Chemistry
February 1, 2022 2025-11-07 21:25Chemistry
Chemistry at Rocky Mountain College
Chemistry is the “central science”—connecting everything from biology and engineering to medicine and environmental science. At RMC, you’ll study the molecular nature of matter and reactions, learning how chemistry shapes the world you interact with every day. Through rich coursework, personal mentorship, and hands-on labs, you’ll gain the skills, experience, and confidence to launch a rewarding career in science or prepare for graduate, professional, or teaching programs.
Why Choose Chemistry at Rocky
Small class sizes and close faculty guidance set RMC apart. Here, you’ll build meaningful relationships with professors who are invested in your growth and success. Our students gain hands-on experience with modern analytical instruments—NMR, HPLC, FT-IR, GC, spectrophotometers, and more—across their coursework, not just as seniors. You’ll have direct opportunities for undergraduate research, often leading to conference presentations or co-authored publications. Chemistry at RMC is also flexible: many majors double major or minor in biology, math, or physics, maximizing career options.
99%
of students receive scholarships or grants
Major and Minor Learning Outcomes
Graduates with a major in chemistry will:
- Integrate and apply concepts from the five core subfields: general, analytical, organic, physical, and biochemistry.
- Propose hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret both qualitative and quantitative experimental data.
- Use state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation to analyze composition, structure, and reactivity.
- Communicate scientific ideas and research results clearly—verbally, visually, and in writing.
- Critically evaluate scientific claims and solve complex, real-world problems.
Minors will:
- Apply concepts from at least two chemistry subdisciplines to solve problems and critically assess information.
- Make sense of experimental results and draw logical, evidence-based conclusions.
$65K
average annual pay for Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in Montana according to ZipRecruiter
88%
of students are placed in internships
Coursework and Requirements
You’ll begin with foundational courses in general and organic chemistry, physics, and calculus while gaining early lab experience. As you advance, you’ll branch into analytical, inorganic, physical, and biochemistry, deepening your lab skills and scientific understanding. You can personalize your studies through electives, research projects, or by pairing chemistry with majors like biology or mathematics—giving you flexibility for any scientific or professional path ahead.
Information
Majors:
Chemistry
Science Broadfield Education
Minors:
Chemistry
Faculty
John Barbaro, Ph.D.
Ivy Fortmeyer, Ph.D.
Cristi H. Hunnes, Ph.D.
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
Related Links
Course highlights include:
- Integrated Chemistry Lab (I & II): Tackle real-world research questions, analyze samples with advanced instrumentation, and present your findings like a professional scientist.
- Communication in Chemistry: Sharpen your ability to share technical information using contemporary scientific writing and presentation formats.
- Analytical Chemistry: Solve environmental and industrial problems using separation science, spectroscopy, and quantitative analysis.
- Biochemistry and Physical Chemistry: Dive into the chemistry of life, reaction kinetics, and quantum models.
- Hands-on Instrumentation: Operate NMR, GC, HPLC, FT-IR, UV-Vis, atomic absorption spectrometers, and more—giving you practical skills employers and grad programs value.
Departmental Instrumentation
Instrumentation
Students in chemistry courses at Rocky use many of the analytical instruments traditionally found in chemical and biochemical research laboratories. This hands-on experience with instrumentation begins in the general chemistry labs and continues throughout the entire laboratory teaching program.
The instrumentation routinely used by undergraduate students in our teaching labs include:
Nanalysis 60 MHz NMR Spectrometer
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is primarily used by chemists to determine or verify a compound’s molecular structure. This instrument is also used to monitor the progress of chemical reactions, analyze the purity of samples, conformational analysis, kinetic studies, and more. Our NMR is configured to analyze 1H and 13C nuclei.
Shimadzu GC-17A Gas Chromatograph
Gas chromatography (GC) is primarily used to separate a liquid mixture of easily vaporized components. GC separation techniques find widespread use in all fields of science where mixtures of liquids or gases must be separated into the individual components.
Shimadzu Multispec 1501 Photodiode Array UV-Vis Spectrophotometers
UV-Vis spectroscopy is used to identify and quantify a wide range of compounds and materials that absorb light at either visible or ultraviolet wavelengths. Common applications are the study of rates of chemical reactions, the study of metal ions and their complexes, and the study of biologically active compounds.
Perkin-Elmer Spectrum Two FT-IR Spectrometer
Infrared spectroscopy is primarily used to identity the functional groups present in organic compounds, and it is also widely used in the chemistry industry for process control.
SpectrAA 220 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer
This extremely sensitive analytical instrument is used to detect and quantify single elements in samples. One practical application of atomic absorption spectrometry (AA) is in the determination of heavy metal concentrations in water supplies.
Agilent 1100 Series HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography, one of the most powerful tools in analytical chemistry, is used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of a chemical mixture. HPLC analysis is used for analysis in pharmaceutical chemistry, food science, cosmetic chemistry, environmental chemistry, forensic science, and industry.
NanoBrook ZetaPALS
The NanoBrook ZetaPALS utilizes phase analysis light scattering to determine the electrophoretic mobility of charged, colloidal suspensions. This instrument is used to analyze proteins, nanoparticle, and colloidal-sized materials suspended in a non-absorbing liquid.
