Chemistry

• Knowledge of theories in the field:
  • Preparation for graduate degree programs, professional degree programs, and industrial or government employment
  • Demonstration of sufficient foundational knowledge in each of the five core areas of chemistry: analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical
• Proficiency in the laboratory:
  • Exhibition of competent laboratory techniques and data collection abilities
  • Manifestation of proficient analysis and interpretation of results
• Application of knowledge in the field:
  • Display of competent oral communication in chemistry
  • Demonstration of competent written communication in chemistry
  • Ability to assess standard text, reference, and literature resources

Full Course Catalogue  Course Descriptions

Major Requirements

• CHE 105 General Chemistry I/Lab and CHE General Chemistry I/Lab 106 (should be completed in the first year)
• CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I/Lab and CHE 208 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
• CHE 321, 322, 323, 324, 325  
• One 400-level chemistry course  
• Research experience at the 400-level (CHE481, CHE482)
• MAT 131 and 132 (MAT 131 should be completed in the first year)
• PHY 201 and 202

Completion of these requirements for the degree results in certification in chemistry by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.  

Students interested in graduate work in chemistry may wish to consider additional courses in computer science, mathematics, and physics.

Secondary Chemistry Education  

Chemistry Majors preparing for a career in education take Chemistry courses and a series of Education and other courses specified by the Education Department to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations. As early as possible in their college experience, candidates for teacher certification in Chemistry should consult the Requirements section of the Education website and the Education department chair regarding specific course requirements. Students may substitute CHE470, Advanced Topics in Chemistry Education, for a 400-level course in chemistry with the approval of the department chair.  

Combined Major Requirements  

• CHE 105 and 106 General Chemistry I/Lab and 106 General Chemistry II/Lab
• CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I
• CHE 321 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab or CHE 322 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab
• Two of the following
  • CHE 323 Instrumental Analysis/Lab
  • CHE 324 Inorganic Chemistry/Lab
  • CHE 325 Biochemistry I/Lab
• One 400- level chemistry
• MAT 131 Calculus & Analytic Geometry I

Minor Requirements

• CHE 105 and 106 General Chemistry I/Lab and 106 General Chemistry II/Lab
• CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I
• Two of the following
  • CHE 321 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab or CHE 322 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab
  • CHE 323 Instrumental Analysis/Lab
  • CHE 324 Inorganic Chemistry/Lab
  • CHE 325 Biochemistry I/Lab 

Internships and Career Support

Students can connect with the Career Development Center to find internships in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, and industrial research, gaining practical experience with faculty support and professional preparation.

Recent internship sites:

• Innospec, Inc.
• Johnson & Johnson
• Rohm & Haas
• Pottstown Hospital
• Wyeth
• Cabot Corporation
• Schenectady International
• Legacy Brewery
• Merck
• Cryovac
• ATOFINA Chemicals
• Lancaster Laboratories
• Department of Environmental Protection
• Additionally, we have had student participants in university research settings at Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh and Rutgers University

Other experiential learning opportunities for Albright chemistry and biochemistry students:

• Shadowing at Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline
• Participation in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Nebraska

ACRE Undergraduate Research

Students in any major can engage in interdisciplinary undergraduate research through the Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE), partnering with faculty mentors to pursue independent research or creative projects and present their work beyond the classroom.