Chemistry

About the Program

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, inorganic 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.

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Accreditation

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.

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Career Opportunities

Because chemistry is primarily a practical experimental science requiring well developed 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

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Facilities

The Department of Chemistry has the following state of the arts molecular spectroscopic instruments: a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR) an electron spin resonance spectrometer (ESR), a Fourier Transform-infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), a diode array UV-Visible spectrophotometer and a fluorescence spectrophotometer, which are used to probe the nature of molecules prepared by students in various chemistry student laboratories. Additionally, the department also has an atomic absorption spectrophotometer and an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP) which can be used to determine the concentrations of most elements in up to ppm or ppb levels.

Furthermore, the department also possesses a gas chromatograph (GC) and a high-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC), which are used to separate and characterize chemicals in complex mixtures. The gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GCMS) housed in the department is composed of two major building blocks: a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer. These two components, used together, allow a much finer degree of substance identification than either unit used separately.

The department is capable of conducting thermal analysis as well using its sophisticated differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), which can be used to measure a number of characteristic thermal properties of a sample. Finally, the department has an electrochemical analyzer to study the electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of a compound.

All these instruments are coupled with computers that allow sophisticated data acquisition and manipulation.

The science building, Upham Hall, has just recently undergone expansion and renovation. All science departments, including Chemistry, have received new student laboratories, faculty offices and research laboratories and multimedia equipped classrooms. The faculty research laboratories have greatly enhanced the space devoted to student/faculty research projects.

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Faculty

The Chemistry Department has nine faculty members, all of whom hold doctorate degrees. Their backgrounds cover the traditional areas of analytical, organic, physical, inorganic and biochemistry. Faculty members do not use teaching assistants, they teach all classes, including laboratories. In addition, the department has a full time stockroom/laboratory manager.

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

Most faculty members have active research programs, and undergraduates are encouraged to become involved in independent study, resulting in course credit. Previous students have presented papers on their research at regional and national 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 physics and especially mathematics and physics, particularly in mathematics. Communication skills are important in chemistry just as they are in other disciplines; high performance in English and composition courses is essential. Students with an exceptionally strong background in chemistry may receive 10 units (credits) for the introductory chemistry sequence (Chem 102 and Chem 104) by successfully completing an exam of either CEEB (College Entrance Examination Board) with a minimum score of 4 or CLEP (College Level Exam Program) with a minimum score of 65.

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Opportunities

The Chemistry Department offers four 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 36 chemistry units distributed among the major fields of chemistry and 23 special major requirement units, including 13 mathematics units and 10 physics units. This program requires an approved 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. This consists of 48 chemistry units, 13 mathematics units and 10 physics units. In addition, a 3-unit elective course selected from chemistry, physics or mathematics is required. This program does not require an academic minor.
• The Honors Emphasis is designed for two groups of students: 1) Those seeking the most thorough possible training to prepare themselves for graduate school and a career in research; 2) Those seeking entry to competitive professional programs (e.g. medicine, veterinary school) and wishing to obtain a degree that recognizes their exceptional dedication and ability. In this broad-field major, students have the same course requirement as a professional ACS approved Chemistry degree, plus the unique requirement to complete a substantial research project (4 units of Chem 498) and write a thesis in their senior year (2 units of Chem 488). No minor is required but a minimum of 3.4 GPA is mandatory and this program also satisfies the requirements of the University Honors program.
• The Chemistry (BSE) option is designed for prospective secondary school teachers. This program consists of 34 chemistry units and 23 special major requirement units, including 13 mathematics units and 10 physics units. In addition, a 3-unit writing course (English 372) is required. Finally, this program requires an approved academic minor and 40 units licensure courses (advised by an academic advisor in Education).

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Placement

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:

• Pharmaceutical Product Development, Inc.
• CaP Biomaterials
• Virent Energy Systems
• 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.

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Student Organizations

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, tours of industrial research laboratories and chemistry demonstrations to local K-12 schools.

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Suggested Course of Study

1st Term Courses
Introductory Chemistry I, Chem 102
Elementary Functions, Math 152
English 101
General Studies Elective

2nd Term Courses
Introductory Chemistry II, Chem 104
Calculus and Analytic Geometry, Math 253
English 102
Physics for Scientists and Engineers I, Phys 180

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