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Bachelor's Degree

Chemistry Major

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Why Study Chemistry at Ferrum College?

A chemistry major at Ferrum College has the unique opportunity to study in a program where hands-on learning is central. Our students have the opportunities not only to learn about advanced techniques and instrumentation, but to use them in both their classes and in independent research.

Students are prepared for graduate school in any of the fields of chemistry, medicine, or related interdisciplinary areas such as toxicology, environmental engineering, materials science, pharmacology, or agriculture. Some graduate programs in forensic science specify that a bachelor’s degree in chemistry (or other natural science) is required for admission.

three female students wearing protection goggles in classroom
male professor in safety goggles presenting chemical reaction outside while other students are watching.

Program Highlights

current projects

  • Analyzing pharmaceuticals sold in developing countries
  • Monitoring the chemical composition of hemp for local agriculture
  • Monitoring water quality of Smith Mountain Lake
  • Studying the biochemistry of DNA replication

Chemistry Sample Courses

You will take a core of chemistry courses covering general chemistry, biochemistry, general physics, and medicinal chemistry.

MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Medicinal chemistry will introduce students to the fundamental concepts of medicinal chemistry from a bioorganic perspective. The impact of both chemical and biological concepts on drug design and therapeutic applications will also be discussed

PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

Physical chemistry is the analysis and modeling of physical aspects of chemical systems.

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

A comprehensive, two-semester study of the compounds of carbon using the functional group approach and emphasizing reactions, mechanisms, synthesis, and spectroscopy.

Careers in Chemistry

Biochemist

Biochemists focus their work on chemical processes, such as how cells develop or grow, as well as physical principles, such as heredity and disease states in organisms.

Chemical Engineer

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products.

Pharmacologist

Pharmacologists research and test medications and chemical compounds for the development of drug therapies, the prevention of drug interactions, and so forth.

Ferrum College Catalog

View the catalog for all program courses and degree requirements.

Meet the Faculty

Stan Jones

Visiting Instructor of Chemistry

Natalia Smelkova

Associate Professor of Biochemistry

Laura Grochowski

Associate Professor of Chemistry and Program Coordinator of Chemistry and Forensic Science

Dan Bowman

Associate Professor of Physics