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Chemistry
What is chemistry?
Chemistry, the study of all matter [everything!] and their changes, is the central science. That is to say that almost all science-related majors, from the biological sciences to the physical sciences, require an early and basic sequence of chemistry courses as foundational to their curriculum. A chemistry major, therefore, prepares the student for a very wide variety of science based studies and careers.
Success factors
Chemistry draws heavily on “both sides of the brain”, utilizing, stimulating and developing both conceptual and quantitative thinking—making for an academically “whole” person.
Chemistry will be essential to success for students majoring in pre-med, engineering, biology, nursing or physics, for example. And, if you are looking to be a soil scientist, an industrial hygienist, a perfumer, a hydrologist or a practitioner in any one of scores of related occupations, including a high school or college chemistry teacher, you will want to consider becoming a chemistry major. Many chemists work in chemical manufacturing firms, which produce plastics and synthetic materials, pharmaceuticals, soaps and cleaners, paints, industrial organic chemicals and other miscellaneous chemical products. Chemists also research in health and agriculture fields and work for testing services and educational institutions.
Career possibilities
Biology: Cell biology, Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics; Biochemistry: Molecular biology, Immunology, Endocrinology, Genetic engineering; Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Pharmacology, Nutrition, Clinical chemistry, Radiology; Nuclear Chemistry: Radiochemistry, Body imaging, Nuclear medicine; Physics: Atomic and nuclear physics, Quantum mechanics, Spectroscopy, Materials science, Biomechanics; Astronomy; Geology; Environmental Science: Ecology, pollution studies; Plant Sciences: Botany, Agronomy
— Calvin Swartzendruber, class of 1991, high school chemistry and physics teacher
Majoring in chemistry
Chemistry majors at Hesston College have opportunities to be peer tutors in their chemistry courses and, as sophomores, to become chemistry laboratory assistants.
Chemistry curriculum
Taking your first college chemistry courses at Hesston College will enable you to fulfill the basic chemistry requirements for a plethora of fields. For science and related majors, Hesston College offers a full year of General Chemistry and a full year of Organic Chemistry. These four semesters of chemistry form a solid foundation of chemical knowledge that will serve students well as they transfer and continue – fully prepared – in their science and science-related studies at four-year colleges and universities.
Sample curriculum – associate degree in chemistry
Pre-Pharmacy
What is pre-pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a career field that requires degrees beyond a four-year undergraduate degree. The pre-pharmacy major is comprised of the basic courses required for an undergraduate degree in pursuit of more advanced degrees.
Success factors
If you are motivated, passionate and enjoy learning and understanding principles governing life processes at all levels – molecular, cellular, organismal and ecological – studying biology is for you!
Career possibilities
- Hospital pharmacy
- Sales, marketing, production, research and quality control
- Consultant
- Government inspector
- Health officer
- Teacher
- Researcher
– Justin Koehn, class of 2001
Majoring in pre-pharmacy
Opportunities to serve as a tutor and department assistant, privileges reserved for upperclassmen at most schools.
Pre-pharmacy curriculum
The pre-pharmacy curriculum will provide you with the strong educational foundation you will need for upper-level studies and advanced degrees. Academic advisors work one-on-one with students to ensure requirements are met for a seamless transition to continuing education and professional careers. The curriculum follows a general biology curriculum.
Sample curriculum – associate degree in pre-pharmacy
A Chemistry major may also be used for pre-med, pre-dental, and pre-pharmacy. High school chemistry and second-year algebra are highly recommended prerequisites. Classes are designed for both those without and with some background in chemistry. Students participate extensively in class activities and projects.
