Presbyterian College

What you'll study

This programme builds a foundation across core sub-disciplines of chemistry while offering focused courses in optics and quantum chemistry. You take sequential coursework in general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and physical chemistry, each supported by laboratory practica. Core modules specific to the concentration include molecular spectroscopy, quantum chemistry and computational methods, photochemistry and photophysics, and an introduction to optics and laser applications.

• Introductory and intermediate laboratory courses that reinforce experimental technique, data analysis and safety.
• Physical chemistry topics covering quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and kinetics as applied to molecular systems.
• Molecular spectroscopy and instrumental analysis with hands-on experience using UV–Vis, IR, NMR and fluorescence spectrometers.
• Computational chemistry and modelling workshops using common quantum-chemical packages and numerical methods.
• Optics modules addressing geometrical and physical optics, laser principles, and experimental optics labs.
• Capstone experience: a senior research project or thesis conducted under faculty supervision, often involving original laboratory or computational work.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options drawing from physics, mathematics and materials science to broaden technical skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary-school qualification with strong preparation in mathematics and science. Successful candidates typically have taken high-school chemistry and physics, and are comfortable with algebra and introductory calculus. Presbyterian College values academic potential demonstrated through transcripts, recommendations, and a personal statement that describes scientific interests and readiness for laboratory work.

• Recommended prior subjects: chemistry, physics and mathematics (including calculus where available).
• Submission components: secondary-school transcript, at least one academic reference and a personal statement outlining interest in chemistry and research.
• Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds or transfer credit are considered; placement testing and advising help align course choices.

Career prospects

Graduates are well prepared for a range of pathways. Many proceed to graduate study in chemistry, chemical physics, materials science or optics; others enter the workforce in technical roles. The programme emphasises laboratory skills, data analysis and problem solving valued by employers across sectors.

• Postgraduate study: MSc and PhD programmes in chemistry, chemical physics, optics and related fields.
• Industry roles: analytical chemist, materials or optical engineer, process development, quality control in pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing and instrumentation companies.
• Research and national laboratories: experimental and computational positions involving spectroscopy, laser systems and quantum modelling.
• Other careers: patent examination or technical consultancy, science teaching, forensic science and technical sales/support for scientific instrumentation.

Why study at Presbyterian College

Presbyterian College offers a close-knit liberal-arts environment where chemistry students benefit from small class sizes and direct faculty mentorship. The college emphasises undergraduate research, and students frequently undertake semester-long or year-long projects in faculty laboratories, gaining hands-on experience beyond standard coursework.

• Faculty-led research opportunities that allow undergraduates to develop experimental and computational expertise.
• Modern teaching and research laboratories equipped for spectroscopy, optics experiments and computational chemistry instruction.
• Integrated liberal-arts curriculum that develops communication, critical thinking and quantitative skills sought by employers and graduate schools.
• Career support and internship connections with regional industry and research institutions to help launch professional pathways or further study.