Chemistry at Heidelberg College

Degree Requirements
Faculty
Pre-Health Professions
Research Activities

Why study chemistry?

Chemistry offers a program that meets the needs of students pursuing a variety of study and career options in the chemical sciences. Included are students who: anticipate careers as professional chemists or environmental chemists in industry, government or education; seek thorough and comprehensive pre-professional training for the medical sciences (medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, etc.); plan to engage in secondary science teaching or desire a knowledge of chemistry as a part of their liberal arts experience.

The study of chemistry is intellectually stimulating. As students' chemical skills grow, they become better thinkers and problem solvers and are able to deal with more complex problems that require creative solutions.

What can I do with a degree in chemistry?

Students graduating with a chemistry degree are highly successful in obtaining employment or a graduate position in virtually any field of study.

Employers and graduate schools know that chemistry is one of the most challenging disciplines offered to undergraduate students. It is well known that graduates with a chemistry degree are well-educated and highly motivated citizens.

What's special about Heidelberg's chemistry major?

Our chemistry majors gain a great deal of hands-on experience utilizing a variety of instrumentation such as computer-interfaced microwave reactions, computer-interfaced gas chromatography, infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and ultra-violet/visible spectroscopy.

Our students have the advantage of very small class sizes, allowing for exceptional one-on-one attention and close interaction with the faculty.

You will find that our facilities are second to none. In January 2005, we relocated our chemistry labs to the new, $15 million state-of-the-art Gillmor Science Hall, which contains all of the latest equipment and technology.

What are graduate schools saying about our chemistry program?

We have been told by graduate schools across Ohio to send our graduates to them. Our department has an excellent reputation for preparing our majors well for graduate school.

What are the course requirements of a chemistry major?

A major in chemistry requires 29 semester hours consisting of:

-- General chemistry (CHM 101 and 102)

-- Organic chemistry (CHM 201 and 202)

-- Quantitative analysis (CHM 305)

-- Physical chemistry (CHM 307)

-- One course of your choice (4 credit hours)

-- Senior Seminar (CHM 422)

Additionally, chemistry majors are required to take two semesters of calculus (MTH 222 and 223) and two semesters of general physics.

About the chemistry faculty

The Department of Chemistry has a friendly, enthusiastic and helpful faculty. All of the chemistry faculty members have an open-office policy and welcome student questions and input.

Is Heidelberg right for me?

From its first graduating class of five students in 1854 to its current enrollment of more than 1,500 students in all programs, Heidelberg has always emphasized the individual student as a person of value and potential. Our mission statement makes clear what we seek for you:  

" ... a life of purpose with distinction."

If this sounds like your destination, the 'Berg can get you there.

Sometimes, smaller is better. Because our student-faculty ratio is about 13:1, you will receive more individualized attention in the classroom. It's not unusual for you to get to know your professors - and for them to get to know you - through your involvement in extracurricular activities they may advise. At Heidelberg, you will discover a sense of family and of finding your place. Smaller is better, yes, but that doesn't limit the potential of Heidelberg students. We offer the academic education to serve as a strong foundation for achieving your dreams and a full palette of collegiate experiences - men's and women's sports, theater, music ... a full and active life.

For more information

 Dr. Dan Esterline
Chemistry Department
(419) 448-2015
Email: desterli@heidelberg.edu