Program Coordinator: Jason D. Powell
Phone Number: (540) 365-4376
e-mail: jpowell@ferrum.edu

What have Ferrum chemistry students been doing? Analyzing phosphate levels in all reaches of Smith Mountain Lake. Investigating the use of xylanase enzyme to reduce bleaching chemicals required in the paper industry. Using gel electrophoresis for genetic analysis of the proteins in endangered fox squirrel blood samples. Investigating the structural basis for the properties of polymers in adhesives and composites. These research investigations by students at Ferrum illustrate the diversity of the field of chemistry, which intersects with physics, biology, engineering, and biotechnology. Our strong traditional chemistry curriculum in Ferrum's liberal arts college environment is ideal for developing our students' knowledge base as well as their thinking and communication skills. Our students gain additional practical experience through research and assisting us with laboratories. We are also committed to expanding students' horizons and further initiating them into the chemistry profession by involving them in off-campus field trips, short courses, professional meetings, and summer research and internship opportunities.

Ferrum's chemistry program benefits from being part of the Life Science Division, which also includes strong majors in agriculture, biology, environmental science, and pre-professional science. Close contact with these other programs provides chemistry students with a greater understanding of the applications of chemistry in other fields.

We are pleased to find that the success of our students in chemistry has consistently continued in graduate, medical, and pharmacy schools, as well as in their careers. With appropriate minor or elective courses, a Ferrum B.A. or B.S. in chemistry prepares our graduates to begin careers in business, industry, government, and secondary education. They are also prepared to enter graduate school (where a tuition waiver and stipend are usually provided) in chemistry and biochemistry or in interdisciplinary fields such as pharmacology, environmental engineering, toxicology, and biotechnology. Chemistry is recognized as a strong core for any curriculum tailored to prepare students for professional schools in veterinary and human medicine and pharmacy.

PRINTABLE BROCHURE

DIVISION OF LIFE SCIENCES

Required Courses:
I. (Without Minor) B.S. Degree
CHM 103, 104 General Chemistry
CHM 301, 302 Organic Chemistry
CHM 305 Analytical Chemistry
CHM 341, 342 Physical Chemistry
CHM 425 Inorganic Chemistry
LSC 307, 497, 498 Seminar
PHY 203, 204 Fundamentals of Physics
Three credits from:
CHM 395, 396, 495, 496 Independent Research
Three credits from:
CHM 412 Environmental Chemistry
CHM 315 Biochemistry
CHM 331 Forensic Science
CHM 390, 490 Selected Topics

Required Distribution:
BIO 101, 102 General Biology
MTH 211, 212 Calculus
MTH 221 or MTH 301 Multivariable Calculus or
CSC 111 Introduction to Computer Science or higher

II. (Minor Required) B.A. Degree
CHM 103, 104 General Chemistry
CHM 301, 302 Organic Chemistry
CHM 305 Analytical Chemistry
CHM 341, 342 Physical Chemistry
CHM 425 Inorganic Chemistry
CHM 307, 497, 498 Seminar

Six credits from:
CHM 412 Environmental Chemistry
CHM 315 Biochemistry
CHM 331 Forensic Science
CHM 390, 490 Selected Topics
CHM 395, 396, 495, 496 Independent Research
Required Distribution Courses:
PHY 203, 204 Fundamentals of Physics
MTH 211, 212 Calculus