Franklin & Marshall College

Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes and, as such, is essential to the study and understanding of physical, geological and biological phenomena. Because of its place among the sciences, chemistry is inherently interdisciplinary and attracts students to its study from a broad range of related interests.

The chemistry major at Franklin & Marshall College is led by faculty who are committed to helping the student “learn how to learn.” In addition to acquiring an understanding of the basic concepts of chemistry, majors hone the skills necessary for critical and analytical thinking and develop their ability to communicate observations and discoveries through the printed and spoken word.

Through coursework, chemistry majors gain an understanding of transformations and reactions at the atomic, molecular and macromolecular scales, the energetics associated with those changes and the analytical techniques used to study them. By involvement in the ongoing research of chemistry faculty members, students have extraordinary opportunities to study new reactions and properties of matter and to make original contributions to the literature. As a consequence, knowledge gained from coursework is deepened and enriched by the research experience, which immerses the student in the methodology of scientific discovery and the creative process. The confidence and independence engendered by the chemistry major allow students to pursue a wide variety of opportunities beyond graduation.

A major in Chemistry consists of a minimum of 15 credits, including at least 10 credits in chemistry. Required courses are:

CHM 111, 112, 211, 212, 221, 222, 321.
PHY 111, 112; MAT 109, 110.

The traditional chemistry major may be completed with the following course requirements:

CHM 322.
One credit in Chemistry numbered 410 – 479.
Two additional credits of chemistry or one additional credit in chemistry and one outside chemistry approved by the department. Approved courses include BIO 305; ENV 321; MAT 111; PHY 222, 223.

CHM 390 or 490 is encouraged but no more than one such credit may be applied toward the requirements for the major.

A biochemistry degree option in the chemistry major may be completed with the following course requirements:

CHM 331 and 432.
BIO 230.
One credit of CHM 390 or 490.
One additional credit of chemistry or one credit outside chemistry approved by the department. Approved courses include BIO 305; ENV 321; MAT 111; PHY 222, 223.

No more that one credit of CHM390 or CHM490 may be applied toward the requirements for the major.

A minor in Chemistry requires CHM 111 and 112 plus four additional chemistry credits (including no more than one credit of CHM 390 or 490).

To be considered for honors in chemistry the student must be nominated by the research mentor on the basis of work done in the summer preceding the senior year and the CHM 490. Criteria to be met include an unusual commitment of time and effort, results that are publishable and are likely to have been presented at a scientific meeting, independent contributions to the project from the student, a well-written thesis that conforms to departmental guidelines and a successful defense of the project before a faculty committee.

Majors in the Department of Chemistry have studied abroad in the following programs in recent years: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland; Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland; TASSEP (Trans Atlantic Science Student Exchange Program); University of Sheffield, England; Butler University Program. See the International Programs section of the Catalog for further information.