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Spelman chemistry labA Vibrant Learning Community

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry seeks to establish itself as a benchmark in the discipline, serving as a model for educating and training undergraduate students in the chemical sciences within a liberal arts context.

The department strives to create a vibrant learning community focused on promoting academic excellence, research training and scientific discovery as well as lifelong learning.

It is united in its vision of providing the best possible learning environment for our students that develops their intellectual, ethical, social consciousness and leadership potential and produces graduates who are well prepared for graduate school, professional school, and future careers. A student who has successfully completed courses in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry will . . .

  1. Be able to develop and apply critical thinking and scientific reasoning skills toward problem-solving
  2. Be able to develop and apply chemical techniques while engaged in scientific investigations
  3. Demonstrate how to thoroughly search, analyze, and apply scientific literature
  4. Demonstrate their scientific knowledge through effective oral and written communication

Chemistry Course Sequences (PDF)       AUC Advanced Chemistry Courses (PDF)

Major Requirements

Biochemistry, Dual Degree Engineering Majors

Ten (10) lecture courses in the content area are required of all majors, not including seminar, research, and laboratory courses. Seven laboratory courses in the content area are required.

Courses in the department typically meet four hours a week with laboratory course being 1 credit hour and lecture courses being 3 to 4 credit hours per semester. Most lectures and laboratories are separate courses. Courses with laboratories are typically four total credit hours per semester.

The department offers five chemistry options. All options require two semesters of General Chemistry with lab, two semesters of Organic Chemistry with lab, two Advanced Chemistry electives, and a Senior Undergraduate Seminar in Chemistry. To fulfill the prerequisite requirements, the student must complete the course with a grade of a “C” or higher. Successful completion of all chemistry courses with no grade less than “C” is required for graduation as a chemistry or biochemistry major.

Other required science cognate courses (physics, math, biology) must be completed with no grade less than “C.” Support (cognate) courses include a minimum of two semesters of Calculus and two semesters of Physics (with lab); additional support courses are required for Dual Degree Engineering.

All chemistry majors are encouraged to take additional mathematics and physics courses, especially for students interested in graduate school in physical or analytical chemistry. Undergraduate research is strongly recommended for all chemistry majors. Transfer or equivalent chemistry course credit will be granted only upon the approval of the department.

Learn More About Employability Options

 

Major Cognate Courses

PHY 151, 241; MATH 231, 232 for all tracks.

BIO 115, 120 are required for biochemistry majors and recommended for students who plan to enter professional health and allied health programs. 

Minor Requirements

Biochemistry Minor

The minor in biochemistry consists of 26 hours.

Required Courses
General Chemistry 111, 112, 111L, 112L (two semesters, with laboratory)
Organic Chemistry 231, 232, 233L, 234L (two semesters, with laboratory)
Biochemistry 311, 312, 313L (two semesters, with one semester of laboratory)

Chemistry Minor

The minor in chemistry consists of 25 hours.

Required Courses
CHE 111, 112, 111L, 112L General Chemistry (two semesters, with laboratory)
CHE 231, 232, 233L, 234L Organic Chemistry (two semesters, with laboratory)
CHE 345 Physical Chemistry (first semester, no lab)

Advanced Chemistry Elective (one semester, with its corresponding laboratory).
CHE 301, 301L Analytical Chemistry
CHE 311, 313L Biochemistry
CHE 421, 421L Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 496, 496L Instrumental Analysis

All chemistry core courses must be taken initially at Spelman College. Students may repeat one lower level core course (100-200 level) and repeat one upper level core course (300-400) at another institution. Successful completion of these courses with no grade less than “C” is required for graduation as a biochemistry or chemistry minor.

Forms, Policies and Procedures

Contact Us

Phone
404-270-5744

Email
elements@spelman.edu

Campus Locations
Albro-Falconer-Manley Science Center
Rooms 343-347 (3rd floor)

Mailing Address
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Spelman College
Box 1134
350 Spelman Lane, SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

Fax
404-270-5752

What Can I do With This Major

  • Pharmacist Pharmacologist
  • Physician Dentist
  • Veterinarian Researcher
  • Educator Criminologist
  • Dietician Geneticist
  • Chemical Engineer Industrial Hygienist
  • Journal Editor Book Publisher
  • Scientific Consultant Film Consultant
  • Neuroscientist Aesthetician Visual
  • Communications OphthalmologistPathologist Inventor
  • Investment Banker Nutritionist
  • Food and Drug Inspector Food and Drug Analyst
  • Engineer Lawyer
  • Museum Curator Art Conservationist
  • Government Advisor Pyrotechnician
  • Librarian Federal Agent
  • Toxicologist
  • Patent Examiner
  • Fields in Chemistry
  • Aerospace Food
  • Pharmaceuticals Textile and Fashion
  • Agricultural Forensics
  • Cosmetic Environmental Concerns
  • Energy Alternative Fuels
  • Biotechnology Advertising
  • Public Health Information Technology 

Spelman College alumna and chemistry professor Krishna Foster, Ph.D., C’92, has been recognized among “100 Inspiring Women in STEM” by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine for encouraging and inspiring young women to pursue careers in science. An advocate for women and minorities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, Foster is featured in the September issue of the publication.

"An atmospheric chemist, Dr. Foster is well-known for leading diverse teams of undergraduate and graduate students in research and guiding their intellectual, professional and personal development. Beyond the classroom and lab, she serves as associate director of Cal State, L.A. Minority Opportunities Research programs designed to prepare underrepresented minority students for Ph.D. studies. Many of the students in the program have gone on to receive a Ph.D. and now mentor other young scientists," reports INSIGHT.

After earning her B.S. degree in chemistry from Spelman College in 1992 and graduating magna cum laude, Foster decided that she wanted to study environmental chemistry. She continued her education at the University of Colorado at Boulder where she earned her Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry in 1998. 

Learn More About Dr. Foster

Our History

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  was a merged department with the department of Morehouse College from 1969-1977.  In the spring of 1977, due to enrollment pressure at both schools, the respective administrations agreed to dissolve the merger. 
The department was officially established in 1977.
In June 2004, the Department submitted its curriculum for certification to the  American Chemical Society (ACS)  and was awarded approval in Spring 2005. To date, the Department has grown to include five majors options: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemistry-ACS certification, Chemistry-Teaching certification, and Chemistry-Dual Degree.

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