Chemistry (Minor)
Explore life’s complexities at the molecular level.
Chemistry is an essential science that touches nearly every aspect of our daily lives. A chemistry minor sharpens analytical, research, and technical skills, as well as improves attention to detail and communication. It pairs particularly well with majors like biology and health sciences, providing a deeper understanding of molecular processes and helping build interdisciplinary connections.
- Format
- On Campus
- Degree(s)
- Minor
Next steps
Why minor in Chemistry at Mary Baldwin?
As a chemistry minor at Mary Baldwin, you’ll dive into a challenging curriculum encompassing the organic and inorganic branches of the field. And with access to lab opportunities typically reserved for graduate-level study, our students really learn how chemistry research is done.
Our curriculum and student experiences are constantly adapting to meet evolving industry standards and marketplace needs. Here are some additional ways we prepare you for an exciting career or continued study:
- Learn from caring science educators who give plenty of personal attention
- Embark on a meaningful research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor
- Complete a teaching and research internship
- Attend and/or present at national/regional chemistry conferences
- Participate in Iota Sigma Pi, the national chemistry honor society for women and the American Chemical Society student affiliate chapter
Next steps
Minor Requirements
Chemistry minor course requirements include a mix of core and elective courses, most of which have a hands-on lab component.
Sample courses:
A survey of principles appropriate for science majors. Topics include stoichiometry, the main classes of reactions, atomic and molecular structure, thermochemistry, and phase behavior. Lab work builds on classroom discussions and introduces vital techniques. Entering students must have a working knowledge of high school algebra, logarithms, and scientific notation.
An intro to the study of the environment and modern environmental problems through the lens of chemical structures and reactions. Chemical principles of equilibrium, kinetics, and thermodynamics are used to help understand our changing environment. Topics include toxicological chemistry, aquatic chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and green chemistry.
Physical chemistry is the branch that establishes and develops the theoretical foundations of the entire discipline. We begin with an essentially macroscopic perspective, then describe the approach used to connect molecular properties to macroscopic phenomena.