The Student Experience in Chemistry at Ripon College

What to Expect:

• One-on-one interaction with faculty
• Hands-on research experiences
• Individual attention regarding class and lab work
• Problem-solving skills developed and strengthened
• Senior research and thesis from independent study or summer research
• Post-graduate opportunities: health-related fields and schools, graduate schools, industry

Courses:

• Introductory courses are in-depth, and the concepts are further developed in upper-level courses
• Hot topics in chemistry are discussed in existing courses, as well as special topic courses
• Written and oral research presentations are key to upper-level courses

Research:

• Specific research projects are required as early as 200 level courses
• Independent studies always are available to interested students
• Recently renovated small student laboratories
• State-of-the-art instrumentation for laboratory use at all levels
• Students are  expected to present research at all levels through various forums
• The senior seminar course frequently invites guest speakers to present research experiences

Related Activities:

• Student organization: Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society
• Honor Society: Eka Francian
• Work-study opportunities as laboratory and departmental assistants
• Senior reception for their families
• Annual senior seminar trip to Miller Labs
• Farr Hall softball game and picnic

Zach Morris ’02, a summa cum laude graduate with majors in chemistry and biology and a minor in Latin, earned one of the 32 select Rhodes scholarships.

After he completed his studies at Oxford University, Zach enrolled in an M.D./Ph.D. program at Harvard Medical School. Morris is the third Rhodes Scholar in Ripon College history.