B.S. in Chemistry

Chemistry students develop a solid foundation in chemical principles through coursework, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and research opportunities. Recent grads have worked at GE, Albany Molecular Research, and New York State’s Wadsworth Center Laboratory.

Chemistry: The Central Science

“Chemistry: The central science.” That phrase, popularized in a 1977 chemistry textbook, refers to the link that chemistry provides between the physical sciences, mathematics, biological sciences, and the environment. Chemistry and biochemistry play a fundamental role in our everyday lives—from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and soil we walk upon to the food we eat, the medicine that improves our health, and the clothes we wear.

Why Study Chemistry at Siena?

As a chemistry major at Siena, you’ll learn from faculty members who are teacher-scholars. They run vibrant undergraduate research programs while remaining student-centered, emphasizing student participation and engagement both in and out of the classroom. Our department is housed in Siena’s state-of-the-art Morrell Science Center, with additional laboratories and classroom space in the adjacent Roger Bacon Hall.

Program Highlights

• Research is an important part of education at Siena. It is not uncommon for chemistry students to become involved in research as early as their Freshman year.
• The Chemistry Department houses the Saint Center’s cutting edge, research grade scientific instruments.
• Close integration with the Siena College High-Performance Computing Cluster.
• In the 2012-2013 academic year, Chemistry and Biochemistry students and faculty gave a total of 17 presentations at 5 local, regional and national conferences.
• Skills developed include: critical thinking, communication skills, research experience, ability to use advanced instrumentation, data analysis, and technical writing.

Requirements for the major (39 credits)

• CHEM110 - General Chemistry 1 4 credits
• CHEM120 - General Chemistry II 4 credits
• CHEM210 - Organic Chem I 4 credits
• CHEM225 - Analytical Chemistry 1 3 credits
• CHEM240 - Inorganic Chemistry 1 3 credits
• CHEM310 - Thermodynamics + Chem Equilib 3 credits
• CHEM311 - Chemical Communications 1 credits
• CHEM315 - Physical Chemistry I Lab 1 credits
• CHEM320 - Quantum Mech and Spectroscopy 3 credits
• CHEM415 - Analytical Chemistry II 2 credits
• CHEM426 - Senior Research 1 credits
• CHEM428 - Physical Biochemistry 3 credits
• CHEM429 - Advanced Biochemical Methods 1 credits
• CHEM430 - Inorganic Synthesis 1 credits

One additional course above CHEM 300 must be taken to complete the major (1 credits)

Auxiliary courses (16 credits)

• MATH110 - Calculus I 4 credits
• MATH120 - Calculus II 4 credits
• PHYS130 - General Physics I 4 credits
• PHYS140 - General Physics II 4 credits

Recent Graduate/Professional School Placements

• Albany Medical School, Physicians Assistant Studies
• Duke University
• Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing
• Lock Haven Physicians Assistant School
• Michigan State University
• New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Northwestern University
• Penn State University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Ross University Veterinary School
• SUNY College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering
• Stony Brook University
• St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Tufts University
• University at Albany
• University of California - Irvine
• University of Delaware
• University of Massachusetts - Amherst
• University of Michigan
• University of Nebraska
• University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
• Washington State University
• Yale University

Employers of our Graduates

• Albany Molecular Research, Inc
• DuPont USA
• Fortitech, Inc
• General Electric
• GlobalFoundries
• Graver Technologies
• Hovione
• NYS Department of Health
• Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
• Sherwin Williams
• Toyko Electron LTD
• University of Maryland Medical Center
• Xerox Research Center