Embark on an academic journey as a Chemistry major at Bethany, where you’ll delve into the captivating realms of analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry. This comprehensive chemistry program, guided by Christian principles, serves as a stepping stone for your aspirations for graduate programs or careers within pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmentalism. In Bethany’s state-of-the-art chemistry labs, you’ll not only unravel the mysteries of chemical reactions but also explore the profound connections between young earth creationism and the intricacies of the molecular world.
At Bethany, dedicated professors and students collaboratively engage in the pursuit of knowledge, examining the structure, composition, and properties of matter. As a Christian Chemistry major, students not only acquire technical expertise but also ponder the profound questions about the sustainability of life. The study of chemical phenomena, including the dynamic interplay of analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry, unveils God’s intentional design of creation, particularly evident on the molecular level of life processes. Join us in this transformative journey where your passion for Christian science meets the boundless possibilities of chemistry, a future enriched with purpose and discovery.
Chemistry Facilities
Housed in the Meyer Hall of Science and Mathematics, the chemistry department contains an extensive inventory of modern, state-of-the-art instrumentation (GC-MS, GC-FID, FT-IR, HPLC, UV/Vis, etc.) with which our students are able to reinforce theoretical studies of chemical phenomena with first-hand observations in the laboratory. The small size of classes and labs allows students to gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment much sooner than is typically possible at larger institutions.
Research
A key feature of Bethany’s chemistry program is the opportunity to engage in active research with a faculty mentor. The undertaking of a research project serves to bring together the ideas introduced in many courses while developing practical skills needed to pursue a career in a research field. The research, which may be done over several semesters and summers, culminates in a formal report or seminar.
Careers
A graduate of the Bethany Chemistry program might pursue a career in the following areas:
- Forensic Chemist
- Biochemical Consultant
- Chemical Technician
- Crime Lab Analyst
- Environmental Health Specialist
- Occupational Safety Inspector
- Pharmaceutical Specialist
- Research and Development
- Water Quality Analyst
- Pharmacology
- Medical Science Specialist
Chemistry Major Requirements
Following the ACS Guidelines for Undergraduate Professional Education in Chemistry, the following courses are required for the chemistry major. Any chemistry or supporting course requires a minimum grade of “C”.
Core Requirements
Required lower division courses:
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM114 General Chemistry II and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM215 Organic Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM216 Organic Chemistry II and Lab 4 cr.
- MATH151 Calculus I 4 cr.
- MATH152 Calculus II 4 cr.
- PHYS213 General Physics I and Lab 5 cr.
- PHYS214 General Physics II and Lab 5 cr.
Required upper division courses:
- CHEM313 Analytical Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM323 General Biochemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM353 Physical Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
Major Electives
12 credits minimum
- CHEM314 Inorganic Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM324 Advanced Biochemistry 3 cr.
- CHEM354 Physical Chemistry II and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM405 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr.
- CHEM480 Topics in Chemistry and Lab (may be repeated for credit) 1–4 cr.
- CHEM497 Research Arranged (arranged) 1–3 cr.
- CHEM499 Chemistry Internship 1–6 cr.
The Chemistry minor will consist of a required foundation of three lower division chemistry courses and an additional three courses of advanced elective coursework. Any chemistry or supporting course requires a minimum grade of “C”.
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM114 General Chemistry II and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM215 Organic Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
Advanced electives – at least two of the following:
- CHEM313 Analytical Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM314 Inorganic Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM323 General Biochemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM353 Physical Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM405 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr.
- CHEM418 3 cr.
- CHEM480 Topics in Chemistry and Lab 1–4 cr.
At least one of the following science (SCIE) courses:
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the Chemistry major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Contact for more information
Student Stories
Hear from these students of our Chemistry program:
Matthew Schaffer (’10)
Matthew is currently finishing his second year at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado. He will
Kelly Widhammer
Kelly is a Biology major, also seeking minors in Chemistry and Business Administration. Her hometown is Oak Harbor, Washington. Tell
Chemistry Faculty
For more information, see the Chemistry Department.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Noah Gernander MH 309 | Adjunct Faculty | MH 309 | |
| Eric Woller MH 316 507-344-7790 | Professor | MH 316 507-344-7790 | |
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.