Chemistry
Why Study Chemistry and Biochemistry?
One of the greatest benefits of studying chemistry at W&L is the hands-on training students receive when using the state-of-the-art equipment for lab and research. Because we are an undergraduate institution, there are no graduate students between our students and the instruments. This experience affords our students opportunities to work in world-class laboratories globally.
Chemistry and biochemistry majors understand essential chemical principles and have a foundation of factual chemical knowledge on which they may build in the future.
W&L is committed to an environment that is conducive to the pursuit and practice of scientific research in chemistry and related fields. This research contributes to faculty development and provides exposure for students in the role and practice of the scientific method.
Research Opportunities
Students can participate in summer research projects alongside faculty, as well as directed individual study during the academic year. These partnerships often lead to co-authoring papers in scientific journals and presenting at professional conferences.
"The small class sizes have taught me to never be afraid to ask questions when in doubt, which has helped me greatly. The wide variety of classes that I have taken over two years has taught me to be open-minded and to analyze problems from various perspectives."
Sample Courses
General Chemistry
A foundational course for those pursuing upper-level chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental vocabulary, concepts and principles that appear throughout the chemistry and biochemistry curriculum are introduced, including basic chemistry calculations, quantum mechanics in chemistry, molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics and chemical kinetics.
Analytical Chemistry
Emphasis on inorganic systems exhibiting aqueous solution equilibria. Topics covered include acid/base reactions, redox reactions, complexation, precipitation reactions and solution equilibrium. Laboratory work emphasizes basic wet-chemical as well as more sophisticated instrumental techniques of chemical quantitative analysis with appropriate statistical methods of data handling.
Genetic Engineering & Society
In this course, we explore the nuts and bolts of genetic engineering and a small sampling of its applications, including developing drugs and vaccinations, enhancing crops, testing for genetic diseases, and genetic testing in the courtroom. These applications introduce ethical considerations for us to debate. In addition, we use molecular-biology tools to carry out our own genetic engineering projects with spider silk genes, which have potential for multiple medical and industrial applications.
Disorder & Chaos
An interdisciplinary introduction to the concepts underlying nonlinear dynamics and fractal geometry emphasizing the theories of chaos and complexity. Students study mathematical and computer modeling of physical and social systems and interpret the results of these models using graphical methods and written descriptions.
Science in Art
This course develops students' fundamental understanding of certain physical, chemical, biological and geological concepts and utilizes that vocabulary and knowledge to discuss 17th-century Dutch art. The emphasis is on key aspects of optics, light and chemical bonding needed to understand how a painting "works" and how art conservators analyze paintings in terms of conservation and authenticity, using techniques such as X-ray radiography, X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, infrared microscopy, infrared reflectography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, UV-vis spectroscopy, UV photography and laser ablation methods.
Meet the Faculty
At W&L, students enjoy small classes and close relationships with professors who educate and nurture.
