Undergraduate Programs
The Department of Chemistry at Tufts University provides both basic and advanced chemistry education with all the benefits of a major research university but with the environment of a small liberal arts college. We offer a variety of courses, newly expanded and improved facilities, an active teaching and research faculty, and a favorable faculty to student ratio.
Our undergraduate alumni go on to careers in a wide variety of fields including, medicine, law, physical and social sciences, engineering, and public policy.
Programs
BS in Chemistry
The (general) BS in Chemistry is intended for those with an interest in chemistry whose career aspirations lie outside the realm of professional chemistry.
BS in Biochemistry
This interdepartmental major is intended for students interests in the chemistry of living systems, and is offered jointly by the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Biology.
BS in Chemical Physics
This major is appropriate for a wide variety of careers including, medicine, law, physical and social sciences, engineering, and public policy.
Fifth-Year Master’s Degree Program: BS/MS in Chemistry
Exceptional students may combine undergraduate and graduate courses and are simultaneously enrolled in bachelor's and master's degrees programs.
Minors in Chemistry (Fall 2022)
Beginning in Fall 2022, undergraduate students will be able to declare Minors in Chemistry. Minors in Chemistry are designed for students who have done substantial coursework in Chemistry but who may choose not to complete all the requirements for a Chemistry Major.
Introductory Chemistry
Our department offers two flavors of first-semester General Chemistry: Chem 1 (General Chemistry) and Chem 11 (Expanded General Chemistry). Both classes provide excellent preparation for upper-level coursework. To help determine which class is best for each student, we have designed a self-assessment and an FAQ.
Learn more about Introductory Chemistry
Senior Thesis
The Undergraduate Senior Thesis is a two-semester program culminating in a written research thesis, public thesis defense seminar, and private oral examination.
Learn more about Senior Thesis
Advising Faculty
Through your major advisor, you can participate in a wide variety of research opportunities in the department. Email a faculty member whose research suits your interests to ask whether they are willing to be your advisor. Once you have their agreement, complete the Advisor Change Form.
- Ravichandra Bachu
- Clay S. Bennett - Bioorganic, Chemical Biology, and Organic Synthesis
- Timothy Brunker
- Ira Caspari - Chemistry & STEM Education
- Kevin Clark - Analytical Chemistry and Neurochemistry
- Luke M. Davis - Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
- Eric High - Physical and Analytical Chemistry
- Samuel P. Kounaves - Analytical, Planetary Science, and Geochemistry
- Joshua A. Kritzer - Bioorganic, Biophysical, and Chemical Biology (not accepting new advisees)
- Sergiy Kryatov
- Krishna Kumar - Bioorganic and Chemical Biology (not accepting new advisees)
- Yu-Shan Lin - Theoretical and Biophysical Chemistry
- Charles Mace - Bioanalytical and Materials Chemistry
- Diren Pamuk-Turner - (not accepting new advisees)
- Rebecca A. Scheck - Bioorganic Chemistry and Chemical Biology
- Mary Jane Shultz - Physical, Environmental, Excited State, and Surface
- E. Charles Sykes - Physical & Surface Chemistry
- Samuel W. Thomas III - Organic, Surface Chemistry, and Materials Science
- Arthur L. Utz - Physical and Materials Chemistry
- Yu Zhang - Inorganic and Organometallic Chemistry
Learning Objectives
Undergraduate Majors Educational Goals and Required Knowledge and Skills
General education goals in chemistry:
1. Communication. The ability to write, display information, and orally communicate in a
scientific format.
2. Primary literature. The ability to search for, read and understand primary sources of
scientific literature.
3. Understanding data. The ability to understand chemistry data, how it is produced, and
how it is applied.
4. Quantitative analysis. The ability to apply quantitative measurement and analytical
laboratory techniques to scientific problems.
5. Mathematical tools. The ability to apply mathematical tools to chemistry problems that
often involve multiple variables, statistics, and symmetry.
6. Scientific method. The ability to develop a hypothesis, design experiments to test that
hypothesis, execute experiments, interpret data, and refine a hypothesis in light of new
data.
7. Chemistry as the central and molecular science. Understanding how chemists solve
problems across disciplines by designing, synthesizing, and analyzing molecules with
defined structure and function.
8. Critical evaluation. The ability to critique scientific claims in the technical and popular
press with respect to accuracy, interpretation, and application.
9. Integrity. The development of honesty, responsibility, and integrity with respect to the
generation and interpretation of data as a scientist and as a citizen.
10. Science and society. The development of a sense of responsibility for promoting
education, diversity and functional literacy in science within the larger community.
Knowledge and skills requirements:
(these are designed to be cross-major, with each major able to define sub-topics that address the knowledge/skills)
1. Problem-solving skills, including logical reasoning, diligence, and attention to
quality, consistency, and thoughtfulness in one's work
2. Structure. Three-dimensional molecular structure and chemical bonding and their
origins in the electronic structure of matter
3. Properties and reactivities of important chemical classes, and their uses and
preparation
4. Energy and thermodynamics
5. Chemical equilibria including acids, bases and solubility
6. Chemical reactions, stoichiometry and mechanisms
7. Reaction kinetics
8. Oxidation, reduction, and electron transport
9. Chemical basis of biological function
10. Experimental techniques. Knowledge of, and safe practices in, analytical and
preparatory laboratory techniques, including synthesis of molecules and/or materials
11. Hands-on laboratory experience
Admissions
Please visit our admissions website for comprehensive information on our admissions processes and requirements, deadlines, financial aid options, forms and instructions.
