Programs in the Chemistry Department
The
Department of Chemistry awards Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry
and in Biochemistry. Students earning these degrees typically go
on to graduate studies in chemistry or biochemistry, to the study
of medicine, to professional positions in hospital or industrial
laboratories, to teaching chemistry at the secondary level, or to
business positions in the chemical industry.
Professional Accreditation: The Department of Chemistry is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training.
The Curriculum
- a sound knowledge of many of the facts and principles of chemistry;
- the fundamentals of biology, physics, mathematics, and computing;
- much hands-on experience with attention to developing good laboratory techniques.
- chemistry applied to more complex systems, especially living systems;
- stronger theoretical models and tools using mathematics, physics, and computing;
- laboratory experiences which require integration of knowledge from many sources.
The senior year is devoted to:
- research in chemistry;
- advanced courses in a chosen specialty (chemistry, biology, physics/math, business, education).
- student research is an integral part of an
Being a chemist
means being able to solve atomic/molecular problems. Students can best
learn to solve problems by solving problems. Thus, the entire
underclass curriculum is directed toward each student's conducting an
independent research project under the close supervision of a member of
the faculty during his/her senior year.
An
honors research project culminates in a thesis, defended before other
students and faculty. Students regularly present their research
at meetings of the Intercollegiate Student Chemists, the National
Council on Undergraduate Research, and the American Chemical Society.
Students and faculty are often coauthors of articles published in the
chemical literature.
Majors Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry -- The
chemistry major tracks include coursework in biology, physics,
mathematics, and computing and is excellent preparation for a variety
of careers in chemistry. There are five concentrations available
for the Chemistry major.
The Chemistry Major offers five areas of concentration: Chemistry Management Major Requirements 2008-09 Chemical Physics concentration provides a solid background in chemistry with added emphasis in physics and physical chemistry. This
emphasis is to a large extent in quantum chemistry, the theoretical
study of the behavior of molecules based on the laws of physics. This allows one to study the properties of matter through theoretical and computational means. This track is suited for someone interested in going to graduate school and specializing in theoretical chemistry. Chemical Physics Major Requirements 2008-09 Forensic Science concentration introduces students to the field of forensic science, preparing them for graduate school or for a career in the laboratory. This degree track focuses on the application of chemistry in crime laboratories where evidence from crime scenes are analyzed. Paint chips, broken glass, gun shot residues, fire remains, legal and illegal drugs, and bodily fluids are typically analyzed. The
track provides a solid background in chemistry along with some
additional courses that would be of benefit for someone interested in
pursuing a career in forensic science. Chemistry - Forensic Science Major Requirements 2008-09
American Chemical Society Approved Professional Chemistry concentration prepares the student for graduate school or for a career in industrial or government laboratories. Especially important in this major are advanced
laboratory courses, senior-level courses in advanced inorganic and
advanced organic chemistry, and the individual research project. The
professional chemistry program bears the approval of the American
Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training.
ACS approved Chemistry Major Requirements 2008-09
Suggested Course Sequence
Secondary Education concentration prepares students for high school teaching.
Chemistry Secondary Education Major Requirements 2008-09
Suggested Course Sequence
Chemistry Management concentration provides preparation for sales or management positions in the chemical and related
industries.
Suggested Course Sequence
Suggested Course Sequence
Suggested Course Sequence
Biochemistry Major Requirements 2008-09
Suggested Course Sequence
Minors Offered:
Two minors are offered. A Biochemistry minor and a Chemistry minor.
Biochemistry minor required courses
Chemistry minor required courses
