Chemistry
“Chemistry is a substantial science by the measures of industry, economics, and politics. As an academic discipline, it underlies the vibrant growth of molecular biology, materials science, and medical technology. Although not the youngest of sciences, its frontiers continue to expand in remarkable ways. And although it shares boundaries with every other field of science, it has an autonomy, both methodologically and conceptually.”—Of Minds and Molecules: New Philosophical Perspectives on Chemistry, Nalini Bhushan and Stuart Rosenfeld, editors (Oxford University Press, 2000).
Announcements
Chemistry Seminars and Lectures
Chemists and biochemists from around the country present their current research. Check out a list of our speakers and the schedule on our events calendar. The department of biological sciences and the biochemistry program also host seminars and lectures, many of them chemical in nature. Visit their web pages for details.
Chemistry Lunchbags
During the academic year every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m., students and faculty get together for an informal presentation of their independent research projects. The schedule may be found on the events calendar.
Student Liaisons
Seniors: (Majors) Gladys Batista, Emily Kish, Avery Cook and Emily Swindell (Non-major)
Juniors: (Majors) Eleanor Fairbanks, Breanna Sprague, Nova Zhang and Varshini Anand (Non-major)
Chemistry Honors info and dates
At this link, please find the application instructions and important dates for 2023-24 CHM Honors. This is for students graduating in May 2024. If you intend to apply for Honors, be advised that the application deadlines are very early in the Fall semester. Get started asap!
- Ability to “tell a good story” about chemistry
- Read/write a scientific paper
- Design experiments
- Interpret data
- Transfer knowledge between discrete course units
- Authentic engagement with learning/exploration
- Information literacy (chemistry-specific)
- Thirty-four different desired areas of content mastery
Requirements
The chemistry major offers a variety of possibilities. Basic requirements include the following courses (many of them have mandatory accompanying labs):
- CHM 111/111L and CHM 224/224L (or CHM 118/118L) (General Chemistry)
- CHM 222/222L (Organic I)
- Three out of the following four courses: CHM 331 (Physical Chemistry I), CHM 332 (Physical Chemistry II), CHM 223/223L (Organic II) or CHM 363 (Advanced Inorganic)
- Two out of the following three lab courses: CHM 326 (Synthesis & Structural Analysis), CHM 336 (Light & Chemistry) or CHM 346 (Environmental Analytical Chemistry)
- Additional courses to bring the total number to 10. These can be selected from courses noted above, from other chemistry electives (at or above the 300 level), from independent research (up to one course only), or from BCH 252 (Biochemistry I), BCH 352 (Biochemistry II) PHY 327 (Quantum Mechanics), PHY 319 (Thermal Physics) or GEO 301 (Aqueous Geochemistry).
Special Issues
CHM 118 can be taken in lieu of CHM 111 and CHM 224. Consult a chemistry adviser before enrolling in CHM 118. The mathematics prerequisite for CHM 331 is MTH 112. It is recommended that students take PHY 117 and MTH 212 (or PHY 210) before CHM 331. Special Studies (CHM 400 and 400D) are offered S/U only.
The chemistry minor combines a sequential introduction to basic concepts in chemistry with additional experience practicing chemistry in a laboratory setting. You also get an opportunity to study a specific subfield of chemistry in greater depth.
You must complete five courses in chemistry, including the core introductory sequence: 111/111L, 222/222L and 224/224L (or 118/118L and 222/222L) and one additional course with a laboratory component (223/223L, 332, 326, 336 or 346).
The remaining courses may be chosen from CHM courses at the 300 level or BCH 252 or BCH 352.
Honors Director
Andrew Berke
430d Thesis: 8 credits, full-year course; offered each year
432d Thesis: 12 credits, full-year course; offered each year
Requirements
Same as for the major, with the addition of a research project in the senior year culminating in a written thesis and an oral presentation. Faculty members will question honors students about their research.
To enter the honors program, you must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Students may apply no earlier than the end of the second semester junior year and no later than the beginning of first semester senior year.
Visit the Class Deans' website to learn more about the honors program, deadlines and applying. Application forms and a project proposal must be submitted to the chemistry honors director for approval by the department.