Additional instrumentation used in our laboratory program includes:
Eppendorf Mastercycler Gradient PCR Systems, BioRad Biologic LP Low-Pressure Chromatography System, Amicon Ultrafiltration System, Bausch & Lomb ABBE-3L Refractometer, several electrophoresis systems.
Top Graduate and Professional Programs
Rocky Mountain College has a very high placement rate for its graduates. Most of the graduates of the chemistry program at RMC continue their education either in a graduate chemistry program or in a professional program (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.).
Recent graduates of RMC’s chemistry program have been accepted into:
- The graduate chemistry and biochemistry programs at the University of Georgia, Montana State University, and North Dakota State University;
- The graduate chemical engineering program at Montana State University;
- The forensic chemistry program at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland;
- The University of Montana School of Pharmacy and Pacific University School of Pharmacy;
- The University of Washington Medical School, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and the University of North Dakota Medical School;
- The Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine; and
- The physician assistant program at Rocky Mountain College.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Research is a vital component in the education of a chemist. The chemistry department has a growing undergraduate research program that allows students the opportunity to work on a research project under the direction of a faculty member. Doing research as an undergraduate student lets you explore research as a possible career option, helps clarify your career goals, and provides you with valuable experience that can help you gain admission to graduate or professional school.
Undergraduate research projects often lead to publications in professional journals and to presentation at local and national meetings. Opportunities for undergraduate research in chemistry at Rocky Mountain College have included studies on the structure and function of polymers and surfactants and the environmental impact of pharmaceutical products in rivers and streams around the state.
There are also a wide variety of summer internships and research opportunities available in laboratories at other institutions for undergraduate students interested in chemistry and biochemistry. Many of these opportunities are funded by the National Science Foundation’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program. If you are interested in learning more about these types of opportunities, you can visit the NSF-REU website or speak with a member of the chemistry department or your academic advisor.
Please contact a specific chemistry professor for additional information on his or her research interests.
Explore Areas in Chemistry
Chemistry Major
Prepares you with depth across the core subfields, advanced laboratory techniques, and scientific communication. Best for students pursuing research, professional school, or industry.
Pair With:
→ Biology: For careers or grad study in medical research, pharmacology, environmental science, or biotechnology; sets you up for MD, DO, PA, DVM, or Ph.D. programs.
→ Mathematics: For careers in data science, chemical engineering, biostatistics, or computational chemistry; great for those headed to analytics, quantitative research, or technical roles.
→ Environmental Science: For environmental testing, regulatory work, sustainability consulting, and grad study in earth/ecological sciences.
Career Pathways: Research chemist (academic, industry, government labs) Physician, physician assistant, dentist, pharmacist, veterinarian Biotech, pharmaceutical, or food sciences, Environmental testing and consulting, Chemical engineering or materials science, Forensic science, Patent law or science policy, Graduate studies (chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, etc.)
Science Broadfield Education
Designed for future teachers, this track features broad training across chemistry, biology, physics, and earth/environmental science, paired with education coursework and student teaching experience.
Intended as a standalone path for future science teachers, but additional minors in math, biology, or physics further expand teaching endorsements and employability.
Career Pathways: Middle/high school science teacher (chemistry, physical science, general science, biology, physics, earth science) Curriculum coordinator or department lead, Museum/science center educator, STEM youth program manager, Educational publishing or science communication, Graduate study in science education or administration
Chemistry Minor
Ideal for students majoring in biology, mathematics, pre-med, or any science who want a strong chemistry foundation to complement their main program and expand career or grad school opportunities.
Pair With:
→Biology or Pre-Med: To deepen your foundational knowledge for med/vet/pharmacy school, lab tech roles, or biomed careers.
→ Mathematic: For those interested in analytics, modeling, computational research, or quantitative finance/data.
→ Environmental Science: For careers in environmental analysis, regulatory affairs, or sustainability.
Career Pathways:
Lab or clinical technician, Health professions (pre-med, allied health, vet, pharmacy) Science communicator, technical writer, Quality control or compliance roles, Environmental or forensic analyst
Career & Graduate School Ready
Our graduates excel in:
- Research and development (labs, industry, academia)
- Medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health professions
- Environmental analysis and regulatory roles
- Educational careers (teaching, outreach, curriculum design)
- Further study in graduate or professional programs
Employers and advanced degree programs value RMC students for their technical skill, critical thinking, and real lab experience—even as undergraduates. The flexibility to combine chemistry with other strong programs makes you even more competitive on the job market or in applications to med/vet schools.
Field Experience and Mentorship
At RMC, your classroom learning is brought to life through direct faculty mentorship and immersive lab work. You’ll collaborate on undergraduate research projects—sometimes leading to publications or national conference presentations. Many students gain paid internships through faculty connections or national programs like the NSF-REU. Professors guide you personally through coursework, research, and the graduate or professional school application process.
Information
Majors:
Chemistry
Science Broadfield Education
Minors:
Chemistry
Faculty
John Barbaro, Ph.D.
Ivy Fortmeyer, Ph.D.
Cristi H. Hunnes, Ph.D.
- Contact
- Call: (406) 657-1026
- Text: (406) 606-6440
- Email: admissions@rocky.edu
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