Courses within the Chemistry curriculum focus on the connections between theory and application of chemical principles. Independent laboratory work, under collaborative supervision of faculty, is required of all students. Written and oral communication of scientific knowledge is emphasized.
In keeping with the tradition of a liberal arts education, the program has been designed with sufficient flexibility to allow students to explore areas within the social sciences and humanities. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in summer internship programs. Because of the extensive hands-on experience afforded at Wilson, students possess a decisive advantage in gaining employment or in continuing their education. The Chemistry faculty aim to prepare students for graduate work in specialized areas of chemistry and biochemistry; the application of chemistry in medicine, biology, and environmental science; positions in industry or government services; or secondary education certification.
It is recommended that Chemistry majors take German to fulfill the foreign language requirement. Work beyond the first year is not required; however, a student with an interest in graduate school should consult with an advisor about foreign language skills. Biochemistry is recommended for students interested in medicine or veterinary medicine.
Secondary Education Certification in Chemistry is available—See Education.
Every student who majors in chemistry at Wilson College will begin her own research project during the spring semester of her junior year. This program is unusual in that each student can conduct research on the topic of her choice and thus is not limited by the research interests of the faculty. This research project is part of a three semester course sequence that is completed during the spring semester of her senior year. The first semester focuses on the background information and writing the proposal for the research she intends to perform. The second semester she will conduct the research and give presentations on the project. At the end of the second semester, each student presents her research at the Physical and Life Sciences Research Symposium. The third semester is when the final paper is written to summarize her work. Many students also take this opportunity to present their research findings at the Pennsylvania Academy of Science annual meeting, held every spring. Below are the abstracts of the chemistry research that was presented at the Physical and Life Sciences Symposium in recent years.
Recent Wilson Chemistry Major Senior Research Projects:
Ashley Mudd. "An Inquiry into the Existence of a Relationship between beta-carotene and Tetrachloroisophthalonitrile Fungicide Residue levels in Raphanus sativus." 2009 Pennsylvania Academy of Science Oral Presentation.
Abstract: The lipophilic compound β-carotene serves as a precursor to vitamin A (retinol) in animals, which is essential in the proper functioning of light-sensitive nerve cells in the retina. Prior studies have focused primarily on the increase of phytochemical bioavailability within the human system, but have not examined the potentiality of a positive correlation between the non-polar phytochemical, β-carotene and bioaccumulation of non-polar biocides. Over 11 million pounds of the non-polar fungicide tetrachloroisophthalonitrile are applied annually to vegetables and fruits in the U.S. as a deterrent for fungal diseases. Tetrachloroisophthalonitrile was applied weekly to four varieties of Raphanus sativus (Rainbow, Zlata, Mooli, Mantanghong). Variables affecting plant stress and health were monitored, including soil pH, moisture, temperature and light-exposure. Foliage and root samples were analyzed for β-carotene content using HPLC/UV-vis and tetrachloroisophthalonitrile content using an enzyme immuno assay.
Lisa Pickren. “The role of CC Chemokine Receptor 5 in Macrophage Function and HIV-1 Infection” 2008 Pennsylvania Academy of Science Oral Presentation.
Abstract: Macrophages are cells of the immune system that play important roles in the immune response. Macrophages are also key targets of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1). HIV-1 attacks macrophages first by binding to the CD4 receptor, then changing conformation to bind to the coreceptor CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) before infecting the cell. When there is a deletion of 32 bp in the CCR5 gene, a misfolded protein results and CCR5 expression on the cell surface is inhibited. Persons with the CCR5delta32 gene mutation show nearly complete resistance to HIV-1 infection. As a result of this finding, many researchers have attempted to suppress CCR5 expression or block the receptor on the cell surface in order to prevent HIV-1 infection. However, the role of CCR5 in immune response is currently unknown. If CCR5 does play a role inn the immune response, suppressing or blocking the receptor could have detrimental effects. This study attempts to determine if the CCR5 receptor plays a role in the upregulation of helper T cells.
Chair: Bradley Eugene Engle
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A Vision for the Future of Science at Wilson College
