Chemistry Department

The department of chemistry prepares students for industry, teaching, advanced degree work, and professional schools. Chemistry is an integral part of the liberal arts tradition, offering students the opportunity to study the philosophical and theoretical basis of molecular sciences at both the introductory and advanced levels. Because chemistry is such a “central” science, a wide variety of opportunities await those with training in this field.

Although Hamline University’s relatively small size, its chemistry bachelor of science (BS) program is approved by the American Chemical Society committee on professional training, and its production of chemistry majors and PhD candidates is substantial. Eight to 14 chemistry majors graduate each year, 70 percent with the ACS-certified major. Approximately two-thirds of Hamline’s chemistry graduates seek advanced degrees in chemistry, another 15-20 percent enter professional schools, while the remaining find employment in the chemical industry and teaching.

Honors

All junior chemistry majors who have a GPA of 3.25 in major courses are invited to participate in the departmental honors program. The student selects a faculty member with whom to work on a research project and informs the department chair that he or she wishes to apply for departmental honors. An application form will be provided; it must be filled out and submitted to the department chair no later than April 15. If three members of the department approve the project as presented, the student may then carry out the work as part of CHEM 5960: Research Techniques. After completion of the work, the student presents a written thesis to an examination committee and takes an oral examination. If both written thesis and oral examination are deemed worthy of honors, a copy of the thesis is filed in the Hamline University Bush Library and departmental honors are awarded at graduation.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Chemistry graduates from Hamline University have opportunities for a wide variety of professional positions, including advanced degree work in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, pharmacy, or employment in the chemical industry and chemical education.

In addition, advanced degree work and employment are available in many areas related to chemistry, including anthropology, agricultural and forestry science, bacteriology, biology, botany, ecology, food science, forensic chemistry, geology, law, medicine, pharmacology, psychology, pollution control, public health, and veterinary medicine.

Faculty

The chemistry department’s faculty has been recognized for its dedication to undergraduate teaching and research. The five members of the teaching staff have PhD degrees in the four major fields of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical. The faculty maintain a high level of professional and research activity. During the past ten years, these activities have resulted in many monographs and research publications, additional research projects, and industrial experience. In addition to its research activities, the faculty has a strong commitment to quality education.

Thomas Anderson, assistant professor. BA 1994, Rice University; PhD 2001, Stanford University. Physical chemistry.

Dan Besemann, assistant professor. BA 1996, Saint John’s University; PhD 2003, University of Wisconsin-Madison. Analytical chemistry.

Rita Majerle, associate professor, chair. BS 1978, University of Minnesota-Duluth; PhD 1989, University of Minnesota. Organic chemistry.

John Matachek, professor. BA 1979, University of Minnesota; PhD 1984, Iowa State University. Inorganic chemistry.

Nicholas Schlotter, assistant professor, BA 1974 Carleton College; PhD 1980, Stanford University, Physical chemistry.