Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chemistry and biochemistry are fundamental sciences that address many of the world's greatest challenges in such fields as human health, energy, material science, food security and environmentalism. They are an integral part of the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) movement, where professionals are in high demand.
Earn Your Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry or Biochemistry
Salve Regina's programs provide a strong foundation in the basic principles of chemistry and biochemistry, engaging students in challenging coursework while offering practical, hands-on experience through laboratory sessions and research. These projects give students the unique opportunity to not only conduct independent research with our faculty, but also learn about the dissemination of new knowledge firsthand - and often have their results published in scientific journals.
Our graduates possess the critical, creative thinking and analytical skills needed for success in an array of careers, including medicine, biotechnology, law, forensic and environmental science and education. Many have gained admission to leading graduate schools for medicine, pharmaceutical science, law and other professions.
We offer the option to double major in chemistry and secondary education, which prepares students to apply for Rhode Island teacher certification for grades 7-12. Our dual-degree offerings include a 3+2 program leading to a B.A. in chemistry from Salve Regina and a B.S. in engineering from either the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth or Washington University in St. Louis, along with a 3+3 program leading to a B.A. in biochemistry from Salve Regina and a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Saint Joseph.
Salve Regina's chemistry program is ACS approved, which means that the program meets the standards and guidelines put forth by the American Chemical Society. An approved program provides students with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their future careers. Students who complete the ACS approved curriculum are eligible to receive a certified degree and electronic credentials from ACS to indicate that they have met these criteria.
Program Spotlight: Thriving Atmosphere
We train students to use our equipment, some of which is very sophisticated. We put them on projects where they learn this technology.
We don’t have graduate students; we don’t have postdocs. We have very dedicated, skilled and eager-to-learn undergraduate students who want to be in the lab learning how to do research. So, we train them and that’s what they’re doing – they’re doing graduate-level, realistic research that will be published.
Dr. Thomas Arruda, associate professor
Our Faculty
We seek to instill in our students a love of chemistry and a passion for learning science. Small class sizes enable individual attention and the development of mentoring relationships. Our research projects provide students with the opportunity for enhanced learning and intellectual development, empowering them to explore new ideas and make important scientific discoveries.
Life After Salve Regina
In the Workforce
- Research and development: Positions range from technicians to project leaders.
- Medicine: Our programs provide excellent preparation for medical school, dental school, veterinary school or an advanced degree in biochemistry.
- Forensic science: Chemists work for law enforcement organizations in the analysis of crime scene evidence.
- Materials: Chemists are in high demand at companies involved in polymers (plastics), semiconductors, ceramics, glasses, alloys and composite materials.
- Environmental science: Chemists work in environmental testing firms, environmental remediation, emission control, chemical safety and in government regulatory agencies.
- Drug design and discovery: Chemists investigate drug metabolism and interaction and develop new drugs. Clinical chemists develop new lab tests for diagnosis and treatment.
- Energy: Chemists are developing improved batteries for electric-powered vehicles, converting coal to cleaner and more efficient fuels, capturing sunlight for electricity or fuel, and discovering other renewable energy methods.
- Quality control: At consumer product companies, chemists analyze both raw materials and finished products to ensure that they meet strict specifications.
- Technical sales and service: Manufacturers of scientific instruments or equipment, chemicals or products based on chemicals require technically trained sales representatives.
- Technical and science writing: Industries require skilled and knowledgeable writers to create product descriptions, operating manuals and training materials.
- Business management: Our programs provide an excellent background for a management career in the scientific industry.
- Pharmaceutical sales: Pharmaceutical companies require scientifically qualified personnel to explain their products to pharmacies and physicians.
- Government: Many chemists are employed in government civilian and military research laboratories, and at regulatory agencies including FDA and OSHA.
- Art conservation: A small but interesting field for chemists is the conservation, restoration and authentication of art and artifacts.
Our graduates have pursued advanced study in chemistry, law, medicine and public health at leading institutions, including:
- Georgetown University
- New York University
- Northeastern University
- Purdue University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Georgia
- University of Notre Dame
- University of South Carolina
Internships and Research Opportunities
Internships and research opportunities provide critical hands-on learning and real-world experiences that benefit our chemistry and biochemistry students once they graduate. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, all chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to participate in undergraduate research leading to a senior thesis.
Many of our students have the opportunity to participate in 10-week summer fellowships, where they work on different research projects with our dedicated faculty members. They present their results during an annual conference at the University of Rhode Island that is attended by students from all universities and colleges in the state.
Major in Chemistry (B.S.)
