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Chemistry and Biochemistry

Overview

School of Arts and Sciences  /  Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry connects the physical, life, and applied sciences.

In La Salle’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Program, students are trained to think critically and analyze problems through the fundamentals of chemical science coupled with a liberal arts education, preparing them for a well-rounded future. Our chemistry bachelor degree program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) in recognition that it offers a “...broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that gives students intellectual, experimental, and communication skills to become effective scientific professionals.” Watch to learn more.  

ACS Approved Program

An ACS approved bachelor degree:

  • ensures you get experience in a wide range of chemical topics and techniques throughout your La Salle chemistry education.
  • you gain experience with high-quality chemistry instruments and techniques through impactful chemistry pedagogy.
  • is widely recognized by chemical industry and graduate programs for excellently preparing students for future scientific careers.

ACS Chemistry for Life

Course Highlights

Our small class sizes means that our students get the one-on-one attention and support they need to succeed.

Our program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) as an ACS-approved major.

Topics covered in our courses include:

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Drug Synthesis
  • Molecular Simulations
  • Chemistry of Solar Energy/Photovoltaics

For a full list of courses, you may check out the course catalogues for the Chemistry and Biochemistry majors.

Majors and Minors

Chemistry Major
Biochemistry Major
Chemistry Minor

Why should I be a Chemistry Major?

A Chemistry Major at La Salle University will hone their understanding of matter, properties, and reactions in the lab and the classroom. The La Salle Chemistry program is ACS (American Chemical Society) certified and students get hands-on experience with all of our modern instrumentation. Here, you will develop a wide range of soft and hard skills that will assist you in your future career goals, from learning how to use laboratory equipment to presenting scientific data. Students will have opportunities to conduct research with faculty mentors, having access to cutting edge questions in science. La Salle Chemistry students often present their research at national conferences, such as the American Chemical Society Meeting. Chemistry majors at La Salle will be prepared both for immediate careers in industry and for additional education, such as graduate and professional degrees. A Chemistry major will have career opportunities in the fields of research and development, forensics, education, medicine, law and healthcare, to name a few.

Why should I be a Biochemistry Major?

As a Biochemistry major, you will spend time working hands-on in the lab and in the classroom. You will develop an understanding of the chemistry of living organisms, mastering how biology and chemistry work together in living systems. You will have the opportunity to do hands-on-research directly with our faculty members. Our students have presented their research at national conferences, such as the American Chemical Society Meeting. Biochemistry majors can go on to additional education, such as medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, and graduate school. As a Biochemistry major, you can also have career opportunities in environmental, biotechnology, medical, educational, and nutritional fields.

Why should I add a Chemistry Minor?

A Chemistry minor can be a benefit to students in the sciences as it provides laboratory experience and strengthens opportunities for working in medicine, environmental research, and pharmaceutical industry. For non-science students, a chemistry minor opens opportunities in fields that require some understanding of the sciences, such as science communication, environmental law, and policy.

Why should I consider a Dual Major with Chemistry or Biochemistry?

A dual major with Chemistry or Biochemistry broadens one’s knowledge on the subject and opens opportunities for careers in medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, and the health sciences. Having a chemistry or biochemistry double major can also help increase chances of acceptance into professional education programs such as medical and pharmacy schools.

"A scientific result or an equation can be appreciated in similar ways as, say, music, writing, or art. There is an inherent beauty in science that human beings should recognize, and science in and of itself is a substantial human achievement."

— Zeb Kramer, Ph.D., La Salle Chemistry Professor

Blaze Your Own Path

Student Outcomes

Every year, approximately 40% of student graduates from La Salle’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department attend graduate school with their tuition fully-covered.

100% of our students are employed or enrolled in a program within 1 year after graduation.

La Salle’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department serves qualified students by offering an unbeatable liberal arts education that sets a strong foundation for graduate studies and successful careers including:

  • Physician
  • Physician’s assistant
  • Cancer researcher
  • Environmental scientist
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Biomedical scientist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Marketing
  • Business and finance
  • Teaching
  • Healthcare scientist, clinical biochemistry
  • Clinical research associate
  • Forensic scientist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Research scientist
  • Scientific laboratory technician
  • Toxicologist
  • Chartered accountant
  • Health and safety inspector
  • Quality control manager
  • Science journalist
  • Patent attorney

Student Outcomes

Student Outcomes

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Research Opportunities and Internships

Research at La Salle
Research opportunities are available to students in La Salle’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Program. These courses provide students with the opportunity to engage in individual chemical or biochemical research. Students can also apply for the La Salle University Arts & Science Summer Research Grant to conduct research with a faculty member over the summer. Our students have conducted research projects:

