Build your foundations in chemistry in the classroom, the laboratory and beyond. You will be trained in a curriculum approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society and be well-prepared for immediate employment as a chemist or for admission to graduate or professional school. With the opportunity to earn either a B.A. or a B.S. degree, the chemistry department places a strong emphasis on faculty-student research and encourages all students to discuss the possibility of doing research with a professor.
Scholars & GuidesSolutions for the Future
professor of chemistry christine de denus, marlayna difante '24, tess weber '23
With the help of research funding, de Denus, Difante and Weber have worked on identifying molecular wire candidates that could replace silicon chips.
Chemistry students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in a chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Past examples of Honors projects include:
Kaitlynn A Sockett ’20: The Synthesis of Novel 3,4-Bisindole Furanone Analogs of Staurosporinone Erin T. Pelkey, Adviser
Peter A. Banks ’18:Development of the Synthesis and Purification of Precursors for Potential Anticancer Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors Justin Miller, Adviser
Sophia J. Melvin ’18: “Developing Synthetic Routes Towards Novel 3-Aryl-4-indolyl-furan-2-ones” Erin Pelkey, Adviser
Educate policy makers about the effects humans have on local plant life or build on research you start in the classroom with local, national or international organizations.
At Hobart and William Smith, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.
Study molecular chemistry in Australia or nanoscience in South Africa.
Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.
Launched in 2021, the STEM Scholars program offers opportunities for academic support and financial aid to underrepresented students in science and mathematics programs.
Grow your understanding of chemistry to take on the challenges of today and create the solutions of tomorrow.
CHEM 240 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I
Gain the fundamentals in the study of organic molecules, in addition to structure, mechanism, reactions, synthesis, and practical methods for structure determination.
CHEM 302 FORENSIC SCIENCE
Explore the scientific concepts and technologies that are used in solving crimes.
CHEM 448 BIOCHEMISTRY I
As the first of a two-part course, develop your understanding of the structure, function, and physical properties of biological macromolecules.
At HWS, you’ll study chemistry with some of the best equipment available, and that’s not just our word.
Rosenberg Hall, where the chemistry department is located, was described “among the best – if not the best-designed undergraduate science teaching-learning, research facilities we have ever seen” by The Council on Undergraduate Research.
Between Rosenberg Hall and adjoining Lansing Hall, there are six instructional labs, five student-faculty research laboratories, three instrument rooms, a prep room, chemical storage rooms and a computer lab.
Additionally, you can study chemistry on the water aboard the William Scandling research vessel and make use of equipment like a high-resolution sub bottom profiler, side-scan sonar and current meters.
With the help of chemistry faculty, Sherry was able to take her knowledge beyond the classroom, completing internships and finding her passion in chemical engineering. Zhang’s leadership experiences on campus helped her land those internships and become a competitive graduate candidate at Brown University.