Chemistry

A concentration in chemistry gives a fundamental understanding of those chemical processes that affect all our lives, allowing us to make informed choices about a range of issues from energy and food consumption to our relationship to the physical environment. The chemistry concentration also provides a solid background that, when augmented by additional coursework or a second concentration in the sciences, will prepare the student to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or a health-related area.

Curriculum

The chemistry concentration requires a year of organic chemistry, a semester of inorganic chemistry, research methods in the natural sciences, and at least eight additional credits of approved science courses selected from the list given below for a total minimum credit requirement of 24 credits. As chemistry is increasingly becoming intermingled with biology, a semester of biochemistry (or a similar class) is strongly recommended. It is designed to provide the basic understanding required of any student pursuing a chemical education, as well as to furnish a firm basis for advanced work in chemistry, biology, or the health-related fields. All the listed courses will be offered at least once every three years if there is sufficient enrollment; courses which do not adequately enroll will be offered on a tutorial basis for students who have elected this concentration. The chemistry concentration nicely complements advanced work or concentrations in biology, environmental studies, ecology, mathematics, physics, or psychology, and provides one of the three bases for the premedical concentration.

Required Courses

Chemistry 302 and 303 Organic Chemistry I and II
Chemistry 306 Inorganic Chemistry
Natural Science 410 Research Methods
Two courses at or above the 200-level, chosen from the list below, chosen in consultation with the Moderation committee at the Moderation meeting.
Biology 201 Cell Biology
Biology 202 Genetics
Biology 314 Endocrinology
Chemistry 310T Instrumental Methods of Analysis in Chemistry
Chemistry 401T Biochemistry Tutorial (strongly suggested)
Chemistry 410T Physical Organic Chemistry I
Physics 220 Introduction to Quantum Physics
Physics 230 Modern Physics Laboratory
(Strongly suggested, as accompaniment with Physics 220)
Physics 320 Statistical Thermodynamics

Students may also take appropriate courses at Bard College to fulfill or supplement requirements for the concentration.

Recent Senior Theses

“Puccinia carduorum: Theory and Practice of PCR Related Experiments for Species Identification. (For Poets and Science Students)”
“TGF-b: A Cell Cycle Regulatory Pathway”
“Zeolites as Inorganic Enzymes: Catalysis and Applications”
“Dopamine Receptors: A Review of the Current Biochemical Evidence as Related to Neuroleptic Use and Receptor Location”
“The Use of Antidepressants to Treat Canine Mental Disorders”
“Extraction of Prunella Vulgaris and In Vitro Study of the Anthelminthic Effects Using Turbiflex aceti”
“Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy: A Guide in Theory and Application”
“Full of Energy and Nowhere to Go—An Examination of Reactions Related to Diadamantylcarbene”

Internships and Career Opportunities

Several students who have specialized in chemistry at Simon’s Rock have obtained internships at such places as Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cornell University, State University of New York at Stony Brook, and N.A.S.A. Graduates have gone on to both medical school and graduate school in chemistry, as well as joining the industrial workforce.

Research Opportunities

Dr. Myers is conducting research in two major areas: (1) Physical Organic Chemistry (reaction mechanisms) of carbene, and diazo compound reactions, as well as some ‘simple’ solvolyses; (2) Extraction and identification of anti-bacterial agents from indigenous fungi. He will hire one or two students to pursue these research projects, thereby enhancing their undergraduate education by giving them the opportunity to conduct high-quality research.

Faculty

Michael Bergman, Emmanuel Dongala, Eric Kramer, Joy Lapseritis, David Myers, Donald Roeder
Faculty Contact: David Myers