  • Synthesizing and analyzing Parkinson’s drugs, antitumor agents and other medicinal compounds
  • Synthesizing small-molecule light-absorbing compounds for use in dye-sensitized solar cells
  • Improving methods of treating contaminated wastewater
  • Simulating atmospheric chemistry reactions
  • Examining the ability of fungi to degrade plastic waste

Opportunities Outside of La Salle
Our students have participated in the following opportunities during their time at La Salle:

  • Internships at PeproTech
  • Internships at Johnson & Matthy
  • National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates at Texas A&M and Kansas State University
  • Internships at PolySciences
  • Internships with Philadelphia Water
  • La Salle University Chemistry/Biochemistry Tutor
  • La Salle University Chemistry/Biochemistry Supplementary Instructor
  • La Salle University Arts & Sciences Summer Research Intern

Research Opportunities and Internships

Research Opportunities and Internships

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Instrumentation and Facilities

The Hugh and Nancy Devlin Center for Science and Technology is located in Holroyd Hall.

The facility includes state of the art:

  • teaching classrooms and labs
  • dedicated laboratories for student research
  • centralized instrumentation available to students
  • student study areas close to labs and professors

Image of a lab.

In keeping with the Lasallian tradition of teaching and intellectual development, it is the philosophy of the La Salle Chemistry and Biochemistry Department that instrumentation should be considered as tools for learning.  All equipment is accessible to the students for use in class settings as well as for independent research.  Following are the available instrumentation:

  • Electrochemical Analyzer
  • Fourier-Transform Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (400 MHz)
  • Fourier-Transfer Infrared Spectroscopy
  • Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy
  • Fluorescence Spectroscopy
  • Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectroscopy
  • High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
  • Pulse-Nitrogen Laser for Excited-State Lifetime Measurements
  • 785nm Raman Spectroscopy
  • Magnetic Susceptibility Balance
  • Voltametric Analyzer
  • Microwave Synthesis Apparatus
  • Advanced Computing Resources
  • Powder X-ray Diffractometer
  • Glovebox

Lab equipment

Instrumentation and Facilities

Instrumentation and Facilities

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I am an Explorer

Anthony Moreno, Class of 2020

Anthony Moreno, Class of 2020

What is your current position? I am currently a rising 2nd year Ph.D student at Drexel University’s College of Medicine (DUCOM). How did La Salle prepare you for your future? La Salle gave me a very strong scientific foundation in terms of knowledge as well as technical skills that has been helpful in transitioning into […]

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Sarah Tse, Class of 2022

Sarah Tse, Class of 2022

What is your current position? ​I am currently an Analyst and an Instrument Operator for a CRO company located in Malvern, Pa. I work with LCMS/MS method validation for small molecules. How did La Salle prepare you for your future? I always felt like I was challenged at La Salle, working in a smaller setting, […]

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Anthony Moreno, Class of 2020

What is your current position?

I am currently a rising 2nd year Ph.D student at Drexel University’s College of Medicine (DUCOM).

How did La Salle prepare you for your future?

La Salle gave me a very strong scientific foundation in terms of knowledge as well as technical skills that has been helpful in transitioning into my Ph.D program.

What skills or knowledge from La Salle has been most helpful/useful in your career/studies?

The broad topics of biology to chemistry have been extremely useful in my current studies of Neuroscience as it is very interdisciplinary. More beneficial to me was Physical chemistry and my research experience with Dr. Kramer as my Ph.D is focused on computational neuroscience and Dr. Kramer’s mentorship has prepared me for the long road ahead!

What is your favorite memory relating to the chemistry/biochemistry department?

My favorite memory would have to be during Christmas time and putting up the Chemis-tree along with other students from the La Salle Chemistry Club (Chymian Society)!

Any advice you would give to potential students?

I would suggest to start looking into research positions or opportunities early on, both at La Salle and through other institutions/programs (ACS Co-ops, NSF REU’s, etc.) during the summer to get experience in labs/jobs and prepare for any possible job opportunities after graduating or going into graduate school. The different experiences will be beneficial both to personal growth as a scientist and learning about what oneself enjoys working on!

Sarah Tse, Class of 2022

What is your current position?

​I am currently an Analyst and an Instrument Operator for a CRO company located in Malvern, Pa. I work with LCMS/MS method validation for small molecules.

How did La Salle prepare you for your future?

I always felt like I was challenged at La Salle, working in a smaller setting, having to communicate, having to commute on the bus every day the first two years of my college career and having my own views challenged. Ultimately, La Salle taught me to be patient , which is something that helps in the field I am in. Especially with running experiments and writing reports, it can be time consuming and frustrating. I feel like I am a lot more patient, more understanding of the world around me as I meet new people at La Salle, and even connect with people better socially.