Evaluation
The final honors designation (Highest Honors, High Honors, Honors, Pass or Fail) will be based upon evaluation of the written thesis (50%), oral presentation (20%) and the GPA in the major (30%).
Deadlines
See the deadlines for 2023-24 Honors theses.
If you have questions regarding the honors program or deadlines, please contact Andrew Berke.
To graduate from Smith with a certification from the American Chemical Society, you must satisfy the following five requirements:
- Complete CHM 111/111L and CHM 224/224L (or CHM 118/118L)
- Take courses in each of the five major areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical. To satisfy this requirement you would take:
- Analytical: two out of three from CHM 326, CHM 336 and CHM 346
- Biochemistry: BCH 252
- Inorganic: CHM 363
- Organic: CHM 222/222L
- Physical: CHM 332
- Include a minimum of at least 12 semester hours of in-depth coursework. This is satisfied by taking four courses from the following list: BCH 352, CHM 223/223L, CHM 321, CHM 328, CHM 331, CHM 338, CHM 369.
- Have a total of 400 hours of laboratory experience. This can be achieved at Smith in many ways. A typical example is taking the general chemistry course, the required organic course and the two lab courses required for the chemistry major, which totals 215 hours. Two other courses with labs within your program and a one-semester special studies will give you more than 400 lab hours.
- Math and physics requirements include MTH 111 and MTH 112 or MTH 114. You will also need PHY 117 and PHY 118 and the accompanying labs.
Possible Schedule for Certification
Note that many of the courses can be taken at different times than given here; this is one possible choice.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (with lab) | CHM 223 (with lab) |
| CHM 222 (with lab) | CHM 224 (with lab) |
| MTH 111 | CHM 326 (with lab) |
| MTH 112 | PHY 117 (with lab) |
| PHY 118 (with lab) | |
| Third Year | Fourth Year |
| CHM 331 | CHM 400/430 (with lab) |
| CHM 363 | CHM 332 (with lab) |
| CHM 336 (elective; with lab) | CHM 430 (with lab) |
| CHM elective | CHM elective |
| BCH 252 |
Please check the course catalog for up-to-date information. Under Academic Programs select Chemistry.
You can also see the Five College course schedule.
The following example shows one possible major pathway fulfilling minimum requirements for a major.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (required; with lab) | CHM 224 (required; with lab) |
| CHM 222 (required; with lab) | CHM 223 (optional; with lab) |
| CHM 326 (elective; with lab) | |
| Third Year | Fourth Year |
| CHM 331 (optional) | CHM 363 (optional) |
| CHM 332 (optional; with lab) | Two CHM electives |
| CHM 346 (elective; with lab) | |
| CHM 336 (elective; with lab) |
There are many possibilities for a major. For various career objectives it may be useful to take additional courses. Please discuss this with your adviser. Here are some example majors for a student who:
- plans on a profession in chemistry.
- wants to fulfill medical school requirements.
- is interested in a career in environmental chemistry.
- doesn't start the chemistry program until her second year.
- wishes to spend her junior year away.
Schedule for a Professional Chemist
Note that the courses in the junior and senior years can be taken in many different arrangements from that given here; this is one possible choice.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (with lab) | CHM 223 (with lab) |
| CHM 222 (with lab) | CHM 224 (with lab) |
| CHM 336 (with lab) | |
| Third Year | Fourth Year |
| CHM 331 | CHM 346 (with lab) |
| CHM 363 | CHM 332 (with lab) |
| CHM 338 | CHM 430 (with lab) |
| CHM 326 (with lab) | CHM 430 (with lab) |
Schedule in Preparation for Medical School
Consult with an adviser about the many possibilities here. You can also consult prehealth advising.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (with lab) | CHM 223 (with lab) |
| CHM 222 (with lab) | CHM 224 (with lab) |
| CHM 326 (with lab) | |
| BCH 252 | |
| Third Year | Fourth Year |
| CHM 331 | CHM 336 (with lab) |
| CHM 363 | CHM 430 (with lab) |
| BCH 352 |
Environmental Chemistry
Some of the public policy courses in the environmental sciences minor might be of interest; talk with an adviser.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (with lab) | CHM 224 (with lab) |
| CHM 222 (with lab) | CHM 336 (with lab) |
| Third Year | Fourth Year |
| CHM 346 (with lab) | CHM 331 |
| CHM 332 (with lab) | CHM 363 |
| GEO 301 (with lab) | CHM 430 (with lab) |
| CHM 430 (with lab) |
Sophomore Year Start
A chemistry program is relatively easy to start even after one year without chemistry.
