Chemistry

You'll build competence and confidence as a professional in our uniquely personalized Chemistry program.

Students working in a lab

Chemistry is all about hands-on preparation for the world of work and advanced study. 

You'll have access to all the resources and technology of a modern lab in the heart of Boston, and also your own reserved spot in one of our Chemistry labs.

Our faculty members are accomplished scientists and leaders in their fields, but they're also easily accessible mentors.

You'll have the individual attention of a small selective program along with access to all the labs and scientific industry of our bustling city. It's the best of both worlds.

First Year

CHEM 113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
OR
CHEM 115 Intensive General Chemistry 4
CHEM 216 General & Quantitative Chemistry II 4
MATH 120 Calculus I 4
MATH 121 Calculus II 4
*Math 123 or BC Calculus is the eqivalent of Math 120 + Math 121*
 

Sophomore Year

CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry II 4
PHYS 114 Fundamentals of Physics I 4
PHYS 115 Fundamentals of Physics II 4
CHEM 248 Descriptive Inorganic Chemistry 4

Junior Year

CHEM 331 Thermodynamics & Kinetics 4
CHEM 332 Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure 4
MATH 220 Multivariable Calculus 4

Senior Year

CHEM 355 Independent Study with Thesis 0
CHEM 390 Chemistry Seminar 1
CHEM 345 Biochemistry 4
OR
CHEM 223 Principles of Biochemistry 4

CHEM 355: 8 semester hours

CHEM 390: required; 1 credit

300-level electives in chemistry include:

CHEM 325 Green Asymmetric Synthesis Laboratory 2
CHEM 341 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 4
CHEM 343 Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry 4
CHEM 345 Biochemistry 4
CHEM 346 Advanced Organic Spectral Interpretation 2
CHEM 347 Advanced Topics in Biochemistry 4

A minor in chemistry consists of one introductory general Chemistry course

CHEM 111 Principles of General Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM 113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
OR
CHEM 115 Intensive General Chemistry 4
 
CHEM 112 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry I 4
one or two 200-level courses; and one or two 300-level courses

Minors can be designed to meet the special interests of a variety of students.

An environmental interest would be met by the Sequence

CHEM 111 Principles of General Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM 113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
OR
CHEM 115 Intensive General Chemistry 4
 
CHEM 112 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
CHEM 227 Energy & Global Warming 4
CHEM 341 Advanced Analytical Chemistry 4

Math majors could elect

CHEM 111 Principles of General Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM 113 General & Quantitative Chemistry I 4
OR
CHEM 115 Intensive General Chemistry 4
 
CHEM 112 Principles of Organic Chemistry 4
CHEM 332 Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Structure 4
CHEM 343 Advanced Topics in Modern Chemistry 4

Biologists could easily obtain a chemistry minor by electing

CHEM 111 Introduction to Chemistry: Inorganic 4
OR
CHEM 113 Principles of Chemistry 4
OR
CHEM 115 Advanced General Chemistry 4
 
CHEM 224 Organic Chemistry I 4
CHEM 225 Organic Chemistry II 4
CHEM 345 Biochemistry 4

You'll work with a faculty advisor to tailor your program to your interests and career goals. The Department of Chemistry offers many closely-related programs, such as biochemistrychemistry management and environmental science. Simmons students have many opportunities to further customize with dual majors and complementary minors.

Certification for teaching chemistry at the middle school and secondary school levels is also possible by enrollment in the Department of Education.

Hands-on research experience is a key part of a Simmons science education. Research opportunities are open to students as early as the freshman year. All students engage in a year-long senior Independent Learning project as part of their program.

In chemistry, Independent Learning means current research at Simmons or in one of the many other research laboratories in Boston. You'll work with a faculty advisor to plan and perform experimental work, and analyze and document your results. Then you'll write a senior thesis based on your research and defend the thesis in an oral exam. Our graduates report that this experience is invaluable preparation for job interviews and for graduate school.

Hands-on Experience with Modern Equipment
Simmons chemistry students begin using up-to-date laboratory instruments in the very first chemistry course and continue to build this hands-on experience throughout the curriculum. Simmons graduates are known for their ability to take on laboratory projects with a minimum of supervision. Computers are used extensively throughout the various chemistry-related programs.

Individual Student Chemistry Carrels
Each Simmons student who declares a chemistry-related major gets an individual laboratory carrel in our Independent Study Laboratory. Students are encouraged to do laboratory work in their carrels, where they can work individually or together, calling on Faculty for guidance as needed.

Easy Access to Faculty
Although the Simmons chemistry faculty are actively involved in research, we feel that research should not take us away from our students. Simmons students are actively involved in our research as part of their Independent Study work. We are always glad to meet with students outside of class individually or in small groups.

So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.

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Associate Professor of Chemistry and Physics Arpita Saha

Simmons Receives Award from NASA to Support Women and Minority STEM Students

This month, NASA awarded $5 million to women's colleges and universities to help increase the retention of women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. Associate Professor Arpita Saha, who specializes in synthetic chemistry and researches metal-based cancer drugs, was instrumental in crafting a bold, innovative vision to help Simmons obtain this award and address the gender gap in STEM.

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Our Faculty

Rich Gurney photo

Rich Gurney

  • Professor and Chair of the Chemistry and Physics Department