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Undergraduate Research
The chemistry department has a strong tradition of providing its students with opportunities to participate in national level research. Students may engage in such activities as early as their freshman year. An individual may opt to conduct research for academic credit, as a summer research assistant, or just out of sheer interest.
Summer research opportunities are available to students in the form of a paid 9-week period during the summer. Students earn a taxable stipend of $3,000 and the college provides housing.
Research projects are currently in the areas of organometallic and inorganic chemistry (Dr. Schreiner), polymer science, 
forensic science, and analytical chemistry (Dr. Marchetti), organic chemistry (Dr. Thoburn), atmospheric chemistry (Dr. Michelsen) and biochemistry (Dr. Green) although projects can be tailored to better fit the interests of student researchers.
One of the best parts of our research program is the FUN you will have interacting with other students and professors. Students traditionally form close friendships with other student researchers. When students are not making new discoveries in the lab, they enjoy group activities such as going to Paramount's Kings Dominion, visiting the professors' homes, and cooking dinner together. Next summer we hope to add more activities such as attending local Braves baseball games, canoeing and camping on the James River, bowling, movies, etc. Come join us and bring your ideas!
The Three-Year B.S. Degree
The 4-1-4 curriculum at Randolph-Macon College allows very ambitious students to earn a B.S. chemistry degree in just three years. This option is often pursued by students who decide to major in chemistry after their sophomore year or those who wish to forego a fourth year in college. The schedule for the three-year B.S. degree is as follows:
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Fall Semester |
January Term* |
Spring Semester |
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1st Year
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CHEM 200
Math 131 or 141
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CHEM 201
Math 132 or 142
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2nd Year |
CHEM 221
Physics 151
CHEM Elective
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CHEM 222
CHEM Elective
Physics 152
Chemistry 340 |
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3rd Year |
CHEM 311
CHEM 407
CHEM Elective
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CHEM 322
CHEM 495
CHEM Elective |
| *Research and Internship Requirements can be fulfilled during the January Term. |
**Electives include advanced physical chemistry, instrumental methods, advanced inorganic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry II, chemical internship, organometallic chemistry, forensic chemistry, and advanced experimental chemistry.
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Internships
The chemistry department can arrange an internship for you during the January term. You will work as a chemist at a local chemical industry or state or federal agency for credit. During the internship, you will work approx. 40 hours per week under the direction of a site supervisor. You cannot be paid for the internship while you are receiving coursework credits. Currently, we are encouraging internships with Boehringer-Ingelheim (Richmond and Petersburg) and other local companies such as Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Consolidated Labs (Commonwealth of Virginia Forensics Lab).
The chemistry department offers several scholarship opportunities for both new students to the college and students who have already declared chemistry as a major. The most prominent of these scholarships are the Jackson Fellowships. These fellowships are designed to encourage high-ability chemistry, biology, and pre-med students who are interested in Randolph-Macon College. The scholarships range in value from $1000 to $3000, and are in addition to any other financial aid that the student might receive from the college. The scholarships can be renewed for up to four years. Scholarships are also sometimes awarded to students who are already at the college and who have declared a scientific field as their major.
In addition, the department awards several other scholarships each year. Among these is a one-time, $2000 award given by Lyotropic Pharmaceuticals, which also sponsors a cooperative internship program with the Department. This award is given to an outstanding senior who has shown an interest in drug delivery systems.