The general Chemistry program at Franklin College introduces students to the core tenets of chemistry, covering areas such as atomic structure, bonding, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and the various branches of the discipline (e.g., organic, inorganic, analytical, physical). The program's aim is to foster a deep understanding of scientific reasoning and the concepts and methods of chemistry. It provides a solid foundation for students who intend to pursue careers in a variety of science-related fields, including health sciences, industry, and education, or to continue their studies at the graduate level. The program is flexible, allowing students to combine it with other interests or pre-professional tracks.
STEM-designated: Yes, the Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry at Franklin College is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designated program. Chemistry is a foundational natural science that relies heavily on experimentation, quantitative analysis, problem-solving, and the application of scientific principles. This STEM designation is a significant advantage for international students, as it typically allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more time to gain professional work experience in their field.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Chemistry (General) at Franklin College is rigorous and structured to build a strong scientific foundation. It includes core chemistry courses such as General Chemistry I & II (with labs), Organic Chemistry I & II (with labs), and likely courses in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Supporting courses in mathematics (e.g., Calculus, Statistics) and physics are also integral components. The curriculum is designed to teach students how to synthesize chemicals, characterize them using modern instrumentation, analyze scientific data, extract significant conclusions, and utilize computer programs to solve problems. This comprehensive approach ensures graduates possess both theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills.
Research Focus: Franklin College's Chemistry program places a strong emphasis on developing students' research capabilities. While specific details for the "general" track may vary, the broader Chemistry Department provides significant opportunities for undergraduate research. Students are encouraged to "design experimental plans for chemical/physical research" and engage in "on-campus labs and research trainings." The college highlights a "Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities program (SURO)" and the opportunity to "perform research during the academic year, as part of a research team." This hands-on research experience, often involving one-on-one work with faculty members who are active researchers, is crucial for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing students for advanced studies or careers in scientific inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College actively prepares its Chemistry graduates for the workforce through various forms of industry engagement. The program emphasizes providing students with "hands-on experience and critical-thinking skills necessary to tackle challenges in a variety of science-based careers." Students are encouraged to participate in "professional internships" and "off-campus summer research opportunities," which connect them directly with industry settings. The college boasts a high job or graduate/professional school placement rate of 98%. Furthermore, the Chemistry Department often hosts weekly seminars to discuss career options and provides individualized mentoring from faculty to assist students in exploring and applying for internships and post-graduation positions in industries such as pharmaceuticals (e.g., Eli Lilly).
Global Perspective: While the core curriculum of Chemistry focuses on universal scientific principles, Franklin College's liberal arts foundation implicitly encourages a global perspective for its Chemistry students. The skills developed, such as critical evaluation of data, understanding complex systems, and problem-solving, are universally applicable. While the provided information does not detail specific international chemistry courses or study abroad programs tailored only for chemistry, Franklin College generally promotes "Academic Travel" and "study-away" experiences. These opportunities can expose chemistry students to different research environments, scientific practices, and environmental challenges in diverse global contexts, broadening their understanding of how chemical principles apply to international issues like pollution, resource management, or pharmaceutical development.
