Chemistry

Professor Charles Taylor, department chair

The Chemistry Department provides its students with a thorough education in the fundamental processes of the chemical world to foster creative and critical thinking. The curriculum introduces students to an understanding of chemical phenomena, structure, properties and transformations at the atomic and molecular levels. A collegial and supportive environment distinguishes the student-faculty interaction in many contexts, including the classroom and laboratory. It is this experience that prepares students for a variety of professional pursuits and enables them to learn beyond the confines of the College throughout their lifetimes and to be constructive and contributing citizens of the community.

The Chemistry Department occupies the well-equipped Seaver Chemistry Laboratory. Students have the opportunity for hands-on experience with modern instrumentation and sophisticated software within the context of their coursework and independent research projects as early as their first year. In addition to extensive instrumentation and computational facilities, other resources for experimental and theoretical work include ready access to the primary chemical literature through online and print holdings in the library of The Claremont Colleges.

The core curriculum for chemistry majors is designed to provide students with technical and analytical skills and the habits of mind necessary for independent research. The capstone experience is the senior thesis, chosen by the student to be either a critical literature review of a significant topic of current interest or based on original research conducted with a faculty member. Both options culminate in an oral presentation and a written thesis. Most majors work with chemistry faculty to fulfill their senior thesis requirement with the experimental research option. The senior thesis underscores the high degree of thought and creativity involved in these studies as they often contribute to peer-reviewed publications in the primary literature.

The Chemistry Major provides a solid foundation for many areas of further study, such as graduate work in chemistry, the life sciences, environmental studies, public health, forensic science and oceanography. It has enabled students to succeed in a variety of professions including education, research, industry, medicine, business and law.

For more information, visit www.chemistry.pomona.edu.

• Chemistry Major
    
• Chemistry Minor
    
• Chemistry Courses
    

Read more about our learning objectives:
www.pomona.edu/administration/academic-dean/learning-objectives