Chemistry Major
Hands-on laboratory experience is the primary tool for learning used in the Chemistry major. Basic skills and more advanced techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance, electrophoresis, chromatography, and spectrophotometric instrumentation are taught in the lab. This approach supplements your traditional education by giving you the opportunity to apply the theory you have learned in the classroom. State-of-the-art laboratories for use by Chemistry majors are planned for the new cutting-edge academic building slated to open in 2011.
Quick Facts
- Our Chemistry graduates have gone on to successful careers in the chemical, environmental, and pharmaceutical industries.
- Other graduates have successfully pursued graduate degrees in the chemical and biomedical sciences.
- Many Chemistry graduates have become successful science teachers.
Our Chemistry major enables students to acquire a solid foundation in the principles of Chemistry complemented by practical laboratory experience. To prepare you for a future career in Chemistry, you will have access to a rich and varied laboratory experience that will cover a broad range of topics and techniques in courses such as: Analytical Methods, Instrumental Analysis, and Biochemistry. You may also choose to take elective courses in toxicology, molecular spectroscopy, and natural products chemistry.
You may also complete independent study courses and/or participate in undergraduate research or a Chemistry internship.
Laboratory research is an important aspect of the Chemistry major. Visit our labs to learn more.
Faculty
The faculty of the Department of Physical and Biological Sciences are experts in physical, polymer, analytical, inorganic, organic, and medicinal Chemistry. Every full-time professor holds a doctoral degree.
Internships and Other Special Opportunities
Our students have participated in exciting internships at the State Police Crime Lab, Shriner's Hospital for Children, environmental testing facilities, chromatography research/development companies, and various other governmental and industrial sites.
In your third and fourth years you can gain experience by serving as a student assistant, mentoring first and second year students in laboratories, preparing chemicals, answering students’ questions, and demonstrating techniques. This work will prove invaluable in the workplace and it’s a great way to develop leadership and organizational skills.
There are also tutoring opportunities for Chemistry majors in the Science Center where you can use your abilities to help other students while reinforcing your own knowledge.
Chemistry students are active in:
• Alpha Lambda Delta (First-year honor society)
• Chemistry Club
• Honors Program
• Pre-med Club
• Study Abroad Program
Many of our students also participate in varsity and intramural sports, special interest groups, and serve in student government.
Career PathsFields: State and Federal crime labs, academic and private research facilities, and medical and pharmaceutical labs Outlook: Jobs for forensic chemical science technicians are expected to grow as fast as all occupations through to 2016, especially in for crime scene technicians who work for State Public Safety Departments (U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009). Opportunities: Ability to use applied science technology and work with laboratory equipment. |
