Introduction
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
