ChooseWhy Choose This Program?
Why Study Chemistry at Goucher?
The strength of our program lies in excellent teaching, small classes, student-faculty research endeavors, student mentoring, meaningful student-faculty relationships, and departmental camaraderie. The Chemistry Program is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Chemistry course offerings, faculty, library, equipment, and budget of the program meet the national standards of the society.
LearnWhat Will You Learn?
What Will You Learn?
Students with an ACS-certified degree in chemistry have a sound basis for industrial, educational, governmental, and hospital careers in chemistry. After completing our chemistry degree, they are prepared for graduate work in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and related fields. They may also move into law, medical, dental, pharmacy, veterinary, and other professional schools. Learn more
DoWhat Will You Do?
What Will You Do?
Advances in chemical technology have been at the center of many products that are an integral part of modern life, including long-lasting rechargeable batteries, touch screens, flat panel displays, MRI scans, and lightweight sporting goods. Students who earn a degree in chemistry may find themselves working on one or more of these problems at Goucher and in their career.
Chemistry majors gain a global perspective that enhances their course of study by participating in three-week intensive courses abroad, such as Tropical Marine Biology at the Roatan Institute in Honduras. Many also participate in semester-long programs in England, Costa Rica, or Australia.
Course Curriculum
Faculty
Major & Minor Program Contacts
Kevin P. Schultz, Department Chair, Professor of Chemistry, organic chemistry
Full-Time & Half-Time Faculty
Ruquia Ahmed-Schofield, Associate Professor of Chemistry: organic chemistry
Rebekah Gray, Assistant Professor of Chemistry: analytical and environmental chemistry
George Greco, Professor of Chemistry: organic, inorganic, and medicinal chemistry
Judith R. Levine, Professor of Biology and Chemistry: biochemistry and molecular biology
Verónica A. Segarra, Associate Professor and Endowed Chair in Biological Sciences and Chemistry
Professor Emeritus or Emerita or Emeriti
Esther J. Gibbs, Professor of Chemistry: inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry
David E. Horn, Professor of Chemistry: organic chemistry
Barton L. Houseman, Professor of Chemistry: physical chemistry
Instructional Staff
Lisa Gulian, Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator
Study Abroad
By choosing three-week intensive courses led by Goucher faculty or semester programs suited to their academic plans, chemistry students gain a global perspective that enhances their course of study.
Three-week intensive courses are an excellent opportunity for chemistry majors to pursue secondary interests or fulfill their language requirement. Popular ICAs for chemistry majors in recent years have been:
Tropical Marine Biology in Honduras
Spanish 130 in Alicante, Spain
The program strongly recommends that students who wish to study abroad for a semester and take core science courses do so at:
University of Glasgow, Scotland
Students are encouraged to consider studying abroad in Scotland as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year.
Goucher chemistry majors have recently participated in the following semester and yearlong programs:
Monteverde Institute, Costa Rica
University of Sunshine Coast, Australia
Tokyo, Japan through Temple University (non-Goucher sponsored program)
Summer and winter programs are another popular option for chemistry majors. Students have recently participated in the following Goucher-sponsored summer program:
Danish Institute for Study Abroad
and several non-Goucher sponsored programs:
International Summer School at the University of Cambridge, England
Genoa, Italy through University of Maryland
Beijing, China through Language Link Beijing
Please note: Programs at these universities may not be eligible for credit without prior approval. Please contact the Office of Global Education to learn more about approved study-abroad programs.
Visit the Office of Global Education website for more information.
Opportunities & Internships
Special Prizes and Awards
American Chemical Society Maryland Section Student Award for Outstanding Achievement in Chemistry
The American Chemical Society Polymer Chemistry Award
The American Chemical Society Polymer Chemistry Award is awarded to the outstanding
student in the first two semesters of organic chemistry.
The Chemical Handbook Award
The Chemical Handbook Award is given to the outstanding student in freshman chemistry.