| Second Year | Third Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (with lab) | CHM 223 (with lab) |
| CHM 222 (with lab) | CHM 224 (with lab) |
| BCH 252 | |
| Fourth Year | |
| CHM 331 | |
| CHM 332 (with lab) | |
| CHM 346 (with lab) | |
| CHM 336 (with lab) | |
| CHM 321 |
Junior Year Away
Planning ahead is crucial to doing a junior year abroad.
| First Year | Second Year |
|---|---|
| CHM 111 (with lab) | CHM 223 (with lab) |
| CHM 222 (with lab) | CHM 224 (with lab) |
| Third Year | Fourth Year |
| Elective Abroad | CHM 331 |
| CHM 363 | |
| CHM 346 (with lab) | |
| CHM 326 (with lab) |
Faculty
Emeriti
Research
Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty, as part of the STEM team at Smith, are undertaking a variety of research projects that are amenable to undergraduate participation. Undergraduate research can be done by students at all levels, as special studies, honors or summer research. It can also come in the form of shadowing or volunteering in a lab if you are not sure if research is for you, or if you have not had many chemistry classes yet.
If you are interested in doing research with us, you should start by reviewing the Faculty Research Interests section on this page and by attending any of the many faculty research talks presented during Chemistry lunch bags. Contact the faculty whose general research is of interest to find out about specific opportunities.
During the academic year, you will have to submit a Chemistry department application, in which you will be asked to describe your research interests and the labs you would be interested in working with (if any in particular).
All applications will be reviewed the semester prior to starting research and a research “match” will be suggested. While we would love to give all interested students a research opportunity, we only have so much space. So, if you don't get matched to a specific lab the first time, we invite and encourage you to submit another form the following semester!
Watch out for application deadlines (usually late November for the Spring semester and late April for the following Fall)
Summer research opportunities are organized separately via the SURF program and include funding. Consult the Summer Research Opportunities section in this page for specific details about this program.
For an overall description of STEM research at Smith you can explore this webpage.Andrew Berke
Physical and Atmospheric ChemistryMy research focuses on the uptake of small organic molecules into complex (multicomponent) aerosol-mimicking solutions and the optical properties of aerosol particles generated from those complex solutions. The goal is to characterize aerosol optical properties, such as their ability to scatter light, as a function of particle size and chemical composition. The ability of airborne particles to scatter (and absorb) sunlight is one of the least understood parameters affecting net radiative forcing in the atmosphere, which is the technical way of saying either heating (positive forcing) or cooling (negative forcing). One inherent problem is that aerosol composition can be heavily influenced by local emission sources, meaning that a simple model system cannot fully account for regional variability in aerosol optical properties and atmospheric impacts. A way to confront this problem is to systematically tailor aerosol composition and measure its subsequent optical properties. This is the approach my lab takes, using a home-built cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer.
David Bickar
BiochemistryMy research interests have diverged into three distinct areas. The first focuses on the mechanisms of electron transfer and oxygen reduction, the proteins that catalyze these reactions and the cell damage that can ensue when these reactions go wrong. My second area of research is to determine why a small group of structurally similar compounds are selectively toxic to the neurons in one small region of the brain. My last area of study is the design and preparation of self-organizing chemical systems, based on the ligand affinities and coordination properties of metal complexes.
