Chemistry - Albright College
Chemistry
Experiment boldly. Think critically. Build the future through science.
Chemistry at Albright offers a rigorous, laboratory-intensive experience approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students develop the analytical, problem‑solving, and technical skills needed for careers in medicine, research, forensics, industry, and graduate study.
About the Program
The program is continuously refined to improve student learning—through revised course sequencing, active-learning models, and enhanced lab experiences. Faculty connect students with research opportunities, seminars, and industry partnerships.
Hands-On Learning
Students gain hands-on experience through intensive lab courses, flipped general chemistry instruction, seminar participation, and opportunities for ACRE research and independent study.
Program Goals
Course Requirements
Opportunities
Faculty
Knowledge of theories in the field:
Preparation for graduate degree programs, professional degree programs, and industrial or government employment
Demonstration of sufficient foundational knowledge in each of the five core areas of chemistry: analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical
Proficiency in the laboratory:
Exhibition of competent laboratory techniques and data collection abilities
Manifestation of proficient analysis and interpretation of results
Application of knowledge in the field:
Display of competent oral communication in chemistry
Demonstration of competent written communication in chemistry
Ability to assess standard text, reference, and literature resources
Full Course Catalogue
Course Descriptions
Major Requirements
CHE 105 General Chemistry I/Lab and CHE General Chemistry I/Lab 106 (should be completed in the first year)
CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I/Lab and CHE 208 Organic Chemistry II/Lab
CHE 321, 322, 323, 324, 325
One 400-level chemistry course
Research experience at the 400-level (CHE481, CHE482)
MAT 131 and 132 (MAT 131 should be completed in the first year)
PHY 201 and 202
Completion of these requirements for the degree results in certification in chemistry by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.
Students interested in graduate work in chemistry may wish to consider additional courses in computer science, mathematics, and physics.
Secondary Chemistry Education
Chemistry Majors preparing for a career in education take Chemistry courses and a series of Education and other courses specified by the Education Department to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations. As early as possible in their college experience, candidates for teacher certification in Chemistry should consult the Requirements section of the Education website and the Education department chair regarding specific course requirements. Students may substitute CHE470, Advanced Topics in Chemistry Education, for a 400-level course in chemistry with the approval of the department chair.
Combined Major Requirements
CHE 105 and 106 General Chemistry I/Lab and 106 General Chemistry II/Lab
CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I
CHE 321 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab or CHE 322 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab
Two of the following
CHE 323 Instrumental Analysis/Lab
CHE 324 Inorganic Chemistry/Lab
CHE 325 Biochemistry I/Lab
One 400- level chemistry
MAT 131 Calculus & Analytic Geometry I
Minor Requirements
CHE 105 and 106 General Chemistry I/Lab and 106 General Chemistry II/Lab
CHE 207 Organic Chemistry I
Two of the following
CHE 321 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab or CHE 322 Quantum Mechanics & Spectroscopy/Lab
CHE 323 Instrumental Analysis/Lab
CHE 324 Inorganic Chemistry/Lab
CHE 325 Biochemistry I/Lab
Internships and Career Support
Students can connect with the
Career Development Center
to find internships in fields such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, healthcare, environmental science, and industrial research, gaining practical experience with faculty support and professional preparation.
Recent internship sites:
Innospec, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson
Rohm & Haas
Pottstown Hospital
Wyeth
Cabot Corporation
Schenectady International
Legacy Brewery
Merck
Cryovac
ATOFINA Chemicals
Lancaster Laboratories
Department of Environmental Protection
Additionally, we have had student participants in university research settings at Temple University, the University of Pittsburgh and Rutgers University
Other experiential learning opportunities for Albright chemistry and biochemistry students:
Shadowing at Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline
Participation in the National Science Foundation’s Research Experience for Undergraduates at the University of Nebraska
ACRE Undergraduate Research
Students in any major can engage in interdisciplinary undergraduate research through the
Albright Creative Research Experience (ACRE)
, partnering with faculty mentors to pursue independent research or creative projects and present their work beyond the classroom.
Pamela Artz , Ph.D. '87
Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Erika Jerrahian
Adjunct Faculty
Tyler Kiwak
Adjunct Faculty
Brian Pfennig
Adjunct Faculty
Ian Rhile , Ph.D.
Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Matthew Sonntag , Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Curriculum Highlights
ACS-approved curriculum with annual standardized exam assessment
High-structure flipped general chemistry sequence
Revised course rotations including CHE 323 in the spring
Seminar series with alumni, ACS speakers, and professional networking