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
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
Meet the 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 | |
 | Matt Riehl MH 315 507-344-7343 | Professor | MH 315 507-344-7343 | |
 | Eric Woller MH 316 507-344-7790 | Professor | MH 316 507-344-7790 | |
Major Requirements
Please see the Program Requirements Disclaimer when planning your coursework.
Mission Statement
The chemistry major at Bethany Lutheran College prepares students for careers in chemistry related fields or advanced studies in chemistry, medicine, and other areas. The major provides a thorough background in all major divisions of chemistry: organic, inorganic, analytical, biochemical, and physical chemistry, while encouraging students to continue studies in the humanities, arts, and social sciences.
Program Learning Outcomes
When a student graduates with a degree in chemistry from Bethany, they should be able to do the following:
- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of chemistry.
- Demonstrate the use of lab techniques and equipment to perform experiments.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
- Collect and evaluate information in the chemical literature.
Core 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 in which the student receives a grade of “C–” or lower must be repeated.
Required lower division courses:
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab
- CHEM114 General Chemistry II and Lab
- CHEM215 Organic Chemistry I and Lab
- CHEM216 Organic Chemistry II and Lab
- MATH151 Calculus I
- MATH152 Calculus II
Plus either set of:
- Both PHYS151 College Physics I and Lab and PHYS152 College Physics II and Lab
- Both PHYS213 General Physics I and Lab and PHYS214 General Physics II and Lab
Required upper division courses:
- CHEM313 Analytical Chemistry and Lab
- CHEM314 Inorganic Chemistry and Lab
- CHEM323 General Biochemistry and Lab
- CHEM353 Physical Chemistry I and Lab
Major Electives
12 credits minimum; limit of 2 SCIE courses:
- CHEM301 Introduction to Environmental Management or CHEM401 Chemical Information I
- CHEM324 Advanced Biochemistry
- CHEM354 Physical Chemistry II and Lab
- CHEM405 Advanced Organic Chemistry
- CHEM418 Organometallics
- CHEM480 Topics in Chemistry and Lab (may be repeated for credit)
- Both CHEM490 Junior Seminar I and CHEM491 Junior Seminar II
- Both CHEM492 Senior Seminar I and CHEM493 Senior Seminar II
- CHEM497 Research Arranged
- CHEM499 Chemistry Internship
- SCIE320 History and Philosophy of Science
- SCIE330 Ethics in Science
- SCIE340 Environmental Issues
Chemistry Minor
The chemistry minor will consist of a required foundation of three courses of lower division chemistry and an additional three courses of advanced elective coursework. Any chemistry or supporting course in which the student receives a grade of “C–” or lower must be repeated.
All of:
- CHEM113 General Chemistry I and Lab
- CHEM114 General Chemistry II and Lab
- CHEM215 Organic Chemistry I and Lab
Advanced electives – at least two of:
- CHEM313 Analytical Chemistry and Lab
- CHEM314 Inorganic Chemistry and Lab
- CHEM323 General Biochemistry and Lab
- CHEM353 Physical Chemistry I and Lab
- CHEM405 Advanced Organic Chemistry
- CHEM418 Organometallics
- CHEM480 Topics in Chemistry and Lab
At least one of:
Next Steps
Interested in studying chemistry 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 chemistry class too!