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Chemistry Department

Study chemistry at SUNY Cortland and you get the best of several worlds — a first-rate curriculum, small classes led by an energetic faculty and opportunities to become involved in research as early as your freshman year.

One of the best ways to learn chemistry is by doing chemistry, in a lab, side-by-side with a faculty member, using the same sophisticated tools that professional scientists use. That’s why student research is a signature strength of our chemistry program.

Nanotechnology, polymer chemistry, chemical biology and organic synthesis, groundwater contamination and molecular synthesis are just some of the areas student researchers have explored in recent years.

A Cortland chemistry degree opens many doors to your future. Our chemistry majors are engaged in rewarding careers in research, business and industry. They are readily accepted to medical schools or to graduate programs in chemistry and other fields.

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News

Chemistry Lecture Series Concludes with Nov. 15 Talk

Nov. 5, 2010
SUNY Cortland will conclude a series of lectures, geared to pique curiosity about chemistry relating to health, the environment, energy and other hot-button topics, with a presentation on Monday, Nov. 15, by Margaret Logan, an associate professor of chemistry at the College at Brockport.

Series to Address Chemistry in Health, Energy and the Environment

Sept. 23, 2010
A series of lectures geared to pique curiosity about chemistry relating to health, the environment, energy and other hot-button topics continues on Monday, Oct. 4.

Five Receive Noyce Teacher Scholarships

April 29, 2010
Five SUNY Cortland students were awarded the prestigious Noyce Teacher Scholarships from the National Science Foundation in exchange for their commitment to teach in a high-need school district for two years.

Million-Dollar Bequest Supports Science Educators

Feb. 8, 2010
Retired biology teacher Michael J. O’Reilly ’58, of Chaumont, N.Y., has made a bequest of $1.24 million — the second largest individual gift in the College’s history — to his alma mater, SUNY Cortland, for the creation of a science education scholarship. Last month, SUNY Cortland received a $5.18 million bequest from another Class of 1958 alumnus, John Fantauzzi, in support of scholarships.

Clubs/Societies

The Chemistry Department has a student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (Chem Club). This club, which is partially funded by student activity fees, provides a focus for students in all areas of chemistry to study together, to obtain tutoring services and to socialize. A special Chem Club office provides working areas and a place for joining in the clubs activities. Chem Club sponsors visiting speakers and each year takes a major trip to a scientific meeting or to a site of interest to the club members.