The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department of Calvin College teaches students how to apply the principles of Christian stewardship to chemistry. It helps prepare students to become chemists and biochemists dedicated to making the world a better place to live—whether the student works inside or outside the lab.
Calvin Chemistry Fast Facts
Calvin is ranked in the top 3% of private colleges whose graduates go on to earn a Ph.D. in the sciences.
28 students were employed for full-time research through the department's 2008 summer research program
In the past five years, 100% of our graduates who applied to graduate school were accepted, and all received assistantships or fellowships. Our recent graduates have gone on to attend Princeton, Yale, John Hopkins, University of Michigan, Northwestern, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and University of North Carolina.
In 2008 the department has been awarded over $2.8 million in grants to maintain vigorous year-round research programs.
Calvin is one of just four colleges and universities nationwide to be honored with a 2007 Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization
U.S.News & World Report ranks Calvin among the top tier of national Liberal Arts Colleges.

Student Profile	Beckman Grant Funds Student Research	Students Win Prestigious Travel Awards
Kwabena Bediako	Sarah Tasker	Sarah Kamper & Laura Porter-Peden

Why choose Calvin to study Chemistry & Biochemistry?
There are many reasons to consider Calvin College to study Chemistry and Biochemistry, and our department has many strengths:

• We are accredited by the American Chemical Society, and we have an excellent reputation among universities throughout the U.S. and Canada as our program is accredited by the American Chemical Society.
• Our students get dedicated attention from faculty who teach every course and lab.
• Students work together to master course material and laboratory methods.
• Our curriculum boasts many laboratory courses designed to provide hands-on learning and introduce a broad range of techniques used in research today.
• We provide cutting-edge research opportunities for all interested majors.
• We have extensive research-grade instrumentation for student and faculty use.
• We aim to equip students to make the world a better place on behalf of Christ.
• Our graduates are highly successful, and they testify to being well prepared for positions in academia and industry. Virtually all our departmental graduates who apply, not only get accepted into graduate schools, but receive assistantships or fellowships.
• Our alumni have have taken advantage of a plethora of opportunities:
  • Develop technology in areas such as pharmaceuticals, polymers, solid state electronics, agriculture, chemical engineering, fuels, hydrology, and sustainability.
  • Teach chemistry at various levels (e.g., secondary chemistry teacher).
  • Obtain a J.D. degree and author patent law for new technologies.
  • Aide law enforcement as a forensic scientist.
  • Pursue a Ph.D. degree, which is a scientific research degree.
  • Become a doctor, nurse, dentist or veterinarian.
  • Pursue a joint MD/PhD degree and conduct medical research.
  • Manage chemical-related businesses.
  • Write for science sections in newspapers, periodicals, or business publications.

Is Chemistry or Biochemistry for you?

What careers can I pursue?

What courses would I take?