Chemistry
BA • Minor
Chemistry
Chemistry in Labratory
The key that unlocks the secrets of the world—literally. And beautifully.
Have you ever looked at running water, plants growing, or the stars in the sky, and found yourself asking “how does it all work?”
You are not alone, and totally welcome here.
Chemistry is the foundation—the base. It’s how the elements of the universe interact. From the science of clean energy to why chocolate tastes so darn good, you’ll cross boundaries, create opportunities, and come to understand the mechanics behind our living, breathing world.
Independent Research
During your final year, you’ll complete a senior project—independent, original research working alongside a faculty member in their laboratory. The Junior Seminar helps prepare you for creative inquiry and the preparation and writing of your proposal.
When it’s done, you’ll submit the results in the form of a thesis, and publicly report the findings in the ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Annual Natural and Social Sciences Student Research Symposium n campus. In some cases, results are published in scientific journals with the student and the faculty mentor as co-authors.
It can be a life-changing experience.
Internships
You’ll have excellent opportunities for internships as well as summer employment in local industrial/government laboratories. Purchase is within easy commuting distance from a number of major research laboratories both in New York and Connecticut; for example, Novartis, Wyeth-Ayerst, American Health Foundation, Purdue Frederick, American Diagnostica, IBM Watson Research, Krafts Foods, and Cytech.
Internships can be arranged in conjunction with a faculty member in an area of scientific or career interest.
Proof of Purchase
Montreal native Colm McCarthy ’09 (biology and chemistry) is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip reconstruction surgery, currently practicing in Dartmouth, MA.
McCarthy began his career as an EMT and conducted search and rescue during the disaster relief phase following Hurricane Katrina. Drawn to the idea of helping people, he decided to pursue medicine.
Latest Stories
Sonia Seth: SUNY Chancellor’s Award Winner
Biology major and Chemistry minor Sonia Seth is one of two who earned the honors.
Can Clever Chemistry Eliminate Nuclear Waste?
Professor of Chemistry Stephen Cooke receives a $107,000 grant from the U. S. Department of Energy for uranium and thorium research.
Mackenzie Sky ’23 Researching Brain Cancer Treatments
The biology major interned this summer at the Columbia Irving Institute for Cancer Dynamics.
