Undergraduate

Chemistry

The chemistry program at Assumption organizes courses to establish a foundation in the basic areas of organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and analytical chemistry. You will develop an understanding of the unity of chemistry by relating these basic areas to each other and to other scientific disciplines.

Chemistry Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: March 15 (Preferred status deadline)

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Degrees Offered

B.A., B.S.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Biological and Physical Sciences

Program Overview

Chemistry studies the structure and fundamental principles of matter. At Assumption, students who declare a chemistry major learn about organic, inorganic, physical, analytical chemistry and biochemistry and gain an understanding of the ways in which they interact. While studying chemistry, you will gain extensive laboratory experience and develop a high degree of proficiency in the practical aspects of experimentation, instrumentation, and discovery. The Testa Science Center provides outstanding laboratory facilities to test the complex and sophisticated scientific theories you discuss in the classroom.

Assumption University offers two tracks of study in Chemistry: the traditional B.A. degree program and an American Chemical Society (ACS)-approved B.S. degree program. The objective of both is to provide the student with knowledge of the fundamental principles governing the structure of matter.

Every summer and throughout the academic year, Assumption students pursuing a chemistry degree have opportunities to perform research with Assumption faculty, and at renowned research laboratories.

Learning Goals for the Major In Chemistry

The courses are organized to establish a foundation in the five basic areas chemistry: inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry, and to develop an understanding of the unity of Chemistry by relating these basic areas to each other and to other scientific disciplines. The laboratories are designed to develop a degree of proficiency in the practical aspects of experimentation and instrumentation.

Through a well-planned choice of electives, a student can prepare for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, or some other area of science; for industrial employment; for teaching Chemistry; or for professional study in medicine, dentistry, or other health sciences.

Qualified chemistry majors may also pursue a dual degree program leading to a B.A. in Chemistry from Assumption University and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Notre Dame or Washington University in St. Louis. Interested students should contact Professor Teresa Herd, Director of the 3:2 Engineering Program.

Program Contact

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D

Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences, Professor of Chemistry

508-767-7209 bniece@assumption.edu Testa Science Center - Room 209

An Ideal Place To Learn

100%

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Program Curriculum

Major

Students who pursue a chemistry degree at Assumption take 12 required science courses and 2 elective science courses, one of which must include a lab. One internship or one independent study counts toward the chemistry elective requirement.

Through a diverse choice of electives, students can prepare for graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, or some other area of science; for industrial employment; teaching chemistry; or for professional study in medicine, dentistry, or other health sciences. Qualified chemistry majors may also pursue a dual degree program leading to a B.A. in Chemistry from Assumption and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from The University of Notre Dame. Interested students should contact Professor Jimmy Hauri, Director of the 3:2 Engineering Program.

Required Courses

BIO 160	Concepts in Biology
CHE 131-132	General Chemistry I and II
MAT 117-118	Calculus I and II or Elementary Calculus I and II
CHE 201-202	Organic Chemistry I and II
PHY 201-202	General Physics I and II
CHE 311-312	Physical Chemistry I and II
CHE 414	Biochemistry
CHE 315	Analytical Chemistry
CHE 316	Inorganic Chemistry

Electives (choose 2, and one must include a lab)

CHE 318	Environmental Chemistry (has lab)
CHE 416	Molecular Structure and Characterization
CHE 450	Instrumental Chemistry (has lab)
CHE 460	Medicinal Chemistry
CHE 470	Advanced Organic Chemistry
CHE 480	Seminar in Chemistry
CHE 491-492	Independent Study in Chemistry or Internship

Course Descriptions

Minor

Students who wish to minor in chemistry take 6 chemistry courses and 2 semesters of calculus.

Required Courses

CHE 131-132	General Chemistry I and II
CHE 201-202	Organic Chemistry I and II
CHE 311	Physical Chemistry
CHE 316/CHE 315/CHE 450	Inorganic Chemistry or Analytical Chemistry or Instrumental Chemistry
MAT 117-118	Calculus I and II or Elementary Calculus I and II

Course Descriptions

Faculty

Brian K. Niece, Ph.D Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Department Chair, Biological and Physical Sciences Professor of Chemistry

Elizabeth Colby Davie, Ph.D. Director of the Honors Program Professor of Organic Chemistry

Edward J. Dix, Ph.D Professor of Chemistry

Benjamin Knurr, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Laura Marcotte, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Career Paths

Abbott Bioresearch Center

Aventis Pharmaceuticals

Biogen Idec

Eli Lilly and Company

Genzyme

Hasbro Children’s Hospital

Massachusetts General Hospital

Mosaic Technologies

Pfizer

Waters Corporation

Natalia Kaczor

Chemistry 2020
Research & Development / Quality Control Intern, Randolph Products

Assumption provides opportunities to form relationships that can be pivotal in your career.

