What is Chemistry and Biochemistry?
Chemistry is the science of substances that comprise the world around us. Biochemistry explores the chemical foundations of living systems. These disciplines focus on understanding the structure, properties, and reactions of matter spanning the scale range from individual atoms to biological macromolecules and nanostructures.
According to the definition given by American Chemical Society (ACS), “Anything that can be touched, tasted, smelled, seen or felt is made of chemicals and chemists are the people who transform the everyday materials around us into amazing things.” Thus, Chemistry and Biochemistry are inspiring and diverse fields of study — the science of change.
Why major in Chemistry or Biochemistry?
The broad applicability of phenomena and rigorous approaches of chemistry and biochemistry provide a wide range of career options for chemistry majors. We offer 6 different BS degree programs designed to prepare our students for careers in areas ranging from organic synthesis to materials design, from bio-technology to medicine, from environmental science to renewable energy.
Each year, we graduates around 40 majors, with about an equal split between biochemistry and chemistry majors. Both groups share a common curriculum for the first two years. Classes are taught separately from the non-majors track, which allows for smaller class sizes and more in-depth discussions. Once students begin taking advanced courses in their specific majors, classes become even smaller and more personalized. Starting the first semester, research opportunities are open for our students.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers two main B.S. degrees: a B.S. degree in Chemistry, and a B.S. degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The Chemistry degree has several options: the standard B.S. in Chemistry, the Coatings and Polymeric Materials Option, the Biochemistry Option, the Pre-Professional Option, and the Chemistry Education Option.
Full descriptions of the programs can be found in the University Catelog: Chemistry Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
What is enjoyed by our majors?
- Frequent one-on-one contact with professors
- Unique, project-based courses focused on critical thinking and trouble shooting skills
- Hands-on experience with research equipment in undergraduate laboratories
- New and mordent educational and research facilities
- Individual advising and peer mentoring programs
- Multiple research experiences and research/work opportunities
- A number of endowed scholarships and fellowships
Benefits of our programs
- The Department has a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for a successful future in Chemistry and Biochemistry fields and beyond.
- Our graduates have successfully entered careers in industry or academia, including Medical Schools and Graduate Studies.
- We have talented and creative faculty who excel in the classroom and, perhaps more importantly, engage with students outside the classroom in research, clubs, and other areas.
- The major-classes remain quite small and students receive a great deal of individualized attention.
- Nearly all of our students are involved in independent research with a faculty mentor, and a high percentage get involved during their first year.
- Our students and faculty have developed a culture that encourages learning through questions, creative study, and the comfort of knowing that every door is open to them.