Chemistry
Why Study Chemistry?
Deciding upon a major can be an intimidating task, and you may be wondering if chemistry would be a good fit for you. If any of the following is true for you, then the chemistry department at Hanover College may be just what you have been searching for.
You enjoy:
• Scientific method
• Math
• Hypothesizing
• Chemical reactions
• Problem solving
You want to:
• Continue on into research
• Go to medical school
• Have wide career choices
• Travel abroad
• Have a meaningful and fun academic and social experience
What Hanover Chemistry Offers
Chemists are very much involved in tackling the problems faced by our modern society. From developing life-saving antibiotics and designing new synthetic fibers to measuring the amount of pesticides in drinking water and determining caloric content of different foods, many aspects of our high-tech culture can be better understood through chemistry.
The Hanover College chemistry program offers rich resources and significant opportunities for learning and research. Our program is specifically designed to help students find and pursue their own areas of interest, all while receiving continued support and personal attention from our dedicated faculty and staff.
Chemistry students are first introduced to the breadth of chemistry, followed by deeper study of advanced subjects. The final aspect of the program is a collaborative independent research project, in which you will have the freedom to explore areas of interest to you, with the help and supervision of a faculty member. Course offerings provide the background for you to continue not only in chemistry, but also in a wide variety of other related disciplines.
The program offers courses in all the major sub-disciplines of chemistry, including biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and analytical chemistry. As a student, you'll work in the laboratory – first to learn, then for research – and utilize Hanover's incredible resources. A small student-to-faculty ratio and specialized faculty provides students with a comprehensive chemistry education in a liberal arts environment. In addition, there are opportunities for internships, research fellowships, and study abroad.
Highlights
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment
Students learn with hands-on experience in one of several superbly equipped labs. As a student, you can work closely with a faculty member on cutting-edge research. Available equipment includes:
• Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer
• Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer
• Infrared spectrophotometer
• Various U.V./visible spectrographs
• Liquid chromatograph/mass spectrometer
• Polarographic analyzer
• Assorted calorimetric equipment
• ICP-atomic emission spectroscopy
• Atomic absorption/flame emission spectrometer
In addition, the department has a computer lab with the latest research and analysis software for chemistry students' use.
Highly Specialized Staff
The diversity and specialization of Hanover College's chemistry faculty is particularly unique for a college of our size. Their professional backgrounds range from analytical chemistry to physical organic chemistry to biochemistry, allowing students to experience different facets of the field and benefit from the faculty's varied expertise.
Spring Term
As a Hanover student, you'll have a month every year to focus on a class or research subject of your choice. Imagine working uninterrupted on a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer in Hanover's lab or going to Wollongong, Australia, to study organic chemistry. Spring Term is an opportunity for you to explore your interests while enjoying new people and experiences.
Opportunities for Research
In addition to research conducted using the college's state-of-the-art facilities, students routinely participate in summer research programs in chemistry or medicine at a variety of graduate and medical schools. These opportunities for research allow chemistry students to put their classroom work to the test and further explore their interests and skills.
Recent summer research fellowships have included:
• Harvard Medical School: Biomedical Research
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Atlanta
• Miami University: Competitive Government Research
• Riley Hospital for Children: Biomedical Research
• Madison Chemical: Industrial Research
• Indiana State Police: Forensics
• University of Kentucky: Research
• Indiana University: Summer Medical Program
Career Opportunities
Chemistry within the context of a liberal arts education makes Hanover graduates highly sought after whether they decide to accept their first position out of college or continue their studies in graduate school.
