Department of Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the transformation of matter under conditions where molecules are of critical importance. It is often called the “central science” because it directly connects with most of the other natural sciences such as physics, biology, environmental and materials science. Students find that a background in chemistry provides a broad foundation in modern science, where the old divisions are rapidly changing. This is illustrated by the essential need for strong chemistry experience in major research initiatives such as nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, biotechnology, materials engineering, environmental/atmospheric science, medicine, and law.
The Wesleyan Chemistry Department provides appropriate undergraduate curriculum options for its students’ specific career plans. Students who complete a chemistry major will:
(1) demonstrate knowledge in the major fields of chemistry: inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry;
(2) design and execute experiments, analyze data, and present conclusions;
(3) utilize modern instrumentation for chemical analysis;
(4) work effectively as an individual and in groups;
(5) become a better problem solver and more confident scientific thinker;
(6) search, comprehend, and communicate findings from chemical literature;
(7) obtain skills and formal lab safety training for employment or for professional or graduate school.
The B.S. major in chemistry provides an intensive chemistry background for graduate work in chemistry, for immediate employment, and for health-related fields. The B.S. major in materials chemistry, offered in collaboration with the Physics Department, is designed for students interested in graduate study in chemistry and materials engineering, and those desiring immediate employment in materials industries. The B.S. pharmaceutical science major is a collaborative program offered by Wesleyan and the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy (WV SoP). This rigorous pre-pharmacy option is specially designed for students interested in matriculating to WVU for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree or its Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences graduate program, and may be completed at Wesleyan in a little as three years followed by a year of coursework at WVU SoP. The B.A. chemistry major prepares students for future studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and optometry, and is often pursued in combination with a major in biology, environmental science or physics. In addition to the above offerings, students may pursue the chemistry education major or a minor in chemistry. Our program provides undergraduates with personal attention from a dedicated faculty and the challenge of an independent research project in areas such as nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, medicinal chemistry, environmental science and materials. It also supports nursing, exercise science and general studies programs by offering special courses.
