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In addition to its own intrinsic value, chemistry has an important bearing on many other areas, including materials, biology, medicine, electronics, and even psychology. Chemical science is inherently experimental, but experiments are carried out within a theoretical framework that helps make sense out of the data and also points the way to new, fruitful areas for investigation.
The Chemistry Department at WPI is deeply committed to the advancement of chemistry while giving attention to the important interactions between chemistry and other disciplines. We attempt to provide all our majors, regardless of career plans, with an exposure to original research so that they can experience the true flavor of chemical science. The department's course and project offerings give students an opportunity to become acquainted with the experimental techniques and sophisticated instrumentation indispensable to the modern chemist. These offerings also provide coverage of the principles which underlie the various branches of chemistry, and allow the student to appreciate the present power and future potential of chemistry.
Chemistry graduates go on to graduate school, medical school, or into industry, government or hospital laboratories, or teaching. Chemistry provides an unusually good background for a wide variety of careers which are not in fields traditionally considered chemistry, but in which the expertise of the chemist is especially important. Examples are oceanography, environmental control, materials science, biology, biochemistry, and mental health. Each year many of the chemistry graduates from WPI go on to graduate school fully supported by teaching assistantships or fellowships. Others have entered medical or dental schools, having satisfied pre-medical requirements by combining biology and biotechnology courses with a chemistry major. Students interested in becoming teachers have done project work that involved classroom teaching in local schools. This has been considered as practice teaching and, in combination with appropriate education courses taken through the Worcester Consortium for Higher Education, has led to the receipt of certification for teaching in Massachusetts.
Minimum Units
Chemistry
=========
1. Mathematics and physics. 2-1/3
2. Chemistry. 4
(Four units of chemistry must be
above the level of general chemistry.
A portion of these four units must
include courses in experimental,
inorganic, organic, and physical
chemistry. At least 2/3 units of courses
in chemistry must be at the 4000 level
or higher.)
3. Distributed among the MQP, the 3-2/3
natural and physical sciences,
computer science, mathematics, and
engineering activities with the
following exception: EE 2000.
The subject of chemistry is divided into the areas of inorganic, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry to aid in the organization and presentation of the subject. Every chemist should have a basic background in each of these areas to serve as a foundation for specialization in any specific area. Since chemistry is basically an experimental science, familiarity with laboratory operations is important both for understanding the subject matter and for developing practical skills needed for project work. Four laboratory courses are designed to fill this need. It is recommended that they be taken in the second year, so the experience they provide can be used in project work in the remaining years.
The following sequence of courses is recommended as providing a basic chemical background in a logical and efficient manner. Specialization in particular areas of interest is best accomplished by the choice of additional courses and projects, generally taken in the third and fourth years.
A three-term sequence (CH 4110, CH 4120, and CH 4130) is designed to develop a sound foundation in biochemistry. Students desiring to do project work with a biochemical emphasis should plan to take this sequence during their junior year.
Term A Term B Term C Term D
FIRST YEAR CH 1010 CH 1020 CH 1030 CH 1040
SECOND YEAR CH 2640 CH 2310 CH 2320 CH 2330 CH 3510 CH 2650 CH 2660 CH 2670
THIRD YEAR CH 3550 CH 3410 CH 3530
One area of special interest in the Chemistry Department is Medicinal Chemistry. Medicinal Chemistry is the application of principles of biology and chemistry to the design and synthesis of new drugs for treatment of various diseases. A medicinal chemist applies knowledge of physiology, biochemistry, and chemistry to solution of health-related problems. A B.S. or M.S. degree in chemistry with a concentration in medicinal chemistry prepares a student for a career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Since chemistry is international in its scope, the ability to consult publications in foreign languages is very useful. German, French, and Russian are most frequently used in this way. Some training in one or more of these languages is strongly recommended. Since most graduate programs include some foreign language requirements, this is especially desirable for students planning to continue in advanced programs.
Students can select project activity in a variety of research programs within the Chemistry Department. These include:
Many students, particularly those interested in physics, chemical engineering, biology, biotechnology, or medicine, should take more advanced courses beyond the introductory sequence. The organic sequence, CH 2310, CH 2320, CH 2330, and CH 2360, is important for students of biology and biotechnology and those dealing with plastics and polymers. Those considering medical schools must at a minimum take CH 2310, CH 2320, and CH 2360 in order to satisfy medical school entrance requirements.
Other advanced chemistry courses will be appropriate as they relate to the student's areas of interest. Advice from members of the chemistry staff and the student's academic advisor should be utilized.