Chemistry @ Widener FAQ

What areas of chemistry are taught at Widener?
Widener offers a full range of classes for chemistry majors and minors, including general, organic, biochemistry, analytical, instrumental, environmental, physical, and inorganic chemistry. Our recently established biochemistry program offers students the opportunity to earn a major or minor in biochemistry.  More about the chemistry curriculum.

What’s special about the faculty at Widener?
The faculty at Widener are committed to engaging students in the learning process. We believe in active learning and help our students to grow both personally and professionally. We teach our own courses - there are no teaching assistants at Widener. We excel in both teaching and research. Classes are small, so students develop a close working relationship with the faculty.  The chemistry faculty.

What’s special about the students at Widener?
Students at Widener are interested in a broad learning experience. They are academically talented, personally motivated, and have a wide variety of interests in and out of the classroom. They are involved in the community. They are supportive of their peers and participate in campus activities.  Chemistry Students.

What facilities does Widener have?
Widener students have the hands-on opportunity to learn analytical techniques including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry, and many types of chromatography. Students are able to develop skills in handling air-sensitive materials using glove boxes and vacuum lines. Biochemical techniques such as PCR amplification and ultracentrifugation are available at Widener.  Chemistry Facilities.

Are there opportunities for undergraduate research?
Yes! Widener encourages undergraduate research, and requires it for chemistry majors. We have recently renovated research labs to provide additional research space. Faculty members are engaged in active research projects, including interdisciplinary projects with other divisions such as biology and chemical engineering. As part of their research, students have the opportunity travel to national and regional conferences to present their work. Recently, students have traveled to North Carolina and Virginia for the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) and to San Francisco for the American Chemical Society national meeting, as well as to many regional conferences. A senior thesis is an option for students who qualify. More on faculty research and student outcomes

I can’t decide among chemistry, biochemistry, and biology – it is easy to switch majors?
Yes! Course requirements are very similar in the first year.

Can I be a double major?
Many students decide to double-major in chemistry along with another science or engineering discipline.  More on the chemistry curriculum.

Can I apply to medical school with a chemistry major?
Yes, however, you will need to take additional biology classes to complete most medical school admissions requirements.  Chemistry with pre-medical studies concentration.

What can Widener offer me if I want to become a science teacher?
Widener has an excellent science teaching program designed for students seeking certification in secondary education. We have new science education laboratories designed to give students hands-on experience in developing classroom activities and lesson plans. Secondary Education Curriculum

What can Widener offer me if I want to combine business and science?
Widener offers a program in Science Administration that combines a broad science background with advanced study in accounting, economics, and management.

What is ACS Certification?
Widener offers an ACS-certified degree in chemistry that follows the guidelines established by the American Chemical Society. This is a more rigorous program that provides a broader range of scholarship than a regular chemistry major. It also shows that the Widener University Chemistry Department has met the standards required by the American Chemical Society with respect to curriculum, faculty, and facilities.  More details.

What is the Chem Club and what does it do?
The Chem Club is the Widener University student affiliate group of the American Chemical Society. It has an active outreach program to local elementary and middle schools. Students bring chemistry activities to classrooms or after-school programs. In addition, students have the opportunity to take field trips to local companies and to conferences. The Chem Club sponsors “tiedye for Mole Day” each fall.

Where are Widener graduates now?
Chemistry majors from Widener have gone on to industrial research, medical school, graduate school, environmental analysis, and law school.  Chemistry Alumni.

Who can I contact for more information?
Contact Professor Scott Van Bramer at 610-499-4516 or svanbram@science.widener.edu.

Department of Chemistry
Widener University
One University Place
Chester PA  19013

Dr. Scott Van Bramer
tel: 610-499-4516
sevanbramer@widener.edu