Maren Buck
Organic/Polymer ChemistryMy research interests fall at the intersection of organic chemistry, polymer chemistry and materials science. We use a polymer bearing reactive, azlactone functional groups to assemble multifunctional hydrogels of interest in the contexts of drug delivery, in vitro cell culture, and tissue engineering and regeneration. We are currently developing both complex 2D and 3D hydrogel scaffolds functionalized with a broad range of chemical and biological motifs that can direct the behavior of mammalian cells cultured on these materials. A second major area of research focuses on the use of these azlactone-based polymers as macromolecular drug delivery vehicles. We are fabricating nanoscale polymeric micelles that can be used to deliver chemotherapeutics with control over where and when the drug is released. We are also working in collaboration with Sarah Moore’s lab in engineering to synthesize protein-polymer-drug conjugates that specifically target cancer cells as well as cells at the blood-brain barrier.
David Gorin
Organic and Bioorganic ChemistryMy research interests fall within organic and bio-organic chemistry. Exquisitely selective chemical catalysts and reagents are needed for the modification and functional perturbation of molecules in complex contexts, such as in biological samples. Since chemists have traditionally been concerned with the transformation of a single, pure starting material into a product, few reagents are capable of directing a chemical reaction to one substrate among many. My lab uses tools from synthetic chemistry and molecular biology to develop new reagents for the directed transformation of a target compound in a mixture.
Lesley-Ann Giddings
Natural Products Biochemistry
I am a natural products biochemist interested in: 1) bioprospecting extreme environments (e.g., acid rock drainage) for new bioactive agents produced by microbes; as well as 2) understanding the enzymology behind the assembly of these novel pharmacophores. My lab approaches these problems by using culture-dependent and culture independent methods (i.e., next-generation sequencing) to identify secondary metabolites. We also use basic biochemical techniques, including protein purification and enzyme kinetics, to characterize enzymes involved in secondary metabolic pathways. Current projects include exploring connections between metal resistance genes and biosynthetic gene clusters to find new bioactive secondary metabolites in metal-contaminated environments. We also characterize enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of siderophores, metal-chelating secondary metabolites, that help microorganisms thrive in iron-limiting environments. Characterizing these enzymes is important as they can be: 1) used for biocatalysis; 2) used in the synthesis of clinically approved siderophores and analogs; and 3) exploited as drug targets to prevent the virulence of human pathogens. My lab’s overall goals are to explore connections between the ecology of an environment and bioactivity as well as understand how microbial secondary metabolites are made.
Elizabeth Jamieson
Bioinorganic ChemistryMy research interest is in the field of bioinorganic chemistry. Specifically, my lab is interested in examining how complexes of the transition metal chromium damage DNA. We use differential scanning calorimetry to see how lesions formed by chromium alter the thermodynamic stability of the DNA helix. We are also interested in investigating the structure of some of these lesions using NMR spectroscopy and in seeing how they affect the structure of nucleosomes.
Kate Queeney
Physical ChemistryMy research uses the lens of physical chemistry to study chemical and physical processes that occur on solid surfaces. Our lab’s current focus is on understanding the ways that both surface chemistry (e.g. the functional groups that exist on a surface) and surface topography (the 3-dimensional structure of a surface) influence the interaction of biological entities like bacteria with those surfaces. An initial study, in collaboration with microbiologist Rob Dorit, showed that surface chemistry (hydroxyl groups vs. long alkyl chains) and surface topography (atomically flat vs. covered with 50-100 nm bumps) work in concert to affect the proliferation of biofilm-forming bacteria on silicon-based surfaces. We are now working on ways to increase the range of surface chemistries we can explore in these systems. One approach has been to attempt to selectively functionalize those nanoscale bumps—seeing if we can populate the sides and tops of the bumps with different functional groups. Another approach, this time in collaboration with polymer chemist Maren Buck. is to use polymer films that we can selectively modify to achieve a more continuous range of surface wettability (how hydrophobic the surface is) and ideally to separate out effects of surface wettability and surface charge. Underlying all our work is careful attention to fully characterizing the surfaces we make, using traditional surface science tools to have a deep understanding of the surfaces we make and how they evolve. Sometimes this leads us into productive detours in more fundamental physical chemistry, such as understanding how different two-dimensional patterns of functional groups affect surface wettability, or how nanoscale surface features affect optical measurements on those surfaces. Students in my lab will learn new techniques such as dynamic contact angle goniometry, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy and surface infrared spectroscopy.