From the moment you step on campus, join clubs, expand your social horizons, and do not be afraid to network and attend school functions. Assumption is your home away from home so try new things and have fun because these four years fly by faster than you expect!

Zachary Shepard

Chemistry 2018
Research and Teaching Assistant / Earning a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rhode Island

The emphasis that Assumption places on writing has had an enormous impact on my success.

Not many people in the engineering fields can write as well as someone with a liberal arts background and that shows. Through my internships I learned to work independently and problem solve in a lab environment, and got to experience both civil and chemical engineering.

Courtney Deslauriers

Chemistry 2023

The relationships with Assumption faculty have led me to opportunities I never thought possible.

I had the opportunity to work in a chemistry lab at Purdue University with graduate and Ph.D. students to study diffusion with the goal of improving the drug discovery process. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue to do research in my future.

Derek Girouard

Chemistry 2021
Research Assistant, UCONN

I was able take my experience from a teaching lab to a real-world research laboratory setting.

Professor Dix was influential in this by pushing me to apply for the program and then assisting me throughout the application process.

Shining Their Light

Natalia Kaczor

Chemistry 2020
Research & Development / Quality Control Intern, Randolph Products

Assumption provides opportunities to form relationships that can be pivotal in your career.

From the moment you step on campus, join clubs, expand your social horizons, and do not be afraid to network and attend school functions. Assumption is your home away from home so try new things and have fun because these four years fly by faster than you expect!

Zachary Shepard

Chemistry 2018
Research and Teaching Assistant / Earning a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Rhode Island

The emphasis that Assumption places on writing has had an enormous impact on my success.

Not many people in the engineering fields can write as well as someone with a liberal arts background and that shows. Through my internships I learned to work independently and problem solve in a lab environment, and got to experience both civil and chemical engineering.

Courtney Deslauriers

Chemistry 2023

The relationships with Assumption faculty have led me to opportunities I never thought possible.

I had the opportunity to work in a chemistry lab at Purdue University with graduate and Ph.D. students to study diffusion with the goal of improving the drug discovery process. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue to do research in my future.

Derek Girouard

Chemistry 2021
Research Assistant, UCONN

I was able take my experience from a teaching lab to a real-world research laboratory setting.

Professor Dix was influential in this by pushing me to apply for the program and then assisting me throughout the application process.

see another

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Visit Assumption

Chemistry

Chemistry Program

An Ideal Place To Learn

All classes taught by professors, none by teaching assistants

Students from 29 states and 21 countries

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Career Paths

Assumption provides opportunities to form relationships that can be pivotal in your career.

From the moment you step on campus, join clubs, expand your social horizons, and do not be afraid to network and attend school functions. Assumption is your home away from home so try new things and have fun because these four years fly by faster than you expect!

The emphasis that Assumption places on writing has had an enormous impact on my success.

Not many people in the engineering fields can write as well as someone with a liberal arts background and that shows. Through my internships I learned to work independently and problem solve in a lab environment, and got to experience both civil and chemical engineering.

The relationships with Assumption faculty have led me to opportunities I never thought possible.

I had the opportunity to work in a chemistry lab at Purdue University with graduate and Ph.D. students to study diffusion with the goal of improving the drug discovery process. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue to do research in my future.

I was able take my experience from a teaching lab to a real-world research laboratory setting.

Professor Dix was influential in this by pushing me to apply for the program and then assisting me throughout the application process.

Shining Their Light

Assumption provides opportunities to form relationships that can be pivotal in your career.

From the moment you step on campus, join clubs, expand your social horizons, and do not be afraid to network and attend school functions. Assumption is your home away from home so try new things and have fun because these four years fly by faster than you expect!

The emphasis that Assumption places on writing has had an enormous impact on my success.

Not many people in the engineering fields can write as well as someone with a liberal arts background and that shows. Through my internships I learned to work independently and problem solve in a lab environment, and got to experience both civil and chemical engineering.

The relationships with Assumption faculty have led me to opportunities I never thought possible.

I had the opportunity to work in a chemistry lab at Purdue University with graduate and Ph.D. students to study diffusion with the goal of improving the drug discovery process. I am grateful for the opportunity and hope to continue to do research in my future.

I was able take my experience from a teaching lab to a real-world research laboratory setting.

Professor Dix was influential in this by pushing me to apply for the program and then assisting me throughout the application process.

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

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