Our chemistry program includes all the main divisions of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, biochemical, and physical. We will prepare you for advanced studies or a career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, or environmentalism.
As a chemistry student, you will examine the structure, composition, and properties of matter while answering questions on the sustainability of life and how various chemicals react when combined with one another. You will also place the role of science in context with the social, environmental, and historical perspective of the society that supports and relies on that science for continued growth and prosperity. We believe God’s deliberate design of creation is clearly presented in the study of chemical phenomena, especially on the molecular level of life processes.
Chemistry Facilities
Housed in the Meyer Hall of Science and Mathematics, the chemistry department contains an extensive inventory of modern, state-of-the-art instrumentation (GC-MS, GC-FID, FT-IR, HPLC, UV/Vis, etc.) with which our students are able to reinforce theoretical studies of chemical phenomena with first-hand observations in the laboratory. The small size of classes and labs allows students to gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment much sooner than is typically possible at larger institutions.Research
A key feature of our chemistry program is the opportunity to engage in active research with a faculty mentor. The undertaking of a research project serves to bring together the ideas introduced in many courses while developing the practical skills needed to pursue a career in a research field. The research, which may be done over several semesters and summers, culminates in a formal report or seminar.Careers
A graduate of the Bethany Chemistry program might pursue a career in the following areas:
- Forensic chemist
- Biochemical consultant
- Chemical technician
- Crime lab analyst
- Environmental health specialist
- Occupational safety inspector
- Pharmaceutical sales
- Research and development
- Water quality analyst
Contact for more information
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Eric Woller MH 316 507-344-7790 | Professor | MH 316 507-344-7790 | |
Chemistry Major Requirements
Following the ACS Guidelines for Undergraduate Professional Education in Chemistry, the following courses are required for the chemistry major. Any chemistry or supporting course requires a minimum grade of “C”.
Core Requirements
Required lower division courses:
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM114 General Chemistry II and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM215 Organic Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM216 Organic Chemistry II and Lab 4 cr.
- MATH151 Calculus I 4 cr.
- MATH152 Calculus II 4 cr.
- PHYS213 General Physics I and Lab 5 cr.
- PHYS214 General Physics II and Lab 5 cr.
Required upper division courses:
- CHEM313 Analytical Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM323 General Biochemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM353 Physical Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
Major Electives
12 credits minimum
- CHEM314 Inorganic Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM324 Advanced Biochemistry 3 cr.
- CHEM354 Physical Chemistry II and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM405 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr.
- CHEM480 Topics in Chemistry and Lab (may be repeated for credit) 1–4 cr.
- CHEM497 Research Arranged (arranged) 1–3 cr.
- CHEM499 Chemistry Internship 1–6 cr.
Chemistry Minor
The Chemistry minor will consist of a required foundation of three lower division chemistry courses and an additional three courses of advanced elective coursework. Any chemistry or supporting course requires a minimum grade of “C”.
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM114 General Chemistry II and Lab 5 cr.
- CHEM215 Organic Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
Advanced electives – at least two of the following:
- CHEM313 Analytical Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM314 Inorganic Chemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM323 General Biochemistry and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM353 Physical Chemistry I and Lab 4 cr.
- CHEM405 Advanced Organic Chemistry 3 cr.
- CHEM418 3 cr.
- CHEM480 Topics in Chemistry and Lab 1–4 cr.
At least one of the following science (SCIE) courses:
To view the most recent course list and requirements for the Chemistry major, please consult the Academic Catalog.
Student Stories
Hear from these students of our Chemistry program:
Matthew Schaffer (’10)
Matthew is currently finishing his second year at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Parker, Colorado. He will
Kelly Widhammer
Kelly is a Biology major, also seeking minors in Chemistry and Business Administration. Her hometown is Oak Harbor, Washington. Tell
Chemistry Faculty
For more information, see the Chemistry Department.
| Name | Title | Office / Phone | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Glenda Bossow MH 205 507-344-7736 | Administrative AssistantAdjunct Faculty | MH 205 507-344-7736 | |
| Eric Woller MH 316 507-344-7790 | Professor | MH 316 507-344-7790 | |
Next Steps
Interested in studying at Bethany? Scheduling a campus visit is a great way to see what we have to offer. You can meet professors or sit in on a class too! Contact our admissions office to learn more.