The David E. Horn Award in Organic Chemistry
The David E. Horn Award in Organic Chemistry is presented annually to a student selected
by the chemistry department faculty for the most outstanding achievement in organic
chemistry. The prize winner has the best overall record in all three organic courses
at Goucher. The student will also have completed two semesters (at least 6 credits)
of research in the field of pure organic chemistry in the Goucher laboratories. In
the event there is no student meeting the criteria, the prize will not be awarded.
The Edith Ford Sollers Memorial Award
The Edith Ford Sollers Memorial Award is given to a senior majoring in chemistry who
exhibits a high degree of distinction in scientific study and qualities of character
and leadership in campus activities.
The Hilda Gabrilove '48 and Dr. Janice Gabrilove Dirzulaitis Chemistry Prize
The Hilda Gabrilove '48 and Dr. Janice Gabrilove Dirzulaitis Chemistry Prize is awarded
to students exhibiting academic excellence in chemistry.
The Jessie L. King Prize
The Jessie L. King Prize is awarded to a senior who has done outstanding work in any
science field included in Division III, with special consideration given to the study
of mammalian physiology and/or microbiology.
The Louise Kelley Award
The Louise Kelley Award is made annually to a senior departmental major who has accomplished
distinguished work in chemistry. Preference is given to chemistry majors who plan
to enter the field of teaching.
The Milly Bielaski Prize in Chemistry
The Milly Bielaski Prize in Chemistry is presented to an outstanding junior chemistry
major.
The Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry
The Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry is given annually to the student who
has shown the most potential for a career in analytical chemistry.
Chemistry Club
The Chemistry Club is the oldest student organization in continuous existence on the Goucher campus. The creators of the Chem Club established the Chem Club Banquet more than sixty years ago. Students, alumnae/i, faculty, and staff are invited to the banquet, which features a lecture given by a guest speaker.
The club sponsors a variety of activities, including National Chemistry Week, Careers in Science Day, the Souper Supper, spring and fall picnics, a tennis tournament/party, and pre-vacation surprise parties.
For more information, visit http://events.naysnm.com/group/chemistry.
Internships
Internships help students explore possibilities, apply classroom learning, and gain experience. Explore internships and credit options.
Student Employment
Student employment connects students to both on and off-campus opportunities. The Career Education Office provides resources and support to students with or without Federal Work Study to find jobs, submit applications, and learn more about the job search process. Students have access to Handshake — a website for job postings, events, resumes/cover letters, and career management.
Major & Career Exploration
Exploring career options, choosing a major, and making career decisions is a multi-step process in which all students are encouraged to engage early and often. Goucher students have a variety of resources available through the Majors and Career page to assist them in this process.
Job Search
A Goucher education prepares students for today’s job market and beyond. Students can explore job opportunities and access job search resources through the CEO Job Search page.
Graduate & Professional School
Students access resources for searching and applying to graduate and professional school through the CEO Graduate and Professional School page, through faculty and staff members, or utilizing their own resources, network and tools.
Johns Hopkins Carey Business School 4+1 BA/MS Program
Goucher College and Johns Hopkins Carey Business School are offering Goucher students a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program. This 4+1 program combines a bachelor’s degree from Goucher with a master of science degree from Johns Hopkins in business analytics and risk management, information systems, health care management, finance, or marketing. Students can apply during their junior year. GRE or GMAT tests have been waived but applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better and have passed some quantitative reasoning courses with a grade of B or better.
Alumni Spotlight
Kam Lamhaouar ’16
Kam Lamhaouar ’16
Read My Story“The Chemistry Program prepared me for the school or work track, and I’m still in touch with professors now. It’s great to have that support system.”
News
- October 3, 2024
Goucher's Biochemistry and Molecular Biology students have outpaced the national cohort on the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology exam.
- February 21, 2024
Goucher College has announced a new undergraduate major in public health that will explore the multidisciplinary field and the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.