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.
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.
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 $5,000 per academic year for and are renewable.
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.
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. You should consult your research adviser prior to submitting documents.
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.
You need to fill out an application form in the Department Office (Signs are usually posted throughout the department for virtual options). 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.
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. Consult 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.
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 first need to meet with those faculty members in the department who are performing research of interest to you and have complete the research syllabus 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 their 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. URTP has information regarding summer internships.