On this page:
Q. I think I want to major in Chemistry. What courses should I take?
A. If you wish to become a Chemistry major, you should enroll in Chemistry 1101 with its associated laboratory. This course lays the groundwork for further study of chemistry. You must either successfully complete the arithmetic and algebra portions of the McDaniel Mathematics Proficiency Test or enroll concurrently in Mathematics 1001 (arithmetic) and/or Mathematics 1002 (algebra) to acquire those skills. If you plan to major in Biochemistry you should also enroll in Biology 1111 and its associated laboratory.
Back to Top
Q. Which courses can I take to help me decide if I want to major in Chemistry?
A. If you are not sure you want to be a Chemistry major, you may enroll in Chemistry 1101 and its laboratory and see whether you enjoy it enough to choose Chemistry as a major. If you think you might want to be a Biochemistry major, enroll in Biology 1111 and its laboratory as well. If you decide you
wish to major elsewhere, these courses are still important components of your liberal arts and sciences education.
Back to Top
Q. I have selected another major but am interested in Chemistry. Which courses could I take in the department?
A. If you have chosen another major and are interested in Chemistry, you can choose to enroll in Chemistry 1101, or you may choose a one semester introductory survey course, Chemistry 1121, with its laboratory. This course covers the basic principles of Chemistry, but with less intensity than the Chemistry major oriented course, Chemistry 1101.
Back to Top
Q. What kinds of jobs do graduates who majored in Chemistry have?
A. Graduates of McDaniel College with a Chemistry or Biochemistry major go to graduate school or professional school in health sciences (medical, dental, veterinary schools), study pharmacy, and attain employment in the chemical industry.
Back to Top
Q. What are the volunteer or service learning opportunities in this department?
A. Many of McDaniel’s Chemistry and Biochemistry majors elect to participate in undergraduate research with faculty members during January Term and/or summers. Often these research experiences result in publication in professional journals with the faculty member mentor.
Back to Top
Q. Can I major in Chemistry and still study abroad?
A. Chemistry and Biochemistry majors may study abroad, but careful program planning is required to be sure that all necessary courses are taken. Only certain countries offer curricula consistent with the majors in American universities; the most appropriate are found in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The office of Study Abroad works with the Chemistry Department in finding appropriate programs.
Back to Top
Q. What are the requirements for a major in Chemistry?
A. The requirements for the Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are explained in the College Catalog. They involve a group of required Chemistry courses, some elective Chemistry courses, and courses in Biology, Mathematics, and Physics. The College offers an optional Chemistry major certified by the American Chemical Society which is somewhat more demanding and includes some additional courses. The requirements for these options are found in the College Catalog.
Back to Top
Q. How can I major in Chemistry and complete a minor in education?
A. You may major in Chemistry or Biochemistry and become certified to teach in Maryland public schools at the middle school or high school level, and by reciprocity, in other states as well. You will minor in Education and must complete a specified program that meets Maryland State requirements. An advisor in Education should also be chosen in your first semester in order to plan a program.
Back to Top
Q. What are the minor requirements in Chemistry?
A. A minor in Chemistry is also possible. In addition, you may minor in Forensic Science, a program jointly offered by the Departments of Chemistry and Sociology, or major in Exercise Chemistry, a program jointly administered by the Departments of Chemistry and Exercise Science. The requirements for these programs are explained in the College Catalog. Courses in Chemistry support majors in Biology, Physics, and Exercise Science.
A new program in Environmental Policy and Science (EPS) has been established at McDaniel. This program offers opportunities to major in policy-based, biology-based, and chemistry-based programs or to minor in EPS. Further information is available form the College Catalog or through the EPS faculty.
Back to Top
Print-Friendly Page
Email a Friend