CHEM 250
PLSInorganic Chemistry
Investigate the structure and properties of inorganic substances while contributing to a rigorous research project that aims to produce results of sufficient quality and quantity suitable for publication.
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Take matter into your own hands.
Majoring in chemistry at Clark puts the physical makeup of our world — from nanoparticles to DNA and the elements on the periodic table — under your microscope and into your hands. You’ll engage in research as early as your first year and collaborate on new discoveries with leading professors in the field.
Chemistry requires a sense of adventure; as you explore the hidden structure and properties of matter, you’ll learn what the world is made of — not to mention what you’re made of. Through hands-on learning, lab work, and internship experiences, you’ll emerge with a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry, prepared for an adventurous and rewarding career.
Chemistry
CHEM 250
PLSInvestigate the structure and properties of inorganic substances while contributing to a rigorous research project that aims to produce results of sufficient quality and quantity suitable for publication.
CHEM 258
Use diffraction and scattering techniques (including small angle and quasi-elastic neutron scattering) to investigate the structure and properties of a variety of biochemical, inorganic, and organic materials.
BCMB 237
Explore how currently available drugs interact with biological systems at the molecular level to combat a range of infections and diseases, and read journal articles to see examples of drug development research.
BCMB 279
Gain experience using software packages to analyze chemical and biochemical systems retrieval, such as analysis of DNA and protein sequence information, and simulations of protein dynamics and ligand binding.
As a chemistry major, you will select one of two tracks based on your career goals:
For your first two years, requirements are identical for the two tracks.
All students are required to take two courses each in calculus and physics. (If you’re planning to go on to graduate school, we strongly urge you to take additional advanced courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biochemistry while at Clark.) You’ll also be required to demonstrate competence in communicating chemical concepts (for example, through reports based on research in the chemical literature, Academic Spree Day or Fall Fest presentations, directed study papers, honors theses, or publications), as well as take a standardized undergraduate chemistry knowledge diagnostic exam before graduation.
Tutoring in chemistry is available, free of charge, five days a week.
If you’re considering a career teaching chemistry at the high school level, we encourage you to check out the Noyce Scholarship program. A robust Prehealth Advising Program is available if you’re interested in pursuing a career in the health professions.
American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry
The American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry is awarded to an outstanding student who has displayed an interest and aptitude for analytical chemistry.
The American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry
The American Chemical Society Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry is awarded to an outstanding student who has displayed an interest and aptitude for physical chemistry.
American Chemical Society, Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry
The American Chemical Society, Division of Organic Chemistry Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry recognizes a senior who displays a significant aptitude for organic chemistry.
American Chemical Society, Division of Inorganic Chemistry Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry
The American Chemical Society, Division of Inorganic Chemistry Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry recognizes a senior who displays a significant aptitude for inorganic chemistry.
American Institute of Chemists Foundation Student Award
The American Institute of Chemists Foundation Student Award is awarded to one chemistry and one biochemistry and molecular biology senior for outstanding records of achievement.
Chemical Rubber Company Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award
The Chemical Rubber Company Press Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award, sponsored by the Taylor & Francis Group, is awarded in recognition of a student’s outstanding academic achievement in chemistry.
Organic Chemistry Prize
The Organic Chemistry Prize is awarded to an undergraduate student for his/her outstanding performance in organic chemistry.
Wen-Yang Wen Award for Excellence in Physical Chemistry
The Wen-Yang Wen Endowed Prize for Excellence in Chemistry was established by the family and friends of Weng-Yeng Wen to honor his retirement as a professor at Clark University. The income from this endowment is used to provide a prize for an outstanding upperclassman studying chemistry or biochemistry.
Skills you will learn include how to:
Learn about our facilities and equipment available for teaching and research, and the resources at Clark’s Carlson Science Library.
During your junior year, you might be accepted into the chemistry honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors thesis topics are:
Building your foundation
The Clark Core allows students to take courses across diverse disciplines, helping them develop critical thinking skills and respect for other cultures and perspectives. You’ll connect classroom learning with action through world and workplace experiences.