Recent research projects such as the composition of candles and shoe polish, or the decomposition of hydrocarbons in soil have earned first and second place awards for Wilmington students. For example, research presentations in crime prevention include projects on arson accelerants and hair analysis as a method of showing evidence of drug use. To add to their learning at this conference, Wilmington students are each assigned a new chemical instrument to research before and during the conference and then report on when they return to campus. Held in Chicago or New York, PittCon provides students an enlightening look at the larger world of chemistry. On this night, Wilmington chemistry majors demonstrate some principles of chemistry to educate and intelligently entertain high school students.
Majors have an opportunity to show what they are learning and practice teaching.
A total of 49 hours with grades of C or better is required in the Chemistry major. A total of 24 hours is required in the Chemistry minor.