Chemistry

Students who choose to study chemistry at Carthage

• conduct significant research guided by faculty,
• have access to modern equipment and instrumentation,
• have the option to obtain a degree certified by American Chemical Society, and
• join an active community of fellow chemists on campus.

The Chemistry Department prepares students for careers in chemistry; research; medical school; dentistry, veterinary and pharmacy graduate programs; and teaching.

Undergraduate Research

All Chemistry Department faculty at Carthage involve undergraduate students in their research projects. Those projects include quantifying chloride from road salting in nearby water sources, using NMR spectroscopy to study the mechanisms of oxidation reactions, and using NMR spectroscopy to explore model membranes and chiral polymers. Students also conduct independent research during the semester and through such programs as the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience. Student researchers often present their work at the PEW Midstates Consortium Conference and at regional and national American Chemical Society Meetings.

Modern Facilities

Carthage students use modern equipment and instrumentation in their laboratory courses and independent research. Our science labs include gas and high performance liquid chromatography instrumentation, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), a 300 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer, UV and infrared spectrophotometers, an atomic absorption spectrometer, a computation and visualizing laboratory dedicated to scientific computing, and more. Learn more about Carthage chemistry facilities.

ACS-approved Curriculum

The Carthage Chemistry curriculum is approved by the American Chemical Society, which recognizes baccalaureate chemistry programs that are rigorous and broad-based. Carthage chemistry majors can earn a degree certified by the ACS.

Active Community

Carthage chemistry students belong to an active community of chemists. Because classes are small — averaging 19 students — students build relationships with professors and fellow chemistry majors. Students can join the Pre-Health Club or Chemistry Club, and Carthage also has an active chemistry honorary fraternity. The Chemistry club is active in science outreach to area schools, attending regional American Chemistry Society meetings, and planning community-building events in the chemistry department.

Academic Resources

Prospective Students

Research Opportunities

SURE

Summer Undergraduate Research Experience lets students work one-on-one with a faculty mentor.

Student Voices

Chemistry major Corianna Anderson, '10, plans to become a doctor and specialize in obstetrics. Thanks to research opportunities on campus and abroad, she's on her way. Read more.