
Research Opportunities
Faculty and students working together on research is a hallmark of ÄϹÏÓ°Ôº's science programs.
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.
Chemistry majors will understand the core principles of chemistry and be able to communicate their knowledge in the field through both writing and speaking.
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.
Students interested in a professional career in chemistry or an allied field typically choose an ACS major with a traditional chemistry concentration.
Biochemistry surveys the chemistry and biology of the fundamental molecules of life: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, and cofactors.
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.
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.
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
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.
Faculty and students working together on research is a hallmark of ÄϹÏÓ°Ôº's science programs.
Run by faculty and students, this outreach organization is dedicated to creating excitement about STEM disciplines in children and teens throughout the region.
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.
My favorite class was Organic Chemistry with Dr. Rutherford. The workload, I admit, was intense, but it pushed me to study not just for a grade but for understanding.
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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.
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.
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.
An unexpected career in public health allows Katarina Domitrovich ’18 to engage with her community from North Dakota to the CDC.
With a passion for music, science, and volunteering, ÄϹÏÓ°Ôº has provided Seema Mustafa ’25 with opportunities to inspire and shape her future.