Chemistry

Stacey Argabright, Regents Science 336
Phone: 507-786-3104

wp.stolaf.edu/chemistry

St. Olaf traditionally ranks among the top three four-year colleges in the United States for the number of chemistry majors graduating each year.  The college also ranks in the top five as a source of students who obtain the Ph.D. in chemistry and related fields. Chemistry faculty members have a fine record of achievement in teaching and research. Students enjoy hands-on use of state-of-the-art instrumentation in lab courses and independent research.

The Chemistry Department offers an array of courses in the traditional areas of chemistry (organic, analytical, physical, inorganic) as well as interdisciplinary areas such as biochemistry, organometallic chemistry and environmental chemistry.

The department has an active research program in which faculty and students work together to investigate problems of current interest. Students graduating with chemistry majors have had excellent success in gaining admission to graduate and professional schools and in obtaining employment opportunities. Chemistry majors have also been employed in industry.  A chemistry major also provides an excellent background for continued education in professional schools in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and related fields.

An overview of general options for the chemistry major, including the major and the American Chemical Society (ACS) approved emphasis may be found here.

Overview of the Major

First-Year Options
Select one of the following options:
Option A:
CHEM 122
& CHEM 126		Introductory Chemistry
and Energies and Rates of Chemical Reactions		2.00
Option B:
CHEM 125
& CHEM 126		Structural Chemistry and Equilibrium
and Energies and Rates of Chemical Reactions		2.00
Upper-Level Core Courses
CHEM 247
& CHEM 253		Organic Chemistry I
and Synthesis Laboratory I (0.25)		1.25
CHEM 248
& CHEM 254		Organic Chemistry II
and Synthesis Laboratory II (0.25)		1.25
CHEM 255
& CHEM 256		Analytical Chemistry
and Analytical Laboratory (0.25)		1.25
CHEM 371
& CHEM 357		Physical Chemistry
and Physical Laboratory (0.25)		1.25
Department Seminars
Attendance at 12 departmental seminars after declaration of major

After the first year, the order of courses is not prescribed, but CHEM 248 Organic Chemistry II does serve as prerequisite to some upper-level courses. Upper-level courses in addition to this core set are also required, as described under requirements for the major. Gaining experience in the laboratory is an important aspect of the major, and students are encouraged to participate in research either on-campus with St. Olaf faculty or at other institutions.

Intended Learning Outcomes for the Major

Distinction

See Academic Honors

The Chemistry Department seeks to encourage and recognize students who give evidence of creative and independent scholarship. A variety of opportunities are available for students to take a much greater responsibility for setting their goals and realizing the achievements of their education. Going beyond the regular course work, which introduces the theory and practice of chemistry, distinction challenges students to raise questions worthy of scientific investigation. Opportunities for distinction projects include, for example, summer research either on or off campus, CHEM 297 Independent Research (0.25, 0.50, 1.00) , CHEM 298 Independent Study, CHEM 396 Directed Undergraduate Research, CHEM 398 Independent Research, and faculty-approved literature research projects. All projects for distinction will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A full description of the distinction process is available at http://wp.stolaf.edu/chemistry/information-for-current-chemistry-majors/earning-distinction-in-chemistry/.  

Recommendations for Graduate and Professional Study

Students planning graduate work in chemistry should expect to take additional optional courses above and beyond the single elective course required for the general major. In particular, students interested in graduate school should take CHEM 386 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry.

American Chemical Society Emphasis

The St. Olaf College Chemistry Department is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS); this enables the Department to award ACS-certified degrees in chemistry. Students can earn an ACS-certified degree if they complete the chemistry major and the American Chemical Society emphasis. This optional ACS emphasis provides a path for students to complete a more rigorous and encompassing chemistry degree. This is especially important for students entering the job market after graduation as it signifies to employers that these students have additional background above the standard major. It should be noted that chemistry courses taken for the ACS emphasis will count toward the elective course for the chemistry major. 

Special Programs

St. Olaf chemistry majors have a number of options for special study, both on-campus and elsewhere. On-campus programs that may include chemistry topics include concentrations in biomolecular science, engineering studies, environmental studies, and neuroscience. Study abroad and away programs include the cooperative B.A.-B.S.E. engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis, where students may earn a degree in engineering; biochemistry at Lancaster University (Lancaster, England); and chemistry at University of Dundee (Dundee, Scotland). Internships in local industrial settings are also possible. Consult the Smith Center for Global Engagement or the Piper Center for Vocation and Career for more information on these programs.