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SUNY-ESF Chemistry Bachelor of Science Degree
- Download the Chemistry Bachelor of Science brochure (PDF format)
The chemistry curriculum builds a strong foundation in the traditional areas of Chemistry (Analytical, Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry) then adds strength in one of three options:
- biochemistry and organic chemistry of natural products
- environmental chemistry
- natural and synthetic polymer chemistry
Each option offers an advanced course of study beyond the usual courses of a traditional undergraduate chemistry curriculum. All options are excellent grounding for professional work after graduation or for advanced graduate study. Thus, students enjoy the advantages of a standard Chemistry program and the added value of a specialty aligned with the needs of the 21st Century.
The department’s home is the 71,000 square foot, Edwin C. Jahn Laboratory, which was completed in October, 1997. In addition to normal classroom and laboratory instruction, students perform cutting-edge research. Students at all levels are encouraged to become involved with research, and two out of three students do so before their senior year. All seniors must perform an independent research project. Students commonly present their research results at local and even national scientific meetings.
Chemistry Undergrad in Antarctica
Chemistry Professor David Kieber researched chemical and biological transformations in Antarctica, along with grad students George Westby and Jordan Brinkley, and undergradJohn Bisgrove.Read more!Why Study Chemistry at ESF
A Rigorous Education:
Chemistry faculty bring their expertise in cutting edge research to the classroom, providing an education that is grounded in the latest knowledge and real-world examples. Also, in addition to the usual chemistry courses, undergraduates take three introductory graduate level classes, which looks very attractive to employers.
Employers value the education our students receive: 95% of our students are employed in chemistry or accepted into graduate or medical school within 3 months of graduating from ESF.
Personal Attention:
Upper-level courses for chemistry majors usually have enrollments of only 5-15 students, so chemistry majors get personal attention from the professors. All courses are taught by professors, not graduate students.
Improving the World:
Many students were drawn to ESF due to the way chemistry is used in our varied specialties to find ways to improve our world:
- Finding better ways to generate energy.
- Discovering new, useful natural and synthetic materials.
- Making better use of our natural resources.
- Finding new medications and ways to deliver medicines.
- Understanding natural processes and the impacts of human activities on our environment.
Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Chemistry offers three options leading to the bachelor of science degree: biochemistry and natural products, environmental chemistry, and natural and synthetic polymer chemistry. Each option offers an advanced course of studies beyond the basic courses of the classical undergraduate chemistry curriculum. All options are excellent grounding for professional work at the B.S. level or for advanced graduate study.
- Undergraduate Chemistry Courses at SUNY-ESF
This link takes you to ESF Chemistry courses that have their own web pages and as well as brief descriptions of the other ESF Chemistry courses.
SUNY-ESF and SU Class Schedules
“I have been meaning to write to Dr. Hassett(Chemistry faculty chair)to tell him how grateful I am to the chemistry department at ESF. There have been so many times in the last two semesters that I have silently thanked one professor or another for some specific skill I learned there. I had a really good experience there; it is a very, very good place to learn!”
University of Colorado at Boulder
Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum
Undergraduates must select one of the following options:
- Biochemistry and Organic Natural Product Chemistry
- Natural and Synthetic Polymer Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
Some Additional Choices/Possibilities for Undergraduates
- The ESF Honors Program
Open to juniors who have completed at least 60 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.5. - Certification in Science Teaching
A joint program with the Syracuse University School of Education leading to New York State certification in chemistry and general science teaching for grades 7-12 - Advising for Preprofessional Programs
Interested in professional careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science and law? - Chemistry Conferences for Undergraduates
Present your research to a regional or national audience! - Summer opprtunities in chemistry and biochemistry
Numerous research opportunities are available on campus at ESF. Contactindividual professorsto see what's available. - Summer research positions in the chemistry
- Summer research opportunities with the US DOE Global Change Education Program
- Jobs
ESF Chemistry Facts:
- ESF Chemistry graduates find outstanding employment opportunities all over the country and right here in Central New York.
- ESF Chemistry students participate in cutting edge research leading to co-authorship of papers in leading scientific journals.
- ESF Chemistry graduates are accepted at top graduate schools and medical schools such as Cornell, Buffalo, Colorado, Duke, and University of California campuses in chemistry and related fields.
- ESF Chemistry graduates go on to leadership roles in industry, government, and academia.
Contact us for more information:
Department of Chemistry
Jahn Laboratory
SUNY-ESF
1 Forestry Drive
Syracuse, NY 13210
315-470-6855
315-470-6856 (fax)
chemistry@esf.edu
