis
- Chemistry 570: Senior Seminar
- Chemistry 590: Chemical Research
- Biology 200: Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Mathematics 220: Calculus II
- Physics 201: University Physics I
- Physics 202: University Physics II
ACS-Certified Chemistry Major
Requirements for an ACS-certified degree include all of the courses required for the Chemistry major with the addition of one of the following four advanced courses:
- Chemistry 403: Advanced Organic Chemistry
- Chemistry 419: Analytical Separation Science
- Chemistry 453: Advanced Biochemistry
- Chemistry 504: Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
Students pursuing a ACS-certified degree are also required to do a more extensive research project culminating in a senior presentation and thesis, which requires completion of Chemistry 575.
Chemistry Minor
A minor in chemistry consists of:
- Chemistry 201: General Chemistry I
- Chemistry 202: General Chemistry II
- Chemistry 303: Organic Chemistry I
- Chemistry 304: Organic Chemistry II
- Chemistry 415: Analytical Chemistry