Major Map: B.S. Chemistry
Chemistry is important, both as an area in liberal education and as a professional field. Fisk's Chemistry undergraduate program is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society (ACS) -- a rare accomplishment for small institutions.
The Chemistry Department offers both undergraduate and graduate programs (See, School of Graduate Studies, Chemistry) . The department's undergraduate offerings are designed to be serve three types of students: those who intend to pursue chemistry as a profession or to do graduate work in chemistry; those who need training in chemistry as part of their preparation for professional fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, and secondary school teaching; and those who wish a knowledge of chemistry as part of a liberal education. Students intending to major in chemistry should consult with a member of the chemistry faculty regarding a program of study.
Departmental honors in Chemistry are awarded to exceptional graduating seniors. In addition to Fisk University's requirement for a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.3 in Chemistry courses, Chemistry majors must also have participated in Senior Research in CHEM 355 and/or 356 and must be examined on an Honors Thesis based on this research.
The Chemistry Department has the following goals and objectives:
- To provide a challenging curriculum with effective methods for teachers to teach and students to learn chemistry.
- To prepare students for graduate study, professional training or careers in industry, education and government through study and research.
Students who complete the chemistry major will be able to demonstrate:
- Working knowledge of chemistry, including inorganic, organic, physical, analytical and biochemistry, in chemistry topics and research concepts.
- Knowledge of the integration of chemistry with other sciences and in everyday life. This objective will be accomplished through participation in interdisciplinary projects performed during and outside of class.
- Practice and knowledge of technical and safety skills in the laboratory that will increase the awareness of chemistry in everyday life.