Connections Between Mathematics and Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Curricular Initiative

Authors

• George Ashline, Saint Michael's CollegeFollow
• Bret Findley, Saint Michael's CollegeFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

George Ashline: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3640-053X

Bret Findley: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8589-0060

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

In this article, we describe an undergraduate curricular initiative involving mathematics and chemistry faculty and students. Supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program, a program designed to encourage the study of and connections between quantitative fields and life sciences, this interdisciplinary collaboration features undergraduate student research and involves the development of curricular connections between mathematics and chemistry. Through this initiative, we have created activities for calculus courses featuring chemistry applications as well as activities for chemistry courses showcasing mathematical concepts. After the implementation of these curricular enhancements, we gathered student feedback to help refine the activities for future use. Our efforts illustrate the wide-ranging applicability of mathematics. We aim to also encourage further interdisciplinary study and exploration by both mathematics and chemistry students.

Volume

20

Issue

1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25891/8ysb-wr03

Recommended Citation

Ashline, George and Findley, Bret (2026) "Connections Between Mathematics and Chemistry: An Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Curricular Initiative," Journal of Mathematics and Science: Collaborative Explorations: Vol. 20: No. 1, Article 2.
DOI: 10.25891/8ysb-wr03
Available at: https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/jmsce_vamsc/vol20/iss1/2