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 two degree programs:
Liberal Arts Bachelor of Science major: Designed for students who desire a general education in chemistry as a background for a career in other fields such as polymer science, environmental analysis, industrial chemistry, materials science, and many fields related to the medical sciences.
Professional ACS (American Chemical Society approved) major: Offered for 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.
Facilities
The science building, Upham Hall, is undergoing a $40-million renovation. Once fully completed it will be one of the University’s premier learning facilities. When completed in Fall 2006, the building will house new research laboratories and faculty offices and will feature four 60-seat classrooms, one 100-seat lecture hall, one 185-seat lecture hall, wired 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
- Electrochemical analyzer
- Fluorescence spectrophotometer
- Fourier Transform-IR spectrophotometer
- Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer
- High-performance liquid chromatograph
- Ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer
- Atomic absorption spectrometer
- Gas chromatograph
Faculty
Eight 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 lend expertise in the traditional areas of analytical chemistry, organic physical chemistry, 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 local and regional chemical 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.