Chemistry
Minor
What if you understood the very fabric of reality? Just as a loom weaves several threads into endless patterns, 90 atoms build all the matter – and life – in the world around you. Within this infinitesimal fabric are the keys to creating a healthier, better world.
The Warren Wilson chemistry program is rigorous and immersive, designed to challenge and inspire. With the support of dedicated faculty and the Chemistry Crew, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to not only meet those challenges but to thrive in your exploration of the fundamental building blocks of our world. Whether you’re preparing for graduate school, medical, dental, pharmacy, or veterinary programs—or pursuing a career as a bench chemist—we’ll equip you with the knowledge and hands-on experience to excel in your field.
Why Chemistry at Warren Wilson?
- Community Centered: Our courses are hands-on, community-engaged, and project-based.
- Integrated Scientific Community: The best research takes a group of scientists with diverse skills and viewpoints. Our faculty are talented Chemists who enjoy working to help you hone your skills and interests.
Every student will complete community-engaged coursework, an internship, and original research as part of their major
A Sample of Our Partnerships
- Root Cause Farm
- Bounty & Soul
- The Dr. John Wilson Community Garden
- Highland Brewing
- Eda Rhyne Distillery
- Asheville Compounding Pharmacy
See how Chemistry students put our education into action
Community Engagement
Start using chemistry for good in your first semesters at Warren Wilson. In General Chemistry I, we partner with local Root Cause Farm to gather information about nutrient content in their kale grown under different conditions. You’ll also conduct assays for antioxidant levels and for calcium to help our community partner make important management decisions, all while keeping a keen focus on food security.
Work
You can work on any crew as a student, but many Chemistry students choose to be on crews such as:
- Chemistry Crew
- Biochemistry Research Assistant
- Genetics Crew
Popular Courses
Organic Chemistry
You’ll gain a basic understanding of the structure and function of organic molecules with emphasis on biological implications. You’ll explore topics such as the principles of structure and bonding, functional groups, structural analysis, stereochemistry, and more.
Biochemistry I
In this course, you’ll explore the molecular logic of living things and the life processes encountered in medicine, microbiology, plant science, and animal science. You’ll gain a detailed understanding of the structure, chemistry, function, and metabolism of the major classes of biological macromolecules. You’ll also complete an extensive study of enzyme systems in bioenergetics and metabolism.
Physical Chemistry
You’ll explore the energy changes that occur during chemical reactions and physical processes. We will solve questions such as: Will a chemical process occur? How quickly will it happen? Additional projects look at applications in biochemical processes, energy storage, and energy efficiency.
Langdon J. Martin, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Reduction of methane production in ruminant livestock
- Analysis of spent craft brewer’s yeast
- Analysis of natural products
“In the classroom, I have two jobs as a professor. My first job is to confuse you. My second job is to un-confuse you: because that’s how the learning happens!”
Kim Borges, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Aquatic microbiology and public health
- Biochemistry of environmental mycobacteria and mycobacteriophages
“Warren Wilson students are the most engaged and curious students I have ever had the privilege of teaching. I feel so fortunate to work with students who challenge me to learn and grow every day.”
Yuemei Zhang, Ph.D.
Research Interests
- Renewable energy
- Magnetic materials for data storage and retrieve
- Computational Chemistry
“Warren Wilson students are curious and engaging. I am inspired by their questions and enthusiasm during class discussions. I love to teach them and learn with them.”
Where Our Chemistry Graduates Go
- Genova Diagnostics
- ETSU Bill Gatton School of Pharmacy
- UNC Chapel Hill School of Medicine
- Stanford University
- University of Minnesota
