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Chemistry Minor
If you’re passionate about science—and chemistry in particular—but don’t want to major in it, a minor could be perfect for you. Having a background in chemistry can help you whether you want to pursue graduate school, work in a lab, or find another way to use your science knowledge. Combined with the right major, a chemistry minor can set you up for a successful career. It’s science!
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Program Overview
Dordt’s chemistry minor covers the fundamentals of chemistry. You’ll see and understand how chemistry impacts every facet of our lives. Minoring in chemistry will give you the knowledge, skills, and tools you need to supplement your major, whatever that may be.
So what’s the chemical breakdown of Dordt’s chemistry minor? It’s equal parts small class sizes (for more personal instruction and interaction with professors) and top-of-the-line facilities and resources. Then throw in opportunities to collaborate on research with chemistry faculty while gaining real world experience and you’re looking at a chemical equation that equals success.
What You'll Learn
As a chemistry minor, you’ll learn the basics of general and organic chemistry. You’ll also focus on other areas of chemistry that you choose to pursue. Throughout your study, you’ll better understand how God has created everything, from the farthest-reaching galaxies down to the smallest atom.
What You Can Do With A Chemistry Minor
When you graduate with a minor in chemistry, you’ll be ready to put your knowledge and skills to work for you. Maybe you’ll study forensic science. Perhaps you’ll pursue chemical engineering. Or maybe you’ll find a way to use chemistry to further your business or entrepreneurial pursuits as a business major. Whatever the case may be, a chemistry minor can open up plenty of doors for you in the future.
Chemistry Professor
A Chemistry Professor uses their knowledge to educate students on the different aspects of chemistry.
Material Handler
A Material Handler deals with the materials used in a chemistry lab.
Chemistry Lab Assistant
A Chemistry Lab Assistant performs facilitative tasks to the lead chemist in a lab setting.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
To earn a chemistry minor, students will need to complete three chemistry courses and choose two electives from upper-level chemistry classes.
- Principles of Chemistry: A study of the fundamental principles of chemistry and an introduction to foundational issues in science. Topics include atomic and molecular structure, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, chemical thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. An introduction to laboratory safety and chemical hygiene is included in the laboratory. This is the first course in chemistry for majors in the physical and life sciences. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
- Chemical Analysis: An in-depth study of the theory and practice of quantitative methods of chemical analysis. Includes discussion of proper laboratory techniques, theory of operation of common laboratory equipment, discussion of various analytical methods, sampling and sample preparation, and discussion of statistical methods for evaluating and interpreting data. Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory period per week.
- Organic Chemistry: Structure and Mechanism: In this foundational organic chemistry course, students will learn the foundational topics and problem-solving skills needed to understand the plethora of chemical reactions that involve compounds containing carbon. A working knowledge and application of topics such as nucleophiles, electrophiles, acids, bases, stereochemistry, mechanism, kinetics, substitution reactions, elimination reactions, carbonyl chemistry, and conformational analysis will be developed. Through a detailed understanding of the chemistry, an honest discussion of ethical implications, and a thoughtful interaction with the material we will develop an understanding of how God reveals himself through his creational structure.
- Two 3- or 4-credit courses from chemistry 200 or above
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Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
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Science and Technology Center
As a chemistry minor, you'll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt's Science and Technology Center. Informally known as the "Science Building," the Science and Technology Center is home to large and small laboratories for organic and physical chemistry.
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Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
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Jenna VeenstraIn addition to developing her own path to her future career, Jenna was able to fit right into the built-in community at Dordt that became her second home.
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Room to Grow
Riley ArkemaDespite Dordt's familiarity, Riley was able to step out of his comfort zone and make the uncomfortable decisions that allowed him to further learn how to serve in God's kingdom in his future.
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Aidan BenderDealing with the constant uncertainty of what he wanted to do with his future, Aidan was able to lean on Dordt professors and mentors to help him become more open-minded and flexible, eventually finding a place where he fit in.
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