Student Research is an important part of our program.

Our Department is "Approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS)"

The ACS Committee on Professional Training (CPT) reviews chemistry department programs across the country.  Those departments meeting the high quality standards of the American Chemical Society are designated as "approved programs."  The Roanoke College Chemistry Department is proud to have that designation.  Graduation from an ACS approved department is a mark of distinction for our students.

The Chemistry ACS Certified B.S. Major.

Chemistry is one of the most important sciences. Known as "The Central Science", Chemistry is directly involved in all aspects of modern life, through products such as pharmaceutical drugs, synthetic fibers, polymeric materials, and materials of all kinds.  It also has strong connections to biology, physics, math, and other scientific specialties.  Students majoring in this field often go on to advanced study in chemistry; they might seek industrial employment in a variety of fields; or they might pursue a professional degree in the medical field.  Some students pursue less traditional careers, such as photography, scientific journalism, or patent law.

All students who complete our B.S. Chemistry degree meet the American Chemical Society standards to be certified graduates.  Our department certifies each B.S. Chemistry graduate to the American Chemical Society, and appropriate certificates are issued.

Students earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree by completing 12 courses.

• Two units of General Chemistry are required (CHEM 111 and 112).
• Two units of Organic Chemistry are required (CHEM 221 and 222).
• One unit of Biochemistry is required (CHEM 341).
• One unit of Analytical Chemistry is required (CHEM 350).
• Two units of Physical Chemistry are required (CHEM 331 and 332).  Note that MATH 121, MATH 122 and two units of physics are required prerequisites for these courses.
• One unit of Advanced Inorganic Chemistry is required (CHEM 460).
• One unit of advanced coursework is required, chosen from among: CHEM 342 (Biochemistry II), CHEM 420 (Advanced Organic Chemistry), or CHEM 430 (Advanced Physical Chemistry).
• One unit of research is required (One unit from CHEM 405/406/407 or CHEM 495/496/497).
• Two half units of Seminar are required (CHEM 280 and CHEM 480).

Additional coursework and undergraduate research experiences are encouraged.

The Chemistry B.A. Major.

Students earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree by completing 9 courses.

• Two units of General Chemistry are required (CHEM 111 and 112).
• Two units of Organic Chemistry are required (CHEM 221 and 222).
• Two units of Physical Chemistry are required (CHEM 331 and 332).  Note that MATH 121, MATH 122 and two units of physics are required prerequisites for these courses.
• One unit of Analytical Chemistry is required (CHEM 250 or 350).
• One additional unit of chemistry at the 200 level or above is required.
• Two half units of Seminar are required (CHEM 280 and CHEM 480).

Additional coursework and undergraduate research experiences are encouraged.

Students earn a Minor in Chemistry by completing a minimum of six units of Chemistry.

• Two units of General Chemistry are required (CHEM 111 and 112).
• One unit of Organic Chemistry is required (CHEM 221).
• Three additional units of Chemistry at the 200 level or above are required.

A variety of research projects in Chemistry are available to students.  Please see other portions of this web site or the online materials provided by individual faculty for more information.