Kevin Shea
Organic ChemistryI use organic synthesis to investigate new methods for carbon-carbon bond formation and to develop syntheses of biologically active molecules. Completed research has focused on the application of tandem Nicholas and Pauson-Khand reactions for the synthesis of tricyclic heterocycles. Ongoing research involves expanding the use of cobalt-alkyne complexes in organic synthesis. Our goals are to develop a tandem Diels-Alder/Pauson-Khand protocol for the production of tetracyclic compounds and a method for the synthesis of cyclic alkynes using the Nicholas reaction. An unrelated project involves a collaboration with Steve Williams in the Smith Biology Department which aims to identify natural products as drugs to combat lymphatic filariasis. A new project in the lab is focused on women's health and involves converting tea leaf waste into sustainable materials for the construction of menstrual pads for women who currently don't have reliable access to menstrual supplies.
Alexandra Strom
Mechanistic Study and Catalytic Reaction DevelopmentMy research focuses on the development of new tools for synthetic chemists. The reactions we develop use organic and organometallic chemistry to create more efficient bond-forming reactions that cut out unnecessary steps in synthetic sequences and provide new pathways to complex chemical structures from simple building blocks. One project in my group is to functionalize the alpha position of carbonyl derivatives using iron catalysis. Another project in my group is using pericyclic reactions to build aromatic compounds. Our research uses mechanistic insight to guide discovery of these reactions.
Cristina Suarez
Physical ChemistryMy research interests focus on different areas of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Currently my main area of interest focuses on the application of solution NMR techniques to the analysis of interesting biochemical questions. We are working on the characterization of the structural and kinetic properties of lesioned short DNA structures. My lab uses a variety of NMR experiments (COSY, NOESY, exchange, etc.) to study these properties. We have also recently studied cation (Na+ and K+) transport via natural and synthetic ion transporters/channels. We are currently working on the synthesis of a cyclopeptidic transport system.
Summer Research Opportunities
Each summer Smith’s chemistry department offers a number of positions that let students participate in research in chemistry and biochemistry. To find out more about specific projects and research opportunities in the chemistry department, either:
- Attend one of several chemistry Lunchbag series, offered during the academic year, where faculty present an outline of their research at Smith.
- Directly talk to a faculty member.
Learn more about SURF student opportunities.
Research Experience for Undergraduates
At Smith, undergraduate research is integral to the study of chemistry. You have exciting opportunities to conduct research within the department and during the summer.
Students and faculty use an array of advanced instrumentation for research and in classes. The department houses the following instruments:
- Bruker 300 MHz NMR spectrometer
- Bruker 500MHz NMR spectrometer with four available probes: a 5 mm VT BBO probe, a 5 mm VT TBI probe, a 10 mm VT BBO probe, and a 10 mm probe for selective 19F/1H observation.
- GC-MS
- GC-FID
- FT-IR spectrometer
- UV-VIS spectrometers
- AFM
- Polarimeter
- Atomic absorption spectrometer
- Variable angle ellipsometer
- Zeta PALS particle analyzer
- Contact angle goniometer
- Differential scanning calorimeter
- Nd-YAG pumped dye laser
- EZ-stat potentiostat/galvanostat
- CEM Discover microwave
Extensive additional equipment is maintained in the following core facilities at Smith:
Resources & Lab Safety
Our Mission
At Smith, our mission is to promote a positive culture of safety. On the following link, you will find:
To see full details and practical safety information regarding regular research and instruction, please visit Smith's Research & Instruction Safety website.
The American Chemical Society advocates for the safe practice of chemistry. We follow their guidleines and recommendations. Visit their site to learn about a variety of resources and tools
To Help You In and Out of Class
- Visit the Science Center Computing and Technical Services (CATS) supported software webpage to access a variety of scientific software.
- Smith chemistry students have access to CHEMDRAW a chemical drawing tool that professionals use. To get your own copy of the tool, go to the CATS supported software webpage (link above) and follow their instructions.
