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Chemistry

Frequently Asked Questions

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Spelman College Chemistry Department

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for the chemistry department at Spelman College. Here, we aim to provide clear and concise answers to some of the most common questions we receive from prospective and current students, parents, and community members. Whether you're looking for information on our academic programs, research opportunities, faculty expertise, or departmental resources, you'll find valuable insights here.

At Spelman College, our Chemistry Department is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can excel academically and grow as scientists and leaders. We offer a rigorous curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant research culture that prepares our students for successful careers in chemistry and related fields.

If you have additional questions that are not addressed here, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to assist you and provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your education and future.

Explore our FAQs below to learn more about the exciting opportunities that await you in Spelman's chemistry department.

Department Contact Info

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center Rooms 343-347
350 Spelman Lane, S.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30314

404-270-5744
elements@spelman.edu

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

When is it Recommended to go to Summer School?

How Often Should I See My Adviser?

You will meet with your adviser for early registration and at least two other times for formal meetings during your first year and for early registration each semester as an upperclassman up until your senior year.  If you have any questions about requirements or if you have other academic or personal problems, your adviser is someone you can always go to for advice.

Should I Get Involved in Student Activities as a First-year Student?

It is usually suggested that first-year students keep extracurricular activities to a minimum.  It is important to develop good time management skills and build a solid GPA foundation the first year.  Once you are comfortable with college life and studies, feel free to join in on campus activities.

Can I Major in Chemistry and Minor in Biochemistry or Vice Versa?

Spelman College does not allow a student to have a major and a minor in the same department.

Are There any Scholarships for Chemistry Majors?

Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors may apply to the ACS Scholars Program.  Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need to students committed to pursuing graduate studies or who are intending a career in the chemical industry.  Awards are up to $3,000 per academic year for and are renewable. 

Visit:  www.chemistry.org for more information.

Another scholarship that is available is the Development Fund for Black Students in Science and Technology (DFBSST.)  Scholarships ($500-$2,000) are offered yearly to two students in the sciences based on academic achievement and financial need.  Visit the Department Chair for more information.  Research programs also offer stipends to student trainees.

If I Don’t do well on my First Test in a Course, Should I Drop the Class?

The first thing to do is speak to the instructor to discuss learning strategies. The Learning Resources Center can help determine your best way of learning and whether you have test anxiety. The councilors there are also available to assist with improving time management skills. Your course instructor or academic advisor can give you suggestions and assist you in setting up meetings with individuals who can help.

If I Don’t Pass a Chemistry Course, Should I Change my Major?

Not necessarily. If you really enjoy studying chemistry, by all means, stay in the major. Perhaps you just need to work on study habits or improve your time management skills. There is typically time to “catch up” if you have any setbacks. It is also possible to change from one option to another within the department, if desired. Once again, your adviser can help.

If I Sign up for a Research Course, how Many Hours a Week will I be Spending in the Lab?

If you sign up for research hours, 1 credit hour translates to 3 actual hours of research. Most training programs require 10 hours of research per week. If you are in the Honors Program, you are required to sign up for 8 total credit hours of research (including senior thesis). If you do not have the necessary hours in your schedule each week that allow for research in the lab, your research adviser can determine whether some hours might be spent on literature searching or in preparation of papers/presentations. This will be left up to the discretion of the research adviser.

Will I Have the Chance to Give a Presentation on Any Research That I Have Done?

We strongly encourage giving research presentations and offer opportunities to do so. If you are in a research training program, you will most likely have travel funds and can go to a scientific meeting as suggested by your research adviser. If you have no travel funds, there is the chance to present at Spelman College’s Annual Research Day held each spring.

Is it Possible for me to Graduate Early?

If you enter the college with advanced placement credits and/or place into higher level language and math classes, it is certainly possible to graduate a semester early. You may still participate in commencement ceremonies with your class in May.

Can I March at Graduation if I Haven't Completed all of my Chemistry Requirements?

You can have up to two courses that you need to complete for graduation and still be able to march with your class. You will need to fill out a Petition to March form (available from the Dean’s office) and have it signed by the department chair.

What are the Qualifications for Serving as a Tutor, Lab Assistant, etc.?

You need to fill out an application form in the Department Office. Faculty members who you have designated as being able to give you a recommendation will be contacted. A decision will be made based on your recommendations and the number of slots available in a given semester. 

These are paid positions and working in the department is a great way of earning some extra money while being on campus.  Don’t forget that those students wanting departmental honors must serve the department in one of these positions.

When is it Recommended to go to Summer School?

If you did not place out of the first year of foreign language or placed into a lower level math class than you anticipated, summer school might be an option. It is best to attend summer school the summer between the first and sophomore years if taking these lower level courses.

If you need to repeat a Chemistry course or higher level cognate course, it might be necessary to take a summer school course at a later time. Go to your adviser for guidance in selecting summer school courses. It is usually suggested that students reserve the summers before the junior and senior years for internships or training programs, if possible. Remember that the College only accepts a maximum of 16 credit hours from summer study.

Can I Work on a Research Project During the Academic Year or Summer Even if I’m not in a Program?

Biochemistry majors and those wishing to obtain ACS-certification are required to perform research. If you are in a research training program, you will be required to work on a project either with a faculty member in the department or off campus. If you wish to sign up for a research course within the department, you will need to meet with those faculty members in the department who are performing research of interest to you and have them sign a Research Form indicating that you have spoken with them.

You may then be accepted into an available spot in a laboratory. If research is not required for graduation or for a program, you may still be able to work with a faculty member on a project if there is room in her/his lab. If you are not required to perform research during the academic year and feel that your course load is such that you cannot take the time to perform research, you are encouraged to seek research experiences through internships during the summers. OSETC has information regarding summer internships.

Can I Study Abroad if I’m a Chemistry Major?

Although difficult, it has been done. It is easier if you are studying abroad for a semester instead of a year. It can be difficult to find the equivalent chemistry courses at a university in another country, but the department will work with you to determine what courses can be taken.

To find out more information, contact the Study Abroad Program. In addition, the G-STEM Program supports students performing research abroad.