Chemistry

The chemistry curriculum is designed for students with a wide variety of interests and needs and is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Chemistry students earn a degree that has prepared them for immediate employment as a chemist or for admission to a graduate/professional school.

Chemistry students choose from a variety of introductory and advanced courses, each designed with classroom and lab components that build a strong foundation in modern chemistry techniques and methods.

Student Resources

Student Profile: Sarah Lewicki '21

Major: Chemistry

"I cannot describe the Chemistry Department without the use of the word family. It will not be long into your four years before you are acquainted with all of the faculty in the department; some of my closest relationships are with professors that I have never had a class with. There are so many opportunities that the department has to offer and no matter what path you take, both the faculty and your peers will support you along the way. Whether you are a chemistry major or minor, participating in undergraduate research or attending the ACS club fun Fridays - this community will make you feel at home!"

Meet Our Faculty

Through hands-on lab work and research collaborations with the chemistry faculty, you will gain exciting new knowledge from experts in the discipline. Scroll below to meet our team of scientists, scholars, innovators and above all, dedicated teachers. Meet the entire department >

Chemistry News

Water Quality Solutions

Nardone ’21 on to Syracuse University for Audio Arts

Widing ’22 Earns Research Scholarship to Germany

More Chemistry News

Spotlight: Recent Grad

Ryan Davison '17

Current Position: Ph.D. Candidate, University of California, Irvine

Current Location: Irvine, Calif.

Major: Chemistry

View Full Profile

Sample Courses

Complete Course List

Organic Chemistry I
Discover the structure, mechanism, reactions, synthesis and practical methods for structure determination by studying organic molecules. The lab portion of this course emphasizes learning modern techniques and the identification of compounds using spectroscopic methods.

Pre-Health at HWS

Hobart and William Smith Colleges is an ideal place to prepare for a career in the health professions. Over the past five years our placement rate for medical, dental and veterinary school applicants has exceeded 80%, well above national averages. Many recent graduates are also now successful physical therapists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, and a variety of other clinical practitioners.

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