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Department Office: 359 Ingersoll Hall Extension
Phone: 718.951.5458

Full-Time Faculty

Professor(s): Ciszkowska, Contel, Davenport, Gallicchio, Gibney, Greer, Kobrak, Murelli
Associate Professor(s): Dowd, Gerona-Navarro, Juszczak, Mieszawska, Torrente
Assistant Professor(s): Jain
Lecturer(s): Mathias, Mohd, Vedad

Chemistry considers the nature of matter, its transformation, and its interaction with energy. The discipline provides the foundation for modern biology and is a cornerstone to such emerging fields as materials science and nanotechnology. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a bachelor of science degree and a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry as well as a bachelor of arts degree in adolescence education for chemistry teachers. The department also offers a minor in chemistry and a minor in biochemistry. Its faculty members maintain active research programs and mentor promising students who express interest.

The bachelor of science degree is a rigorous program designed to prepare students to work as professional chemists, either upon graduation or after graduate school, and is recommended for those interested in pursuing scientific research. The bachelor of arts degree is less rigorous, and is recommended for students interested in the medical professions. The more flexible course schedule allows for the additional course work and extracurricular activity necessary for admission to professional schools. The B.A. degree is also suited to students who are seeking careers related to chemistry, but who do not wish to pursue advanced study. The requirements for the major for individuals who want to teach high school chemistry are similar to those of the B.A. degree, with supplementary courses in education. The minor in biochemistry provides strong preparation for students who wish to specialize in biochemistry at the master's or doctoral degree level. Internship opportunities in local commercial concerns are available, and interested students should contact the departmental counselor as should those students seeking honors.

A chemistry degree from Brooklyn College prepares students to be in the forefront of scientific and medical research in industry, government, and academia. Our graduates find employment as chemists in many different roles across an enormous range of fields, from government laboratories testing food, air, and water quality to commercial environments. A bachelor's degree in science is a prerequisite for a career in patent law, and can facilitate careers in such other areas as environmental law or in managerial positions, particularly in fields that rely on science and technology. See the department website for information on careers in chemistry. Our students go on to graduate and professional programs nationwide. Students who wish to pursue graduate studies may apply to the master's and doctoral degree programs offered by or in conjunction with this department.

Courses for reentering students

A student who completed courses in chemistry at Brooklyn College that are no longer offered and who wants to take additional courses in chemistry must consult a department counselor to determine which courses in the present numbering system are equivalent to those for which credit has already been given. Without clearance, credit may be denied.

Choosing a first course in chemistry

course and course are intended for students planning a career in any of the following: the physical, chemical, or biological sciences; engineering; medicine; dentistry; pharmacy; or physical therapy. Students who have taken one year of high school chemistry and who have completed course College Algebra (or its equivalent) should take course. Students who are not prepared for Chemistry 1200 but who have completed Math 1006 or its equivalent should take Chemistry 1050.

course is intended for students who plan a career in such health-related fields as occupational therapy, nursing, or nutrition.

Students in health and nutrition sciences should consult with their department counselor before choosing a chemistry course.

Restriction on repeating courses

No Chemistry course may be taken more than three times by any student unless special permission is obtained from the department. A student taking a specific Chemistry course three times without achieving a grade of D- or better (this includes F, INC, FIN, W, WN, WU, WF, and ABS grades), will be blocked from repeating the course. Students who want to register for the course after the third time must contact the department faculty advisor for permission.

American Chemical Society Certification

The American Chemical Society recommends a program of study for students planning a career in chemistry. Chemistry majors who complete the curriculum described for the B.S degree in chemistry and who have taken specific courses may receive American Chemical Society accreditation. Certified graduates are eligible to become members of the society; other chemistry graduates may become associate members of the society and members after three years of professional experience in chemistry. Interested students should consult the department counselor for a list of specific requirements and assistance in planning an appropriate schedule.

Graduate Studies

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers master of arts degree programs in chemistry and chemistry teacher (grades 7 through 12). Some courses may be creditable toward the CUNY doctoral degree. For information, students should consult the department’s deputy chairperson for graduate studies.

Courses

Courses listed below are not counted toward the requirement of no fewer than 15 credits in advanced courses for majors in this department for the B.A. degree or 24 credits for the B.S. degree.

Independent work means not less than three additional hours each week per credit of conference, research, independent reading, and writing as assigned by the instructor. The student's grade is determined in part by the successful completion of this independent work.

Students with superior records and the recommendation of a department faculty member may apply to the chairperson for permission to register for honors courses (Chemistry 5110 through 5320). Students may not register for more than six credits in honors courses in the department in one term.

Brooklyn College recognizes the importance of reproductive hazard awareness and protection. During laboratory exercises students may be exposed to chemical reagents that may present specific risks to reproductive health, especially to students who are pregnant.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you do not take the following courses if you are pregnant: course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course, course. If you become pregnant during the semester, please consult your instructor.

The following inactive course(s) will only be offered if there is sufficient demand:

  • CHEM 5000 Introduction to Research