Chemistry & Biochemistry

Our programs can open many doors for you!

Do cutting edge research in the laboratory.
Prepare for a career in science entrepreneurship.
Take advantage of our pre-med, pre-vet or pre-dentistry options.*
Consider our accelerated degree options in Physical Therapy.
Go to law school or go into business.

*Our department's pre-med advisor is Dr. Ray Baechler.

suiting up The department is home to Bachelors degree programs in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Forensic Science offered at Russell Sage College for Women. The department also provides service courses for students in many other programs (such as Nutrition Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Applied Biology, Clinical Biology, Health Science, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Mathematics, Education, and general education) across The Sage Colleges. Nearly all students at The Sage Colleges take one or more of the courses that we offer.

With the recent opening of INVEST (Incubator for New Ventures in Emerging Sciences and Technologies) on the Troy campus, our students are exploring the exciting connections between science, business and entrepreneurship as they interact with real world nanotech pioneers-- doing their work right next door to where students take classes.

Our department faculty members have considerable experience in scientific research and in the development and use of effective education practices, strong interdisciplinary connections with other departments, and a record of consistent high standards.

From the introductory- level courses to the senior research project or internship, students receive personal attention from dedicated faculty; all have earned doctorates. Programs in the department provide undergraduate students access to modern equipment, associateships, and research projects normally reserved for graduate students at larger colleges and universities. Through high academic standards and a nurturing atmosphere, we prepare our students to be leaders in their fields.

Mission, Goals, and Expected Outcomes

Mission Statement: The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has three main components: (1) the preparation of students majoring in chemistry, biochemistry and forensic science, (2) the provision of appropriate service courses to other academic programs, including athletic training, biology, biopsychology, natural science/education, mathematics, nursing, nutrition science, occupational therapy and physical therapy, (3) and support for the general education curriculum of the college. We strive to accomplish these goals while maintaining high academic standards, in an environment which is both challenging yet highly supportive, with close student-faculty interaction strongly encouraged.

Goals for the Chemistry and Biochemistry Programs

To develop within our students a familiarity with the core principles of the chemical sciences.
To develop within our students skills in reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking and analysis, oral and written communication, and the use of instrumentation and other technologies encountered in scientific work.
To develop within our students an appreciation for the wide-ranging applications of chemistry as the central science, linking the physical and biological sciences from particle physics to molecular genetics.
To prepare our students for successful careers as chemists or biochemists, whether that involves entry into graduate or professional schools, employment in industry or government, or pursuing a career in education.

Goals for the Forensic Science Program

To develop within our students a broad knowledge in all of the disciplines and sub-disciplines that regularly contribute to new ideas in the field.
To prepare our students to be competent and ethical laboratory scientists, who are conscientious and serious in their laboratory work.
To develop within our students an ability to work effectively on a team to solve problems.
To prepare our students to adapt quickly to changes in the ways science and the law intersect.

Goals for Service to Other Academic Programs

To develop within our students a familiarity with the applications or chemistry and/or physics to their academic disciplines.
To strengthen skills in reasoning, problem-solving, critical thinking and communication.

Goals for General Education

To develop within our students a certain literacy in the physical sciences, especially in the emerging nanoscale sciences, so as to better prepare them for making informed decisions about societal issues, which require some scientific understanding.
To strengthen skills in reasoning, critical thinking and communication.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Chemistry and Biochemistry Programs

It is expected that students completing degrees in chemistry or biochemistry will have achieved some level of competence in the areas outlined below. It is recognized that student success in achieving all of these objectives will vary from one individual to another. Program expectations are geared toward challenging the most accomplished students to extend themselves.

Students will develop an understanding of the traditional foundation areas of chemistry. These include general principles, inorganic, organic, biochemical, analytical and physical chemistry. The core content of the chemistry and biochemistry majors is provided by a sequence of courses, approved by the American Chemical Society. The syllabus for each course will clearly state the learning objectives for that course.
Students will continually develop their skills in reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving, as these are essential aspects of virtually every course.
Students will hone their mathematics skills as they progress through the program, encountering extensive applications of algebraic work, beginning with general chemistry and progressing up through applications of calculus in the physical chemistry course.
Students will strengthen their communication skills, with ample opportunities provided for both written reports and oral presentations.
As they progress to the higher level courses, students will be expected to apply the knowledge base provided in the introductory courses to the more advanced topics they are encountering. In this way, they are encouraged to constantly synthesize old knowledge with new.
Students will develop expertise in carrying out work in the laboratories. This includes skills in specific lab techniques, the proper use of equipment and instrumentation, the adherence to safety regulations, the maintenance of lab notebooks and the preparation of written reports.
Students will develop skills in cooperative work ventures, primarily by taking advantage of the opportunities provided by lab exercises, which are sometimes conducted by pairs or groups of students.
Students will develop an appreciation for the various approaches now available for retrieving information from the chemical literature, both primary journals and secondary references, using both printed materials and electronic access.
Students will gain some experience with involvement in an original research activity. This will include an understanding of how to formulate a research plan, design appropriate experiments and allow developing results to guide the direction of further investigation. All students pursuing ACS approved degrees are required to complete 6 credits of research work, and all major students are encouraged to take advantage of numerous opportunities for participation in summer research projects.
Students will develop confidence in the academic preparation they have received at the college, and will be prepared to embark on their post-graduation careers with self-assurance, as enthusiastic representatives of the chemistry and biochemistry programs at Russell Sage College.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Forensic Science Program

By the time a student graduates from Russell Sage College with a Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science, she will be able to:

use algebraic, trigonometric, and statistical methods to solve problems in the sciences and to communicate scientific information,
read, write and speak clearly to peers and to the faculty (including those who are unfamiliar with the profession) about the topics in the sciences and in criminal justice that relate to forensic science,
use library resource materials to learn techniques as the need arises and to keep up with new developments in the profession, and
work comfortably in a forensic laboratory setting having become familiar with the duties and responsibilities of a laboratory employee.

last updated: February 28, 2009

Contact the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

(click on name to send e-mail):

Dr. Tom Keane
Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Chair
Director, INVEST
(518) 244-2331

Dr. Frank Vozzo
Program Coordinator
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Science
(518) 244-2495

Admissions Information: 1-888-VERY SAGE