Chemistry

The Chemistry Department in the College of Letters and Sciences provides training for students preparing for a variety of chemically-related fields.

Coursework in general, organic, analytical, physical chemistry and biochemistry helps to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while learning the basic theories that give coherence to modern chemical practice. Hands-on experience with a wide range of modern instrumentation and computers in the laboratory is an essential component of the chemistry program.

Students receive a strong background in the practical aspects of chemistry needed for laboratory work in the chemical industry, and the theoretical fundamentals needed for more advanced work in chemistry.

The Chemistry department and its programs are approved by the American Chemical Society. The College of Letters and Sciences is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Because chemistry is primarily a practical experimental science requiring welldeveloped laboratory and problem-solving skills, many graduates find employment in the multi-faceted chemical industry conducting applied research. For example, an industrial chemist might be working in the field of:

• Food chemistry: developing and improving food products.
• Pharmaceutical chemistry: researching new drug products.
• Water chemistry: monitoring water quality or waste water treatment.
• Agricultural chemistry: developing safer, more effective pesticides and fertilizers
• Petroleum chemistry: researching new fuel and lubricant formulations
• Biochemistry: involving the areas of biotechnology or toxicology testing

Recent major instrument purchases include a Fourier Transform-IR spectrophotometer and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, which are used to probe the nature of molecules prepared by students in the sophomore organic chemistry laboratories. These instruments are coupled with computers that allow sophisticated data manipulation.

The recent addition of a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer and a fluorescence spectrophotometer have completed the range of spectrometric procedures available to identify and analyze substances synthesized in student laboratories. Other recent acquisitions include a high-performance liquid chromatograph and an electrochemical analyzer that are used to separate and characterize complex mixtures in analytical chemistry classes.

The department also has instrumentation available for ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, atomic absorption analysis and gas chromatographic separations. The science building, Upham Hall, is currently undergoing expansion and renovation. Chemistry has received all new laboratories and classrooms. When complete, the building will provide new faculty offices and research labs, which will greatly enhance the space devoted to student/faculty research projects.

The Chemistry Department has eight faculty members, all of whom hold doctorate degrees. Their backgrounds cover the traditional areas of analytical, organic, physical and biochemistry. Faculty members do not use teaching assistants, they teach all classes, including laboratories.

Because the Chemistry Department is small, the interaction between students and faculty is high. Faculty advising and academic assistance are readily available.

Several faculty members have active research programs, and undergraduates are encouraged to become involved in cooperative study, resulting in course credit. Previous students have presented papers on their research at local and regional chemical meetings, and some undergraduate research has led to publications in chemical journals. Smaller classes also mean that students have direct hands-on usage of all department instrumentation in laboratory courses.

Students considering chemistry as a career should have a strong background in mathematics. Communication skills are important in chemistry just as they are in other disciplines; high performance in English or composition courses is essential. Through advanced placement, students with a strong background in chemistry may receive 10 credits for the introductory chemistry sequence by successfully completing CEEB or CLEP subject examinations.

The Chemistry Department offers two degree programs:

• The Liberal Arts Bachelor of Science major is designed for students who desire a general education in chemistry as a background for careers in many such fields as polymer science, environmental analysis, industrial chemistry, materials science, and many fields related to the medical sciences. This consists of 35 credits distributed among the major fields of chemistry and requires an academic minor.
  
• The Professional ACS (American Chemical Society approved) major is offered for those students who wish to pursue a more intensive program in chemistry. This major is particularly recommended for students who intend to go to graduate school or work in the chemical industry. It consists of 50 credits of chemistry.

American Chemical Society data indicate the median starting salary for entry-level bachelor of science degree holders is in the range of $35,000 or more. Recent graduates from UW-Whitewater have gone on to find employment as bench chemists at such companies as:

• U.S. Chemical
• Stepan Chemical
• Hazleton Labs
• Motorola
• Rayovac
• Trostel
• PPG Industries
• Serigraph

Many industrial chemists are working in the field of basic research, using the tools of theoretical chemistry. Large numbers of chemists are also employed in academic and government labs conducting both applied and basic research.

Chemistry is a strong training component for those planning careers in medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, pharmacology or medical technology. Others have entered graduate school programs in chemistry and several graduates are teaching in area high schools and elementary schools.

The American Chemical Society Student Affiliates is a student-run organization that provides opportunities beyond the realm of classroom work. This group has sponsored activities such as seminars by scientists from industry and academia and tours of industrial research laboratories.

1st Term Courses
Introductory Chemistry
Elementary Functions
English
General Studies Elective

2nd Term Courses
Introductory Chemistry
Calculus and Analytic Geometry
English
Introductory Physics