The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Colorado College has played a central role in the life of the college since its founding in 1874. Originally a department invested in the mining business, it has grown to house a full range of chemistry specialties with faculty in analytical, biochemical, environmental, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. It maintains an active program that provides American Chemical Society Certification to almost a third of its majors each year.

The department makes innovative use of Colorado College's unique Block Plan academic calendar in which students enroll in a single course for each of eight three-and-one-half-week periods termed blocks. Each of the department's eleven full- and part-time faculty are actively engaged in collaborative research projects ranging from new methods for chemical education to the synthesis of new drug candidates based on natural products.

Vision: Students and Faculty join to advance lifelong learning, to stimulate intellectual and ethical growth, and to foster a climate of mutual respect among scientists and non-scientists. We advocate for greater mutual understanding of how the chemical sciences impact the world community, and we strive to make our endeavors a positive force in the resolution of global problems.

[Site last updated 7/9/10 by Matt Reuer]

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry announces a tenure track position in Organic Chemistry, starting fall 2011. The application deadline is August 23rd 2010; please see the announcement for details.

Departmental News

• Congratulations to Harold Jones and Keith Kester on their recent retirement from the Department. We'll miss you both after decades of remarkable teaching!
• Best wishes to Ron Pongdee for his recent appointment to Sewanee University. We hope your new career there is a great one!