Chemistry

Chemistry: Major

17Թ is a leader in chemistry education. In fact, the “Discovery Chemistry” lab-based guided inquiry style of teaching began at 17Թ, and serves as a model for the national chemical education community. 

The curriculum provides students with a strong background in fundamental principles and theories of chemistry with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. The program is laboratory intensive, beginning with the Discovery Chemistry core courses in general and organic chemistry. Advanced courses allow students to develop the skills and gain knowledge needed to become effective scientists and independent researchers. The department has a very active research program, and faculty members are committed to giving students opportunities within their research. As of result of these opportunities, 17Թ undergraduates regularly contribute to scientific publications and travel to professional conferences. 

Our formula for success has led the chemistry department to produce among the nation’s highest number of chemistry graduates and is a top baccalaureate origin for Ph.D.s in chemistry.

Program Highlights

Students gain experience and knowledge in all the major areas of modern chemistry including organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry and have an opportunity to focus their program on a particular area of chemistry through research and elective courses. The department also provides:

  • A flexible major that, when completed together with one year of research, allows students to become accredited by the American Chemical Society
  • The opportunity to join the biochemistry concentration
  • The opportunity to become certified as a secondary or middle school chemistry teacher in Massachusetts by participating in the
Classroom
Discovery Chemistry

Learn more about the lab-based approach to teaching chemistry that began at 17Թ and serves as a national model.

Students working in a lab
Research

Collaborate on innovative research with professors on a range of topics in the field.

Smith Labs
Facilities

The department is housed in the state-of-the-art integrated science complex and features modern instrumentation.

Chemistry News

Mary Beth Sheridan '83, Arthur Weyman '62, Barbara Tylenda '79, Richard Leon '71 and Gus Caffrey '73 stand at the entrance of St. Joseph Memorial Chapel.
Five Outstanding Alumni Receive Sanctae Crucis Awards
They graduated years apart, yet each embraces the Jesuit magis, a calling to “be more” that has fueled 17Թ men and women throughout the decades and around the world. Determined to live lives of purpose and impact, these alumni …
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Five 17Թ Faculty Members Promoted to Rank of Professor
After years of dedicated teaching and research in their respective fields, five 17Թ faculty members have been promoted to the rank of full professor. We asked them a few questions about their scholarship — and more:
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Citizen Scientists: Summer Course Takes Hands-On Approach to Environmental Issues
“It’s a Small World” might seem an odd soundtrack for a chemistry course, but the chirpy chorus begins every time students in Environmental Chemistry rig their tabletop wind turbines just right. First they connect a string of lights to the …