Chemistry
Mission Statement:
LaGrange College's Chemistry program exists to support student learning through studies in the field of chemistry, the application of the organized discipline knowledge they gain to solving complex problems and in communicating those solutions. Additional purposes of the program are to provide support to the College and the profession of chemistry through activity in faculty governance functions, professional organizations and scholarship. The program provides majors to prepare students for employment in a chemical field or for further studies in professional or graduate school. Courses provided by the department fulfill the General Education lab science requirement, are cognates for other majors, and meet admission requirements for many professional programs.
Introduction
Chemistry is often referred to as “the central science,” because chemical concepts are used throughout the other sciences. Therefore, in addition to being a major in its own right, the study of chemistry is a part of many curricula. The Department of Chemistry focuses its introductory Chemistry course as an element in a liberal education, a service to other departments, and the beginning of a comprehensive study of chemistry. The department offers B.A. and B.S. majors as well as a minor, which can lead to a variety of future occupations. Students with a major in Chemistry have gone on to traditional pursuits such as graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry, pharmacy, medical school, and law school (patent law and corporate law), as well as becoming laboratory technicians and salespersons in the chemical and related industries.
The B.A. degree offers a broad background in chemistry while allowing ample time for extensive coursework in other fields. The B.A. is appropriate for those interested in one of the medical or law-related professions, teaching, or for students desiring the broadest possible education with an emphasis in natural science. The B.S. programs are designed for those going on to graduate school in a chemically-related field (chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical physics, environmental science, or forensics) or those seeking employment as chemists after graduation. The B.S. degrees are generally more highly valued at professional schools. While the B.S. degree is more demanding of a student’s time, there is sufficient time for electives outside the sciences.
Regardless of the degree pursued in the program, majors are expected to achieve an appropriate level of competency in four major objectives during their undergraduate studies: core topics in chemistry, the language of chemistry, laboratory skills and advanced studies. Each degree has specific outcomes under each of these objectives appropriate to that degree.
Declaration of Major
Before declaring a major in chemistry or biochemistry, a student must have completed the introductory sequence (CHEM 1101, 1102) at LaGrange College with a C or better in each course or demonstrated proficiency by achieving 40th percentile of higher on the ACS Standardized Examination in General Chemistry or the ACS Standardized Examination in Organic Chemistry.
Awards
The CRC Freshman Chemistry Award is awarded annually on Honors Day to the student with the most outstanding achievement in the CHEM 1101-1102 General Chemistry sequence.
The A.M. Hicks Award for outstanding achievement in organic chemistry is awarded annually on Honors Day to the student taking organic chemistry who has attained the most outstanding record. The award is made in honor of Dr. A. M. Hicks, who was a long-time faculty member and chair of the department.
Majors and Minors
Major Minor
B.S. in Chemistry Minor in Chemistry