The field of chemistry is unique in that it is the scientific link that binds other important fields—such as biology, physics, and geology—together.

The Department of Chemistry prepares students for a variety of careers such as research, medicine, chiropractic, dentistry, pharmacology, medical technology, and teaching. The 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 (Engl 372) is required. Finally, this program requires an approved academic minor and 40 units licensure courses, advised by an academic advisor in Education.

Facilities
The science building, Upham Hall, has just undergone a $40-million renovation and is now one of the University’s premier learning facilities. This building, completed in Fall 2006, houses new research laboratories and faculty offices and features four 60-seat classrooms, one 108-seat lecture hall, one 185-seat lecture hall, well equipped multimedia classrooms, modern research laboratories, a second floor consisting mostly of chemistry labs with new fume hoods and demonstration benches, and 34,000 square feet of new space. The small size of the chemistry department allows students direct, hands-on access to all department instrumentation, including:

• 300 MHZ nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR)
• EMX-plus electron spin resonance spectrometer (ESR)
• Electrochemical analyzer
• Fluorescence spectrophotometer
• Fourier Transform-IR spectrophotometer (FTIR)
• Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS)
• High-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC)
• Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis)
• Atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS)
• Gas chromatograph (GC)
• Inductively coupled plasma spectrometer (ICP)
• Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC)

Faculty
Nine full-time faculty members, all of whom hold doctorate degrees and are widely respected scholars, teach within the department. The Department does not use teaching assistants. Faculty members lend expertise in the traditional areas of analytical chemistry, organic physical chemistry, inorganic and biochemistry.

Hands-on Learning
Chemistry students engage in extensive hands-on experiences in the laboratory courses. The opportunity for students to conduct research alongside faculty and become involved in cooperative study is available. Students present papers on their research at regional and national meetings and publish their work in respected chemical journals.

Student Organizations
Chemistry students explore opportunities in their field through the American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, a student-run organization that sponsors activities such as chemical demonstrations at area elementary, middle, and high schools; seminars by scientists from industry and academia; tours of industrial research laboratories; and more