Department of Chemistry

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Department Chair:  Dr. Joseph Keane, Professor of Chemistry
Professors:  Anderson, Colabroy, Ingersoll, Keane, Kelsey
Associate Professors:  Young
Lecturers: Herrera, Porello, Tuerk

The major program in chemistry provides a curriculum that accommodates and encourages students with various interests.  The major program is organized around a required core of courses in the traditional areas of chemistry.  Each course in the core curriculum involves a laboratory component that promotes (1) hands-on knowledge of scientific experimentation, (2) the capacity to interpret experimental data, (3) an ability to analyze data statistically, and (4) the skill to communicate results.  The major also includes elective courses, which broaden students’ exposure to related areas of science.  The chemistry department is accredited by the American Chemical Society.

Special Programs

Students planning to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or employment in a research position with a chemical or pharmaceutical firm will need to take the General Physics I and II sequence listed as electives.  Individuals planning to pursue graduate studies are strongly advised to complete additional advanced courses in the sciences and math.  To achieve ACS certification, students will need to complete additional courses beyond those required.

Students who wish to combine a chemistry major with other programs of study and who may be interested in pursuing careers in areas where a chemistry background may be useful, such as government service, law, sales, library science, or technical writing, should consult with their chemistry advisor when choosing electives.

Students interested in the health professions should consult with the health professions office.  Candidates for teacher certification should consult with the Education Department at Muhlenberg College.

Honors Program

Students with a minimum gpa of 3.30 in all chemistry courses may stand for honors by completing the following requirements:

1. The candidate must consult with a faculty member who is willing to act as a faculty research mentor and complete at least one course unit (normally more than one unit is needed to make significant progress) of independent study/research.
2. The candidate must complete the CUE course (CHM 090 and 490) during their last full academic year enrolled at the College and declare their intent to stand for honors by submitting a form to the Chemistry Department Chair no later than January 31 during the spring semester enrolled in the CUE, CHM 490.
3. The candidate must submit a research paper one week prior to an oral examination, which is scheduled by the Department.  During the examination, the candidate presents a professional seminar to discuss the results of the work and then responds to questions from departmental faculty.
4. Based on the quality of writing, merit of the science, responses during oral questioning, and quality of course work, the Department will determine the degree of honors awarded.

Programs

• Chemistry, leading to a B.S. degree

• Chemistry Minor

Courses

• CHM 090 and 490 - CUE: Chemistry Capstone Seminar
• CHM 100 - Introductory Chemistry
• CHM 101 - Chemistry of the Environment
• CHM 103 - General Chemistry I
• CHM 104 - General Chemistry II
• CHM 111 - Chemistry of the Environment
• CHM 113, 114 - Kitchen Chemistry
• CHM 117 - Consumer Product Chemistry
• CHM 201 - Organic Chemistry I
• CHM 202 - Organic Chemistry II
• CHM 203, 205 - Organic Chemistry IA
• CHM 204, 206 - Organic Chemistry IIA
• CHM 311 - Analytical Chemistry I
• CHM 312 - Analytical Chemistry II
• CHM 321 - Physical Chemistry I
• CHM 322 - Physical Chemistry II
• CHM 331 - Inorganic Chemistry
• CHM 416 - Medicinal Chemistry
• CHM 420 - Laser Chemistry
• CHM 960 - Chemistry Internship
• CHM 970 - Chemistry Independent Study/Research

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