Chemistry
major, minor
State-of-the-Art and Down to Earth
As a Chemistry major at Saint Michael’s, you’ll get access: access to engaged professors and a supportive environment in our small classes, access to multi-million dollar lab equipment where you can run experiments like a professional chemist; access to valuable work experience.
You’ll get so much more than a science degree at Saint Michael’s. You’ll gain skills like writing and presenting that will help you become a well-rounded scientist, ready to tackle the job market or grad school.
Inside Look
Curriculum
As a Chemistry student, you’ll get the background you need with science and math courses, and take Organic Chemistry in your first year so you can start doing research sooner. You will go on to further study in areas like:
- Inorganic chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Chemical instrumentation
- Thermodynamics
- Kinetics
- Quantum chemistry and spectroscopy
- The structure and formation of coordination compounds
- Group theory
- Major categories of structures that make up biological systems (including peptides/proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids)
- Chemical instrumentation used to study the structure and function of molecules
Our upper-level courses typically have 10 or fewer students, providing you with individualized attention in each class.
You may also have the opportunity to work in funded research, work for the Chemistry department as a prep student, teaching assistant, research assistant, or tutor, get 1-on-1 training with Saint Michael’s faculty, and travel to national meetings to present your research. As part of your Senior Seminar, you will research a chemistry topic of your choosing in great depth.
Sample Courses
- Concepts in Chemistry
- Chemistry Magic
- Math Skills and Problem Solving for Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Comprehensive Biochemistry
- Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Highlight
Alumni Profile
St. Mike's Alumnus at NASA
Careers
Because of the opportunities you’ll have to do research, work in the Chemistry department, present at conferences, and many other experiences, you will graduate from Saint Michael’s with both strong scientific knowledge and the ability to communicate and present your ideas. This makes you an ideal candidate for jobs in your desired field. About one half of our graduates immediately join the workforce in medicine, nursing, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, or other chemical related fields while another 50% of students continue their studies in graduate or medical schools.
Our Chemistry graduates have job titles such as:
- Scientist in Engineered Cells
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Associate Director of Process Chemistry at pharmaceutical company
- Veterinarian
- RN/Charge Nurse
Faculty
Contact
Shane Lamos
Director and Professor of Chemistry
Cheray Hall 216, Box 352
slamos@smcvt.edu
802.654.2842
Ready to take the next step?
Learning and exciting opportunities await you at Saint Michael’s College.