Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Examine the underlying substance of the universe.
At Saint Mary’s, we’re devoted to training the next generation of chemists. In our diverse, tight-knit community, you’ll gain a foundational understanding of chemicals, their properties, and their possibilities. You’ll have numerous opportunities to make discoveries alongside our world-renowned faculty or while studying abroad. Our students have helped research everything from Saint Mary’s seasonal swamp to the toxic waste beneath Alameda Island. With Saint Mary’s small class sizes and discussion-driven courses, you’ll receive plenty of personalized attention as you pursue your unique interests and aspirations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS
Scholarships
In addition to need and merit-based scholarships, students are eligible for the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry Scholarship.
The Chemistry Department Scholarship is $5,000 annually, renewable for four years.
Eligible students must submit an essay addressing the following questions in 500 words or less: If you had the skills, technology, and resources to conduct any type of chemistry research, what question would you try to answer, and why? How would you go about the investigation?
Interested in being A K-12 STEM teacher?
Saint Mary's undergraduate students are eligible to apply for Noyce Scholarships.
Learn more and apply today.
Chemistry Hosts a Research Symposium
Northern California ACS Undergraduate Research Symposium
After a three-year hiatus due to COVID, Saint Mary's welcomes student presenters from seven Northern California Colleges and Universities--CSU-Chico, CSU-East East Bay, CSU-Sacramento, Saint Mary’s College of California, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, and the University of San Francisco. The symposium highlighted both oral presentations and posters of high quality.
Student Engagement Opportunities
Discover the Science Living Learning Community, our on-campus housing exclusively for first-year STEM majors, and visit the Marie Curie STEM Center, our drop-in tutoring center that supports students in STEM courses—no appointments necessary! Or learn about Brousseau Hall, our industry-standard science facility housing the Biology, Chemistry and EES Departments.
Student Experience
SCHOOL AND DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Chemistry & Biochemistry Department Chair:
Elizabeth Valentin, PhD
emv14@stmarys-ca.edu