Chemistry and Biochemistry

What is this major? 
Chemistry, the study of matter, focuses on how substances are formed and transformed by chemical reactions.  The study of chemistry gives students a working knowledge of chemical principles allowing them to perform chemical experiments; initiate and sustain research projects; and to think abstractly, conceptualizing reactions and relationships as they analyze data and draw conclusions.Biochemistry, the interface between chemistry and biology, is concerned with the chemistry of biological reactions, and the regulations of these reactions.  This rapidly growing field of study includes the investigation of chemical changes in disease, drug action and other aspects of medicine as well as in nutrition, genetics and agriculture.

What can I do with this major? 

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level	Further Education/Experience Required
laboratory technician quality control technician associate chemist technical sales representative analytical chemist clinical technician	chemist pharmaceutical researcher research chemist chemical safety engineer clinical chemist pharmacologist

What skills will I improve/gain? 
Developing theories, science and math ability, conducting research, perseverance, attending to data, analytical skills, curiosity, follow through skills, utilizing formulas, performing experiments, processing data, observation and decision making skills, working independently and in groups, technological skills, oral and written communication

Who employs graduates from this major? 
Pharmaceutical companies, state/federal government, colleges/universities, chemical companies, food companies, textile manufacturers, newspapers and magazines, petroleum refineries, mining companies, Food and Drug Administration

What is special about this major at Hartwick? 

• Internships and off-campus opportunities
• Student affiliate membership in the ACS and membership in the ACS-Student Affiliate
• Research opportunities

Department Chair
Susan Young, 607-431-4756, youngs@hartwick.edu

Undeclared Contact

Major Connections Contacts
John Gaehring (Biochemistry major), 607-431-6933, gaehringj@hartwick.edu
Julie Hammons (Biochemistry major), hammonsj@hartwick.edu
Amy Luby (Chemistry minor), 607-431-7086, lubya@hartwick.edu
Ryan Quarles (Chemistry major), 607-431-7362, quarlesr@hartwick.edu