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ACS Certified
Alma’s Chemistry Department is certified by the American Chemical Society for the training of professional chemists. Only 20 percent of colleges and universities have this distinction; your degree from Alma gives you a competitive edge in graduate school or professional employment.
Curriculum
Unlike most colleges and universities, Alma’s chemistry curriculum begins with a core of courses that doesn’t require you to sit through a year-long course in general chemistry, similar to topics you covered in high school. Rather, you begin learning the basic principles of chemistry in an introductory sequence Fall Term. Chemical Analysis emphasizes environmental and societal connections to chemical principles, as well as computer and instrumental work in the laboratory. Winter Term you begin study of organic chemistry. Second-year studies continue with the second course in organic chemistry and another in inorganic chemistry.
Upper-level courses provide a solid background for success in graduate and professional school and professional employment. Electives include environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry and Spring Term courses in Egypt and Russia.
Faculty-Student Research
You may participate in a variety of research experiences, including off-campus research programs. Each Chemistry faculty member has research programs for interested students.
Chemistry students have reported their research results at regional chemistry meetings and at the American Chemical Society national meeting.
Facilities
You do laboratory work in one of the best-equipped undergraduate facilities in the country.
- Instrumentation in the Kapp Science Laboratory Center supports investigation of chemical phenomena: high performance liquid chromatograph, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer, atomic absorbance spectrometer and a multinuclear superconducting nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer.
- More than 40 computers are used to acquire and analyze data for lab work and research. Computers are used in all chemistry courses.
Career Possibilities
In the last 10 years, half of Alma’s chemistry graduates have gone on to prestigious schools in biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, dentistry or medicine. Recent alumni are working for chemical and pharmaceutical industries and automotive manufacturers. Others have entered careers in education, law and medicine.
Chemistry professors are accessible and willing to discuss career options, academic course work and other issues.
Career information is also available through the American Chemical Society, Alma’s Chemistry Club and Chemistry Honor Society — Chi Epsilon Mu.
Opportunities to Gain Experience
Alma helps you prepare for your career by giving you opportunities for “hands-on” experience. Possibilities include working as a teaching assistant, independent study research or working off campus for a chemistry-related business.
Summer laboratory jobs and internships are frequently available both on- and off-campus, with either academic institutions or industrial hosts. Our faculty frequently help facilitate these connections.
