Chemistry
Introduction & Overview
Chemistry is often referred to as the central science. It joins physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and earth and environmental sciences. Chemistry is fundamental to our world. It plays a role in everyone's lives and touches almost every aspect of our existence in some way. Thus, studying chemistry is useful in preparing us for the real world.
While it is obviously important to have a chemistry background if you plan to teach chemistry or to work in the chemical industry, it is also useful for a career in a variety of other fields, including environmental science, biotechnology, medicine, pharmaceutical science, art conservation, forensic science, and patent law. Many students have found that having a chemistry background gives them a distinct advantage in professional programs.
Prospective Chemistry majors should choose a Chemistry faculty member as an academic advisor as soon as possible in order to prepare an appropriate study plan. All Chemistry Majors are required to research a special chemical problem or topic by conducting an in-depth literature review and producing a thesis. Chemistry majors in the Chemistry Honors Program are also expected to participate in a laboratory-based undergraduate research project. Most will fulfill this requirement on campus with a full-time Chemistry faculty member. However, off-campus opportunities may also be available.
The Chemistry laboratories are equipped with an Agilent Technologies 7820A Gas Chromatograph, an Agilent Technologies 5975 series Mass Spectrometer, a Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 FT-IR spectrometer, a Varian 920 Liquid Chromatograph, a Varian Cary 100 Bio UV-VIS spectrophotometer, two Barnstead / Turner SP-830 spectrophotometers, a PicoSpin-45 NMR spectrometer, and an Anasazi 60 MHz NMR spectrometer. Computers are available for computational chemistry and molecular modeling.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Minor
Chemistry
Note: Students who major in Chemistry cannot double major in Biochemistry.
Career Ideas
Food Chemist, Biochemist, Chemistry Professor, Art Conservation Scientist, Doctor, Dentist, Cosmetic Chemist, Environmental Engineer, Forensic Science Technician, Geologist, Hazardous Waste Manager, Nuclear Engineer, Pharmacist, Soil Scientist, and Toxicologist.
Division Chair
Christopher Pappas, 914.323.1276, christopher.pappas@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
Full-Time Faculty
Darlene Gandolfi
Administrative Assistant
Kathleen Mulligan, kathleen.mulligan@mville.edu