ÄϹÏÓ°Ôº

Programs of Study

Whether you want to study the field at the graduate level, work in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, or gain a firm foundation for a career in the health professions, our chemistry department is the gateway to your best future.

Major or Minor in Chemistry

Chemistry majors will understand the core principles of chemistry and be able to communicate their knowledge in the field through both writing and speaking.

Major in ACS Chemistry

Students may choose to concentrate in traditional chemistry, biochemistry, or neurochemistry. Having a degree in ACS chemistry is valuable to those hoping to pursue advanced degrees.

Traditional Chemistry

Students interested in a professional career in chemistry or an allied field typically choose an ACS major with a traditional chemistry concentration.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry surveys the chemistry and biology of the fundamental molecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and cofactors.

Neurochemistry

Neurochemistry studies the chemical and biochemical aspects of neuroscience including ligand binding, pharmacokinetics, and second messenger cascades. Chemistry students specifically interested in working in neuroscience are encouraged to consider the ACS chemistry major with a neurochemistry concentration.

Major in Biochemistry

Beginning in 2025, students can pursue a major in biochemistry. This new major offers a streamlined curriculum that appeals to students seeking a more flexible path to studying biochemistry, while the ACS-accredited biochemistry track remains ideal for those pursuing advanced research or graduate studies.

Due to the significant overlap in coursework, students majoring in biochemistry may not also major or minor in chemistry. However, majoring in biochemistry and minoring or majoring in biology is allowed.

Major in Chemistry Education

Students seeking to teach chemistry must also fulfill the requirements for a major in education.

Science (K-6) | Optional add-on endorsement for chemistry education majors

General Science (5-8) | Recommended add-on endorsement for chemistry education majors

Major or Minor in Neuroscience

Neuroscience studies how the brain and nervous system acquire, process, and integrate information from the environment and how this information brings about the behavior of an organism.

"The openness of the Integrated Science Center means that everywhere you go, you see activity – whether it’s in the classrooms, labs, study spaces, or the commons. In designing the building, we said we wanted to emphasize ‘learning science by doing science’ and I think we've definitely accomplished that."
Dr. Mark Jensen, Professor

Run by faculty and students, this outreach organization is dedicated to creating excitement about STEM disciplines in children and teens throughout the region.

State of the Art

Modern Science

Designed for "learning science by doing science," the Integrated Science Center features 19 teaching labs, $1 million in new lab equipment, 16 classrooms, and plenty of study spaces.

Program Benefits

Instrument Lab

The chemistry department is home to a selection of state-of-the-art analytical instrumentation. These instruments are incorporated into a number of laboratory courses as well as seeing extensive use in faculty research programs.

Laser Facility

The laser facility is available for both research and coursework by ÄϹÏÓ°Ôº's undergraduate students. Research areas include noisy light spectroscopy and halogen bonding investigation.

Gaining Experience

Students earn academic credit for completing internships at medical facilities, laboratories, and businesses. The American Chemical Society selected ÄϹÏÓ°Ôº’s program as a national model for combining learning and work experience.

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Contact

Dr. Julie Mach

Chair/Associate Professor, Chemistry Chemistry, Neuroscience