21 courses | 76-78 credits
Required courses:
- CHM113: General Chemistry I
- CHM114: General Chemistry II
- CHM205: Organic Chemistry I
- CHM206: Organic Chemistry II
- CHM301: Analytical Chemistry
- CHM305: Physical Chemistry I
- CHM306: Physical Chemistry II
- CHM309: Instrumental Analysis
- CHM408: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM410: Topics in Chemistry and Research Capstone
- CHM497: Undergraduate Research I
- BCH403: Biochemistry
- MTH195: Calculus I
- MTH196: Calculus II
- MTH203: Calculus III
- PHY205: Principles of Physics I
- PHY206: Principles of Physics II
Students also choose three courses from a list of electives in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, mathematics and statistics.
Major in Chemistry (B.A.)
For students interested in fields such as business, law, education, pharmaceutical sales, technical writing or pre-engineering, our B.A. provides a solid foundation in chemistry along with the flexibility to pursue a wide variety of elective courses.
13 courses | 51 credits
Required courses:
- CHM113: General Chemistry I
- CHM114: General Chemistry II
- CHM205: Organic Chemistry I
- CHM206: Organic Chemistry II
- CHM301: Analytical Chemistry
- CHM305: Physical Chemistry I
- CHM408: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM410: Topics in Chemistry and Research Capstone
- MTH195: Calculus I
- MTH196: Calculus II
- PHY205: Principles of Physics I
- PHY206: Principles of Physics II
Students also choose one course from a list of electives in chemistry and biochemistry.
Major in Biochemistry (B.S.)
22-24 courses | 80-81 credits
Required courses:
- BCH403: Biochemistry
- BCH404: Advanced Biochemistry
- BIO112: General Biology II
- BIO220: Cell Biology and Chemistry
- BIO253: Genetics: Classical, Molecular and Population
- BIO/CHM497: Undergraduate Research
- CHM113: General Chemistry I
- CHM114: General Chemistry II
- CHM205: Organic Chemistry I
- CHM206: Organic Chemistry II
- CHM301: Analytical Chemistry
- CHM305: Physical Chemistry I
- CHM408: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM410: Topics in Chemistry and Research Capstone
- MTH195: Calculus I
- MTH196: Calculus II
- PHY205: Principles of Physics I
- PHY206: Principles of Physics II
Students choose two additional courses focusing on behavior of macromolecules, medicinal chemistry and metals in biological systems, along with one course from a list of electives in chemistry, biochemistry and biology.
Major in Biochemistry (B.A.)
Our B.A. is designed for students interested in health professional schools, such as medical, dental, veterinary medicine or pharmacy. Students obtain core knowledge in biochemistry along with the well-rounded educational experience that many professional schools seek in applicants.
14 courses | 54 credits
Required courses:
- BCH403: Biochemistry
- BCH404: Advanced Biochemistry
- BIO112: General Biology II
- BIO220: Cell Biology and Chemistry
- CHM113: General Chemistry I
- CHM114: General Chemistry II
- CHM205: Organic Chemistry I
- CHM206: Organic Chemistry II
- CHM410: Topics in Chemistry and Research Capstone
- MTH195: Calculus I
- MTH196: Calculus II
- PHY205: Principles of Physics I
One of the following chemistry courses:
- CHM301: Analytical Chemistry
- CHM305: Physical Chemistry I
- CHM309: Instrumental Analysis
- CHM408: Inorganic Chemistry
Students also choose one course from a list of electives in chemistry.
Major in Chemistry and Secondary Education (B.A.S.)
To earn the double major, students complete the chemistry, mathematics and physics courses listed below and must also meet the requirements for secondary education.
13 courses | 51 credits
Required courses
- CHM113: General Chemistry I
- CHM114: General Chemistry II
- CHM205: Organic Chemistry I
- CHM206: Organic Chemistry II
- CHM301: Analytical Chemistry
- CHM305: Physical Chemistry I
- CHM408: Inorganic Chemistry
- CHM410: Topics in Chemistry and Research Capstone
- MTH195: Calculus I
- MTH196: Calculus II
- PHY205: Principles of Physics I
- PHY206: Principles of Physics II
Students also choose one of the following:
- BCH403: Biochemistry
- CHM306: Physical Chemistry II
- CHM307: Advanced Organic Chemistry
- CHM309: Instrumental Analysis
Minor in Chemistry
6 courses | 24 credits
Required courses:
- CHM113: General Chemistry I
- CHM114: General Chemistry II
- CHM205: Organic Chemistry I
- CHM206: Organic Chemistry II
Students choose two additional chemistry or biochemistry courses, selected in consultation with the department chair.