Leslie Lyons, Professor of Chemistry, works with a student in one of the labs in Noyce

Chemistry

A personalized learning laboratory.

Dynamic classes, laboratory research, and multiple means of interacting with faculty allow you to develop a personalized major that fits your individual learning style. As a chemistry major you’ll gain hands-on experience with modern instrumentation as you couple creative thought with experimentation. All of this will prepare you for a career in chemical research, education, the medical or engineering professions, or to pursue graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science, geology, materials science, or many other areas of study.

Why Study Chemistry?

  • professor and 2 students in chemistry lab

    Unlock the world of science.

    Chemistry is everywhere; it is the central science that connects all other sciences. Chemists are fascinated by the world and seek to understand the nature and transformations of matter.

    Discover Chemistry
  • professor and 2 students handle equipment for aquatic geochemistry

    Experience hands-on learning and research.

    The chemistry curriculum emphasizes laboratory investigation and gives majors opportunities for independent research with faculty.

    Take a deeper look
  • Biogeochemistry class at CERA

    Become a problem-solver.

    Our chemistry curriculum teaches students to grapple with complex problems, to deal with ambiguity (also present in societal problems), and to be aware of the nature of differences in facts and theories.

    Apply what you learn

Alumni Stories

Jennifer Fulton wearing lab goggles standing by whiteboard
Understanding the World Through the Lens of Chemistry

Jennifer Fulton ’15 is living her dream as a principal scientist in medicinal chemistry at Cogent Biosciences, and it all began at Grinnell. 

Finn Dworkin at Grinnell, redbud trees in bloom
Chemistry Major Turned Environmental Scientist

At Grinnell, Finn Dworkin ’22 was able to study the water ecosystems near campus. He saw firsthand the impacts that humans have had on our ecosystems. He found himself asking more questions and wanting to dig deeper.

Department News

Robinson speaks to a group of students.
Academics

Dr. Richard Robinson to Give 2024 Danforth Lecture

Robinson’s lecture, “Nanoparticles 101: Small Particles, Big Impact!” will introduce attendees to the vast power and applications of nanoparticles. November 16 at 11 a.m. in JRC 101.
Gracie, wearing lab goggles and gloves, sets up a metal column for her experiment.

Taking ‘Learning By Doing’ to a New Level

Another story in the Summer MAP Series. Gracie Song ’25 jumped headfirst into laboratory research, using a tricky technique to study the structure of a mutated protein.
Math equations are written on a window, behind which are sillhouetes of people.
Academics

3-2 Engineering Programs Give Grinnellians the Best of Both Worlds

Grinnell’s 3-2 partnerships grant students their B.A., B.S., and an engineering education unlike any other.
More News

Featured Courses

Students and professor examine water sample

Aquatic Geochemistry

Aquatic Geochemistry (CHM 340) is a thought-provoking combination of readings, classroom discussion, and hands-on learning. The course explores the chemical processes that control freshwater and marine systems.

Explore the Aquatic Geochemistry
Professor Trimmer and 2 students in biochem lab

Tiny Enzymes, Huge Potential

Bioorganic Chemistry (CHM 330) focuses on enzymes, proteins that are catalysts within cells. This in-depth study of enzymes allows you to explore advanced biochemistry, applying principles and techniques you learned in organic chemistry to the study of biological reactions.

Explore Bioorganic Chemistry
Professor Leggans teaching chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Taught by Associate Professor of Chemistry Erick Leggans, Organic Chemistry I is often a critical turning point in students’ studies at Grinnell, frequently influencing their choice of major.

Explore Organic Chemistry

Faculty Research

Lee Sharpe

Lee Sharpe’s Recent Publications

LaFexCo(1–x)O3 Thin-Film Oxygen Reduction Catalysts Prepared Using Spray Pyrolysis without Conductive Additives
Authors: Dilek Dervishogullari, Christopher A. Sharpe, and Lee R. Sharpe

Spray Pyrolysis as a Combinatorial Method for the Generation of Photocatalyst Libraries
Authors: Jordan S. Compton, Christi A. Peterson, Dilek Dervishogullari, and Lee R. Sharpe

Sources of Obsidian for the Sinagua of Northern Arizona (USA)
Authors: John C. Whittaker, Daniel Dong KeunLee, Lee Sharpe, and Jeffrey R. Ferguson

Heriberto Hernandez

Heriberto Hernandez’s Recent Publications

Role of Sterics in Phosphine-Ligated Gold Clusters
Authors: Katherine A. Parrish, Mary King, Marshall R. Ligare, Grant E. Johnson, and Heriberto Hernández

Light Exposure Promotes Degradation of Intermediates and Growth of Phosphine-Ligated Gold Clusters
Authors: Michael A. Hewitt, Heriberto Hernández, and Grant E. Johnson

ESI-MS Identification of the Cationic Phosphine-Ligated Gold Clusters Au1−22: Insight into the Gold−Ligand Ratio and Abundance of Larger Clusters
Authors: Michael A. Hewitt, Heriberto Hernández, and Grant E. Johnson

Andrew Graham

Andrew Graham’s Recent Publications

Nutrient capture in an Iowa farm pond: Insights from high-frequency observations
Authors: Christopher Brunet, Eva R C Gemrich, Savanna Biedermann, Peter J Jacobson, Keith E Schilling, Christopher S Jones, Andrew M Graham

Dimethylmercury Degradation by Dissolved Sulfide and Mackinawite
Authors: Johannes West, Andrew M Graham, Van Liem-Nguyen, and Sofi Jonsson

Chemistry Career Outcomes

First Destinations

  • 31% Employment
  • 56% Graduate School
  • 0% Post-Graduate Service
  • 4% Fellowships
  • 2% Continuing Education
  • 7% Other

Employment

100%
Positions related to Career Goals

Positions Related to Career Goals

This graph illustrates the extent to which our graduates' first job is aligned with their career goals. It's one thing to find a job; it's an entirely different thing to land the job you want!

Employer

  • AMPAC Fine Chemicals
  • Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
  • Environmental Restoration LLC
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • Seviroli Foods
  • University of Missouri

Graduate Schools

63%
63% Accepted to 1st- or 2nd- choice programs

Graduate School Acceptance Info

Of those who applied to and were accepted to at least one program, this chart illustrates the percentage of admitted students who were accepted to either their first or second choice program and institution.

Institutions

  • California Institute of Technology
  • MIT
  • Paris-Sud University
  • University of California
  • University of Illinois
  • University of Nevada
  • Yale University
Explore More Graduate Outcomes

Department Chair

Heriberto Hernández

Department Information

Phone
641-269-3172
Fax
641-269-4984

Noyce Science Center
1116 Eighth Ave
Grinnell, IA 50112
United States

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