What skills or knowledge from La Salle has been most helpful/useful in your career/studies?

Teamwork and communications are a few of the most important skills that La Salle had to offer me. I still remember having to work together with my classmates on a multitude of assignments through Zoom classes, where our zoom audio would cut off or the reception was bad. It was difficult to communicate and learn on Zoom but I learned to adapt. I learned how to communicate better through Zoom (Zoom meetings are very common nowadays, especially in the working work) and in general.

What is your favorite memory relating to the chemistry/biochemistry department?

There are a lot of memories and experiences that are dear to me. Staying up with my fellow classmates at 3 in the morning working on a quantum homework during Zoom, being mesmerized in the inorganic lab as a yellow compound seemingly magically turns violet, trying to learn organic mechanisms through dancing, participating in Chymian Society events and even just laughing and bonding with my fellow classmates in class as we all try to figure out the material together.

Any advice you would give to potential students?

​Exploring your options. Shadow, talk to people outside of your interests, and grow. Seize opportunities when you get the chance. Sometimes you may even like something you didn’t even know you would like. Do not be afraid to ask for help, or even ask for mentorship. La Salle’s small class size makes it a lot easier to talk to my professors and other students about assignments, internships and references.

Beyond the Classroom

Clubs
Clubs

There are always great ways to get involved outside of the classroom at La Salle

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Clubs

There are always great ways to get involved outside of the classroom at La Salle. Many our Chemistry majors belong to clubs like:

Chymian Society
The purpose of this organization is to intensify its members’ interests in Chemistry through providing its members with opportunities to join their departmental colleagues in academic and social activities, including the discussion of common academic problems and familiarization with recent developments and trends in chemical research, industry, and medicinal chemistry.

Biology Club
The Biology Club is geared towards connecting in classroom learning with out of classroom support and experiences.

Pre-Health Program
This program is designed to advise and support students interested in pursuing medical, veterinary, dental, podiatric, optometry, physician assistant, or physical therapy schools.

For a full list of clubs and organizations covering everything from chess to the Harry Potter club, visit our Student Affairs page.

Service Opportunities
Service Opportunities

Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission

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Service Opportunities

Chemistry magic show

The Chemistry Magic Show done by the Chymian Society and La Salle Chemistry faculty treats families to exciting chemical phenomena, from breakable, iced flowers frozen from liquid nitrogen to vibrant displays of fire in a rainbow of colors!

Education and service are the heart of La Salle’s mission. As a chemistry major, you will be able to dive into a wide range of service opportunities that fall under our Fellowship of Community and University Service (FOCUS) umbrella including outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and the service and immersion trips.

In the past, our students have taken Travel Study trips on climate change issues in Denmark and Sweden.

The groups that fall under the FOCUS umbrella include outreach programs, advocacy groups, mentoring and tutoring programs, and service and immersion trips. These programs strive to serve others, promote social justice, and work toward the common good. Programs include:

  • Lasallian Immersion and Volunteer Experience (LIVE)
  • Alliance
  • Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ambassadors
  • Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
  • AIDS Outreach
  • Circle K
  • Environmental Community of Olney (ECO)
  • Neighbor to Neighbor
  • Pheed Philadelphia
  • REACHE (Special Olympics)
  • Neighborhood Tutoring
  • TEAM Lasallians
Philadelphia as a Classroom
Philadelphia as a Classroom

The education you find outside of a classroom is just as important as the one you find inside

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Philadelphia as a Classroom

The education you find outside of a classroom is just as important as the one you find inside. As the fifth-largest city in the U.S., Philadelphia is rich in unique historical and cultural opportunities. Whether you’re searching for the best cheesesteak, catching an Eagles game, or running the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the City of Brotherly Love has it all. Philadelphia is brimming with global corporations, nonprofit organizations, leading media outlets, and professional sports teams. From co-ops to internships to future employers big and small, each is readily accessible to provide you with real-life learning beyond a class on campus. How much of a role Philadelphia play is in your life is entirely up to you, but the options are limitless.

83% of faculty hold a Ph.D. or the highest degree in their field.

Ranked in Forbes list of Best Value Colleges in 2019.

Listed Top 4% nationally in 10-year earnings by Georgetown's Center for Education and the Workforce.

Ranked in the top 50 in the North Region on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 list of Best Colleges.

More Information About This Major

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Course Catalog – Biochemistry

Course Catalog – Chemistry

Faculty Directory

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Scholarship Information

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Majors
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