Chemistry Major

The philosophy behind Capital’s chemistry program is to educate professional chemists through laboratory-based instruction. Unlike students at large universities, Capital students have open use of modern instrumentation beginning in their sophomore year. Spacious lab facilities are available in the Battelle Memorial Hall of Science and Nursing.

The study of chemistry includes the classical areas of physical, organic, inorganic, analytical, and biochemistry. Students are expected to demonstrate a proficiency in these classical areas and develop an understanding of the relationship between the natural sciences, the environment and the ethical issues facing us all. In addition, undergraduate research is encouraged and strongly supported by the faculty.

Chemistry faculty also is very active outside the classroom. Ongoing research includes projects in inorganic thin films, cellular signaling, molecular modeling, organic natural products, environmental bioremediation, flavoproteins and metabolic regulation. Chemistry faculty members hold leadership positions in the Columbus section of The American Chemical Society. One faculty member directs the Summer Institute of Science and Mathematics at Capital.

Each senior chemistry major is expected to conduct laboratory, library and Internet research and to present his or her findings in either an oral or both an oral and written format. These technical presentations for students and faculty not only allow majors the opportunity for in-depth study, but also sharpen skills that are important in career advancement. The department has its own library with many of the current journals. Students also have online access to the immense data base of OhioLink and Chemical Abstracts Service.

Chemistry majors have the opportunity for internships where they can apply their chemical knowledge to practical, real-world problems. Recent internship locations have included Battelle Institute, Dow Corning, Eli Lilly and the Columbus Police Crime Lab.

Careers and Placement

The record of Capital’s chemistry graduates is outstanding. More than 100 graduates have earned their doctorates in chemistry, while another 75 have completed work at the master’s level.

Today, professional chemists at such corporations as Dow Chemical, Monsanto, Upjohn, Armco Steel, Eli Lilly, Proctor and Gamble, and Arco Oil claim Capital University as their alma mater. Nearly half of Capital’s chemistry alumni who have earned their doctorates are involved in graduate-level teaching at such schools as Duke, Penn State, University of Minnesota, Case Western Reserve, Temple, University of California, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and Justus Leibigs University in Giessen, Germany. Others are in research positions at government labs: Argonne National Labs, U.S.D.A., U.S. Geological Survey and the National Eye Institute. A number of chemistry graduates have continued on to medical school and are associated with institutions such as the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and Washington University in St. Louis. Still others are pursuing teaching careers in secondary education.

Accreditation

Capital University’s chemistry department has been approved by the American Chemical Society for the professional training of chemists, an honor earned by only about 20 percent of the colleges and universities in the United States.

All courses subject to availability and adviser approval.
* All undergraduates must demonstrate that the General Education goals have been met.

Dr. Jens Hemmingsen
Associate Professor of Chemistry, Department Chair
B.S., University of Delaware
Ph.D., Pennsylvnia State University
jhemming@capital.edu