Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

 Location: Building 50, Room 3400

Dr. Bryan Knuckley, Chair

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate degrees:

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. The Bachelor of Science Chemistry degree has three tracks: traditional Chemistry, Pre-Medical Professions, and Materials Chemistry. 

In conjunction with the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, B.A.E. and M.A.T. degrees with majors in chemistry teaching, science education are also available.

Graduate degrees:

In conjunction with Physics and Engineering, Chemistry offers a Masters program in Materials Science and Engineering. A Doctor of Philosophy is not offered currently.

Accreditation

All of the tracks for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry are certified by the American Chemical Society.

The Program

Chemistry is a central science that deals with the study of the properties and behavior of matter. Knowledge of chemistry has always been fundamental to the investigation of the physical world. It serves as a bridge between biological sciences, physics and mathematics.

In recent years, the traditional specialties of Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, Physical, and Biochemistry have become increasingly interconnected, creating new and exciting interdisciplinary concentrations in areas like bio-organic, bio-inorganic, bio-analytical, bio-physical, and materials chemistry. The ever-increasing use of complex technologies and processes employed in modern medicine, agriculture, defense, manufacturing, and other industries is a clear indication that the demand for individuals with a chemistry background will continue to increase in the future. An array of analytical and spectroscopic instrumentation is available for laboratory instruction and research. Students in the chemistry program are encouraged to gain research experience by working in the laboratory of a faculty member of their choice. Diverse projects in synthetic and mechanistic organic chemistry, biochemistry, drug design, natural products, bioorganic chemistry, materials and solid state inorganic chemistry, environmental and analytical chemistry, and computational physical chemistry are currently available for undergraduate research. By a judicious choice of courses, students in research programs can obtain credit toward graduation. Qualified students engaging in undergraduate research during the summer and/or academic year could receive financial support from their faculty research advisor or via competitive university fellowship awards or other scholarships. Several tuition scholarships are also available on a competitive basis.