Mission Statement
We in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at W&L provide education in the chemical sciences, conduct scientific research in chemistry, biochemistry, and related areas, and share expertise and service to other members of the Washington and Lee community as well as a wide range of professional and private communities outside of W&L.
Our Pedagogical Goals
We have as our primary pedagogical goals both to instill in our students understanding of chemistry based in current chemical knowledge, and the desire to continue the pursuit of a deeper or broader understanding of chemistry in particular, and knowledge in general. We are committed to preparing life-long learners who are equipped with skills derived in our classrooms and laboratories.
Our Learning Objectives
Upon completing a major in chemistry or biochemistry, our students will understand essential chemical principles and have a foundation of factual chemical knowledge on which they may build in the future. Our students will develop intellectual skills that they may use to solve problems in chemistry and beyond. Our students will learn to use the chemical literature and learn to communicate scientific results both orally and in writing. Our students will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of technical skills as a result of working with modern laboratory technology, while simultaneously developing basic competence in laboratory techniques, skills, practices, including basic laboratory safety skills. Finally, our students will learn to work as part of a team and understand ethical practices in chemistry.
Our Students
We serve students with varied interests. These students include, but are not restricted to: those pursuing careers in the chemical sciences directly upon graduation or after further studies; those pursuing careers in the Health Professions; those pursuing careers in branches of the natural sciences other than chemistry; and those who will study chemistry as part of W&L's Foundations and Distribution requirements or for purposes of scientific literacy.
Our Research and Service
We are committed to an environment that is conducive to the pursuit and practice of scientific research in chemistry and related fields. This research contributes to faculty development and it provides exposure for students in the role and practice of the scientific method. Our Department makes its expertise in the chemical sciences available to others in the University and larger community as needed. Members of the Chemistry Department serve as student advisors and on University committees.
Learning Objectives
Discover more details concerning learning objectives specific to individual courses.
Chemistry and Biochemistry Department
Department Info
- P: 540-458-8872
-
Science Addition
Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia 24450
The assistant professor of chemistry will utilize the funds to conduct fundamental research in organic chemistry.
In this month’s episode, Alty discusses how a distasteful high school chemistry experience, enrolling in college as a first-generation student and seeing ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡ evolve since the early years of coeducation shaped her approach to teaching.
Loth will teach English in Austria for nine months before applying for the Peace Corps.
Sahin is ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡â€™s first sophomore to receive the scholarship since 2009.
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ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡â€™s Phi Beta Kappa chapter named the Phi Beta Kappa J. Brown Goehring Sophomore Award in his honor.
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Keuhner helped establish a memorial at Jordan’s Point dedicated to veterans killed in the line of duty and their families.
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ÁùºÏÌü¿ª½±ÏÖ³¡â€™s Summer Research Scholars program gives students hands-on experience in collaborative research with faculty mentors.
Christy Childs ’26 and Griffin Conti ’26 will receive funding to study foreign languages this summer.
Washington and Lee seniors David Onyejekwe ’23, Jake McCabe ’23 and Bailey Keel ’23 have created lasting connections with the local community as volunteer coaches for Lex Lax youth lacrosse.