- WebMO is a web-based interface to computational chemistry packages. Instructions to use WebMO
- The Jacobson Center will work with you to improve your writing and learning skills. The Spinelli Center for Quantitative Learning will support students doing quantitative work across the curriculum. They offer chemistry tutoring, workshops and class study sessions outside the regular classroom.
Study Abroad Adviser: Maria Bickar (mbickar)
The chemistry major is designed to allow students to enjoy either a semester or a year away in a study abroad program. Students have gone to Australia, France, Great Britian, Italy and other destinations. Careful planning is essential. An example of a major pathway with the student spending junior year abroad can be seen in the Major Pathways page.
If you are considering study abroad, be sure to contact advisers in the Office for International Study to review additional details and credit requirements.
Paid Opportunities
Every semester the department offers the following paid opportunities that can help students gain practical and job-related experiences outside of the classroom:
Student teaching assistants to help instructors manage laboratory sections. If you meet the minimum classwork requirements and enjoy working with other students, the application period is typically towards the end of the semester before the course starts, although there may still be openings at the start of the semester.
Time commitment: 3 hours of introductory chemistry lab and 4 hours of an advanced lab per week.
Prep work positions for laboratory courses. We look for well-organized and dependable students to help set up our teaching labs. The work includes preparing solutions, as well as gathering and setting out reagents and equipment. The application period is the same as for teaching assistant positions.
Time commitment: hours vary and are flexible.
To apply for any of the above positions, click to download the form.
Tutoring is another way to get more teaching experience and it is a fantastic manner to practice your chemistry in preparation for the MCATs or GREs. Tutors are hired through the Spinelli Center with the recommendation of the department. We are looking for reliable and dependable students with a proven academic record who enjoy working one-on-one with other students.
Time commitment: 10 hours per week for a full-time tutor, but can be a shared position. Tutors are typically hired in April for the next academic year so you should contact faculty that you are interested in tutoring for in March.
Unpaid Opportunities
Examples of unpaid opportunities to get involved with the Smith science community include applying to be an AEMES mentor or a department liaison.
Student Prizes
In 2022 we graduated a new class of chemistry and biochemistry majors. Our students work hard and their efforts are often rewarded. The last couple of years, Smith has been the recipient of a record number of Fulbrights and other fellowships. Several of them were chemistry and biochemistry majors! This is the list of academic prizes awarded during the academic 2021-22 year.
- ACS Division of Organic Chemistry Award in Organic Chemistry: (CHM) Miranda Wu '22 and Mona Munia '22
- ACS Division of Inorganic Chemistry Award in Inorganic Chemistry: (CHM) So Hyun Park '24J
- ACS Division of Physical Chemistry Award in Physical Chemistry: (CHM) Mona Munia '22
- ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Award in Analytical Chemistry: (CHM) Laura Bickart '23
- National Iota Sigma Pi Undergraduate Award Recipient: (CHM) Halley Lin-Jones '22 and Melany Garcia '22
- National Iota Sigma Pi Gladys Anderson Emerson Award Recipient: (CHM) Laura Bickart '23
- American Institute of Chemists/New England Division Award: (CHM) Grace Ou ’22
- Connecticut Valley Section of the American Chemical Society Award: (CHM) Mary Kasbo ’22, (BCH) Miranda Wu '22
- C. Pauline Burt Prize: (BCH) Yeji Lee '22, (BCH) Sophie (Fubin) Song ’24
- Hause-Scheffer Memorial Prize: (CHM) Halley Lin-Jones '22
- Rosenfeld Award in Organic Chemistry: (CHM) Emily Kish ’24, Emma Whittemore ’24
- Introductory Chemistry Achievement Award: Hannah Ross ’25, Jingyi Sze ’25, Laura Edwards ’25, Lily Weber ’25
- Hellman Award in Biochemistry: (BCH) Sophie (Fubin) Song ’24.
- pHunger Games Winners: (all CHM)
1st place:
2nd place:
Contact
Fax: 413-585-4534
Email: aavard@smith.edu
Administrative Assistant: Amy Avard
Department Chair: Kevin Shea