Chemistry

Description

The Chemistry concentration offers courses and research opportunities that range from fundamental studies involving the characterization and preparation of synthetic and naturally occurring molecules, to interdisciplinary studies at the interfaces of chemistry with biology, medicine, physics, engineering, and nanoscience. As early as their first year, undergraduates are able to work one-on-one or in small groups with faculty members on cutting edge research projects. The Sc.B. degree provides a thorough foundation for further graduate study or for entry-level technical positions in each area. Students seeking the Sc.B. may either pursue the standard Chemistry concentration or one of the two optional tracks: Chemical Biology or Materials Chemistry. Students may also pursue the A.B. degree in Chemistry, which provides a core education in the discipline.

Student Goals

Students in this concentration will:

• Understand the central precepts of chemistry and their operation in everyday life
• Know how to formulate a scientific question
• Have the ability to analyze, evaluate, and design solutions to problems in chemistry and related fields
• Develop effective communication skills
• Engage in independent research

Requirements

Click here for a list of the Chemistry concentration requirements. For more information about this concentration, please visit the department's website.

Honors and Capstones

Students pursuing an Sc.B. in Chemistry must enroll in an Independent Research course under the direction of a faculty research advisor in the Chemistry department. Students interested in applying for Honors must meet the grade point average requirement, enroll in two semesters of Independent Study, and submit a Thesis that has been approved by the research advisor and a second faculty reader. Please see the department's website for a complete description of program requirements.

Tracks

• Chemical Biology Track for the Sc.B. Degree
• Materials Chemistry Track for the Sc.B. Degree

Liberal Learning

This concentration allows you to address the following Liberal Learning goals:

• Collaborate fully
• Engage with your community
• Develop a facility with symbolic languages
• Experience scientific inquiry

Download the full statement on Liberal Learning at Brown

Affiliated Departments

• Biomed
• Physics

Advisors

• Amit Basu

Graduating Class

Alumni Pathways

About two-thirds of graduates with a degree in chemistry pursue graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, business, law, education and medical or dental school. Whether with a Ph.D., Master's or Sc.B. degree, many have gone on to work in hospitals engaged in clinical or pharmaceutical chemistry, in universities and colleges as academics, or for government agencies in research laboratories, state health departments, or enforcement agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency. About half of all graduates work in the chemical industry and the biotechnology field, as well as in companies involved with microelectronics, batteries, fuel cells and solar cells.

Dept. Undergraduate Group

Student Leaders:

• Harry Wanar
• Christopher Wright
• Margaret Hauser