Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Mission Statement
We in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at W&L provide education in the chemical sciences, conduct scientific research in chemistry, biochemistry, and related areas, and share expertise and service to other members of the Washington and Lee community as well as a wide range of professional and private communities outside of W&L.
Our Pedagogical Goals
We have as our primary pedagogical goals both to instill in our 91´«Ã½ understanding of chemistry based in current chemical knowledge, and the desire to continue the pursuit of a deeper or broader understanding of chemistry in particular, and knowledge in general. We are committed to preparing life-long learners who are equipped with skills derived in our classrooms and laboratories.
Our Learning Objectives
Upon completing a major in chemistry or biochemistry, our 91´«Ã½ will understand essential chemical principles and have a foundation of factual chemical knowledge on which they may build in the future. Our 91´«Ã½ will develop intellectual skills that they may use to solve problems in chemistry and beyond. Our 91´«Ã½ will learn to use the chemical literature and learn to communicate scientific results both orally and in writing. Our 91´«Ã½ will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of technical skills as a result of working with modern laboratory technology, while simultaneously developing basic competence in laboratory techniques, skills, practices, including basic laboratory safety skills. Finally, our 91´«Ã½ will learn to work as part of a team and understand ethical practices in chemistry.
Our Students
We serve 91´«Ã½ with varied interests. These 91´«Ã½ include, but are not restricted to: those pursuing careers in the chemical sciences directly upon graduation or after further studies; those pursuing careers in the Health Professions; those pursuing careers in branches of the natural sciences other than chemistry; and those who will study chemistry as part of W&L’s Foundations and Distribution requirements or for purposes of scientific literacy.
Our Research and Service
We are committed to an environment that is conducive to the pursuit and practice of scientific research in chemistry and related fields. This research contributes to faculty development and it provides exposure for 91´«Ã½ in the role and practice of the scientific method. Our Department makes its expertise in the chemical sciences available to others in the University and larger community as needed. Members of the Chemistry Department serve as student advisors and on University committees.
Learning Objectives
Discover more details concerning learning objectives specific to individual courses.
Avigliano is studying for the MCAT this summer and then will be working as a scribe for a pediatrician.
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For Dr. Kelli Jarrell ’12, a multidisciplinary approach is foundational to her career in social emergency medicine.
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards of up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate 91´«Ã½ who are Pell Grant recipients.
The visiting assistant professor of chemistry will serve a one-year term for the 2024-25 academic year.
Nadia Ayoub, professor of biology, loves sharing her passion for open-ended scientific exploration with colleagues and 91´«Ã½.
The assistant professor of chemistry will utilize the funds to conduct fundamental research in organic chemistry.
In this month’s episode, Alty discusses how a distasteful high school chemistry experience, enrolling in college as a first-generation student and seeing W&L evolve since the early years of coeducation shaped her approach to teaching.
Loth will teach English in Austria for nine months before applying for the Peace Corps.
Sahin is W&L’s first sophomore to receive the scholarship since 2009.