Program Description

Chemistry occupies a central position in the modern sciences, influencing nearly every aspect of human enterprise, from agriculture, industry, and medicine to theoretical research on the origin and structure of the universe. It forms not only a basis for understanding non-living material systems—its traditional domain—but biological systems and many psychological processes as well. Ultimately, most phenomena in biology, medicine, geology, and environmental sciences can be stated in terms of the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules.

A major in chemistry not only serves students who intend to pursue a career in chemistry; it is also provides a sound foundation for related careers in such fields as medicine and environmental science, teaching, law, business, art conservation, and journalism.

Purchase College offers the BA degree in chemistry. Approximately 60 percent of our alumni go on to graduate school or professional school. Many of our earlier graduates are now successful research scientists in the chemical industry or academia, and some are in management positions. Many other chemistry alumni are now practicing physicians.

Program Faculty

Requirements for the Major

• General Chemistry I & II with lab
• Organic Chemistry I & II with lab
• Chemical Instrumentation and Analytical Methods
• Physical Chemistry I & Lab
• A minimum of 4 credits of advanced chemistry electives, chosen from the following list:
  Physical Chemistry II
  Medicinal Chemistry
  Psychopharmacology
  Bioorganic Mechanisms
  Biochemistry
  Biochemistry Lab
  Special Topics in Chemistry
  Independent Study (upper level)
• Calculus I & II
• Introductory Physics I & II
• Chemistry Junior Seminar
• Chemistry Senior Seminar I & II
• Senior Research Project

Representative Alumni

• John Ambroseo ’83, PhD, University of Pennsylvania; president and CEO, Coherent, Inc.
• Sean M. Casey ’88, PhD, University of Minnesota; associate professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Nevada, Reno
• Peter C. Compo ’81, PhD, City College of New York; senior research scientist, DuPont
• Robert A. Herman ’79, MD, SUNY Buffalo; staff psychiatrist, University of Maryland, College Park, and Anne Arundel Medical Center
• Juan A. March ’85, MD, SUNY Upstate Medical University; professor and chief of the Division of Emergency Medical Services, The Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University
• Peter Powchik ’79, MD, New York University School of Medicine; head of clinical Development and regulatory affairs, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
• Misae Yasumoto ’00, associate scientist, Wyeth Research

For more information, visit the Chemistry site in Academic Programs or e-mail naturalsciences@purchase.edu.

Updated June 6, 2011

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