Chemistry & Biochemistry

Faculty

Kevin M. Metz, professor and chair.
B.S., Alma College; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin—Madison. Appointed 2008.

Craig R. Bieler, professor.
B.S., Juniata College; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Appointed 1995.

Clifford E. Harris, professor.
B.S., California State University, Chico; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz. Appointed 1997.

Lisa B. Lewis, professor.
B.S., King’s College; M.S., University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D., 1994, University of California, Irvine. Appointed 1995.

Vanessa P. McCaffrey, professor.
B.S., McNeese State University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Appointed 2003.

Jennifer Reeves, visiting assistant professor.
B.A., Spring Arbor University; Ph.D., Miami University. Appointed 2022.

Christopher E. Rohlman, professor.
B.S., Oakland University; Ph.D., University of Michigan. Appointed 2001.

Craig N. Streu, professor.
B.A., Albion College; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania. Appointed 2015.

Introduction

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Albion College is dedicated to preparing students for purposeful lives through meaningful careers and responsible leadership, both locally and globally. Approximately one-third of our majors pursue PhD programs, another third enter health professions, and the final third step directly into the STEM workforce, pursuing a range of career pathways.

We are unwaveringly committed to creating a learning community where every student feels they belong. This commitment is reflected in our broad range of experiences, research opportunities, and mentoring practices, both inside and outside the classroom.

Our curriculum fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning, all rooted in the liberal arts tradition and academic excellence. We employ high-impact practices such as flipped classrooms, hands-on activities, and active learning communities to enhance engagement. In research, we support peer mentoring, conference participation, and experiential learning trips, ensuring students gain practical experience and professional development.

Through these efforts, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department aligns with Albion College’s mission, enabling students to become leaders and innovators in their fields, ready to make a significant impact on society.

Chemistry Department Website

Majors and Minors

The Chemistry Department offers majors and minors in both chemistry and biochemistry. Both majors require a minimum of ten units in chemistry, plus appropriate cognate courses. Either major is appropriate for students interested in advanced study in chemistry or biochemistry or for careers in other fields such as medicine and health sciences, law, business or education. Consult a member of the Chemistry Department for suggestions of appropriate courses for graduate school preparation.

In either major, the timing of the course sequence is crucial, and students should consult with a member of the Chemistry Department as early as possible in the planning of their major.

Career Opportunities

In addition to professional work and graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, a major can establish a foundation for future careers in a number of fields: e.g., engineering, medicine and other health-related fields, law and technically related businesses. Graduate and professional schools in the medical sciences require a strong background in chemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Major.

Students will be able to:

1. solve chemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. evaluate primary literature;

4. communicate chemistry effectively in oral and written formats;

5. demonstrate fluency in basic chemistry content knowledge.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the ACS-certified Chemistry Major.

Students will be able to:

1. solve chemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. evaluate primary literature;

4. communicate chemistry effectively in oral and written formats;

5. demonstrate fluency in basic chemistry content knowledge.

6. Students will have complete at least 350 hours of laboratory work beyond general chemistry course work.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Major with Secondary Education Certificate.

Students will be able to:

1. solve chemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. evaluate primary literature;

4. communicate chemistry effectively in oral and written formats;

5. demonstrate fluency in basic chemistry content knowledge;

6. complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Biochemistry Major.

Students will be able to:

1. solve biochemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. evaluate primary literature;

4. communicate biochemistry effectively in oral and written formats;

5. demonstrate fluency in basic biochemistry content knowledge.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Biochemistry Major with Secondary Education Certificate.

Students will be able to:

1. solve biochemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. evaluate primary literature;

4. communicate chemistry effectively in oral and written formats;

5. demonstrate fluency in basic biochemistry content knowledge;

6. complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Minor.

Students will be able to:

1. solve chemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. demonstrate fluency in foundational chemistry content knowledge.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Minor with Secondary Education Certificate.

Students will be able to:

1. solve chemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. demonstrate fluency in foundational chemistry content knowledge;

4. complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Biochemistry Minor.

Students will be able to:

1. solve biochemical problems;

2. design experiments;

3. demonstrate fluency in foundational biochemistry content knowledge.

Departmental Policy on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Credit

1. Students with a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam will receive one unit of CHEM 152.

2. Students with a 5 on the IB (HL) Chemistry exam will receive one unit of CHEM 152.

3. Students receiving these units will be placed into CHEM 154 if they wish to continue their studies in chemistry or biochemistry.

Programs

Major

Minor