Why Study Chemistry or Biochemistry at K?
Close relationships with faculty, hands-on research experience, and a broad focus on the role of chemistry in society prepare K chemistry and biochemistry majors for meaningful scientific careers.
K offers a Major in Chemistry, a Major in Biochemistry, and a Concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Concentration.
As a chemistry student, you will learn and research closely with faculty to gain a molecular view of the world. Through your courses, labs, and completion of your Senior Integrated Project, you will gain scientific literacy, presentation skills, and the ability to conduct experiments and draw conclusions that advance the field. This knowledge will also be put into the broader perspective of how chemicals and chemical waste affect the environment and society.
The department imparts these lessons through learner-focused and evidence-based teaching and lab methods that are designed to help you engage with the material in an educational, fun, and safe manner. By taking a student-centric approach to teaching, the department empowers you to learn complex subjects—like Organic Chemistry; Thermodynamics and Kinetics; Biochemistry; and Principles of Medicinal Chemistry—and gain the skills necessary to start your career.
Our chemistry alumni are prepared to go straight into the workforce in academic, pharmaceutical, public health, forensic science, and other chemical sectors or to continue their educational journey in graduate school. Notably, Kalamazoo College ranks in the top 2% of universities producing alumni who go on to complete research-based doctoral programs.
Note: The Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are two separate programs housed within the same department. Due to the significant overlap in their programming and courses, students cannot pursue degrees in both chemistry and biochemistry.
What can you do with a chemistry or biochemistry degree?
Below are some of the careers, employers, and graduate schools of our chemistry alumni.
Careers
- Medical Doctor
- Lab Manager
- Professor
- Research and Development
- Chemical Engineer
- Quality Assurance and Control
Employers
- Pfizer
- Stryker
- Perrigo
- Cargill
- National Institutes of Health
- National Science Foundation
Graduate Schools
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Vanderbilt University
- University of Chicago
- Northwestern University
Program Spotlights
Conduct meaningful research
At K, we are passionate about research and invite you to work alongside your professors in their labs investigating supramolecular chemistry, photoactive complexes of metals, antimicrobial activity, biosensing, protein manipulation, genome engineering and more! Outside of K, you are encouraged to pursue internships in different industries, academia and government to gain relevant experience and find your passions. We see our students as true collaborators, and their insights help advance the field; many of our students are even invited to present their research and network at regional, national and international conferences.
Join a fun community of chemists
The department prioritizes building personal connections on campus and within the broader scientific community. Kalamazoo is home to many chemists across academia (WMU and K) and the private sector (Pfizer and Stryker), and to help you foster professional relationships, the College collaborates with the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society to host speed networking, seminars, and other events. On campus, you will get to know your fellow classmates and professors on a human level as you have fun at mini golf tournaments, escape rooms, alumni events, and other excursions!
Meet the Current Departmental Student Advisor
Chemistry
Lucy Cripe (she/her/hers)
Major: Chemistry
Concentration: Community & Global Health
Study Abroad: Madrid, Spain (spring short term)
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
The people. The professors and students collaborate in a way that creates the best learning environment.
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
I was able to study abroad in Madrid for a term and not take classes that related to my major or concentration due to the way the curriculum is set up at K. This allowed me to learn more about myself and use different skills that I normally do not have to use in STEM classes.
What drew you to the department?
I have always been interested in chemistry and after taking CHEM110 and CHEM120, I fell in love with the chemistry department at K. The students and professors are all so friendly and welcoming. The professors truly want to see all of their students succeed and the students all are eager to learn. The passion that everyone has for the work they are creates an incredible environment to learn and grow in.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
Design and Synthesis of Tryptamine-2-Indolinone hybrids as potential Antimicrobials.
What is your favorite thing about K?
The relationships I have formed.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I plan to attend graduate school to eventually become a professor of chemistry.
Biochemistry
Jenny Nguyen (she/her/hers)
Major: Math and Computer Science
Concentration: Biological Physics
Best Adjective to Describe You: Curious
What is the best thing about being part of this department?
My favorite thing about K is its people! I have found amazing friends here. And my professors here are truly my biggest supporters. They know exactly when to encourage me to keep pushing ahead, and when to slow down and take care of myself.
What has been your favorite class at K? Why?
Biophysics (PHYS-205) with Dr. Wilson is definitely my favorite class at K. Not just because I am the Biophysics DSA [Departmental Student Advisor], but also because the class has the right amount of challenge. The material was hard but also incredibly interesting at the same time. With Dr. Wilson’s patience and encouragement, I learned a lot from that class!!
What drew you to the department?
I’m interested in the ‘gray area’ between fields, and Biological Physics is exactly so!! It’s the perfect mix of chemistry, biology, physics, and also math!!
How have you taken advantage of the flexible curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
My open curriculum has allowed me to branch out of my field (slightly). I was able to satisfy my artistic side by participating in theater productions and also challenging myself with pure and abstract math.
What is your Senior Integrated Project (SIP)?
I am planning to do a biochemistry SIP, researching both computationally and experimentally the interaction between proteins and nucleic acids!
what is your favorite thing about K?
My favorite thing about K is its people! I have found amazing friends here. And my professors here are truly my biggest supporters. They know exactly when to encourage me to keep pushing ahead, and when to slow down and take care of myself.
What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
My plan right now is to pursue a Ph.D in Biochemistry after K.