Programs of Study
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, a minor in Chemistry, and a Masters in Materials Science & Engineering. Within the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, we offer three tracks/concentrations: a general Chemistry track; a Pre-Med Professions track, and a Materials Chemistry track. Students wishing to pursue a biochemistry focus should major in Biochemistry, a stand-alone degree program within Chemistry.
We encourage students in any concentration to seek research study with one or more of our professors as a component of their undergraduate experience. Our faculty members believe that undergraduate students contribute significantly to the development of research directions and results, and seek to include them in their explorations. The partnership between faculty and students can lead to journal publications or presentations at scientific meetings and conferences, and also contribute strongly to opportunities to obtain supporting grants and funding to continue on-going research. For more information, please visit our undergraduate research page.
The Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This means that the degree is nationally recognized as being of high quality and the graduate is suitable for employment in any type of chemical industry. Employers look at applicants that have ACS-accredited chemistry degrees first. More information about possible careers in chemistry is located on the ACS website.
Suggested Course Sequence (My Osprey Map)
To determine the proper sequence of courses, students should speak with an academic advisor and refer to the Osprey Map (Course Sequence Guide).
- To schedule an appointment with a College of Arts and Sciences academic advisor, please call (904) 620-2797.
- The "Osprey Map" can also be found under the "Student" tab in myWings by clicking "Student Self Service" (under "My Records"), and then clicking "Osprey Map". The Course Scheduling Matrix should also be used in designing your course of study. It can be found under "Course Information" on this website.
- Chemistry Track
- Biochemistry Major
- Pre-Medical Professionals Track
- Materials Chemistry Track
- MS Program in Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemistry Minor
Chemistry Track
This track is designed to provide a thorough background in chemistry with coverage of all the major areas of chemistry, as well as electives to gain breadth and depth of knowledge. An interest in how and why things work is often the driving force motivating students to seek an education in the sciences, and often it leads to chemistry. As a central science, chemistry plays a pivotal role in the most basic physical, biological, and allied health disciplines. Bachelor's degree chemists can choose from many diverse paths for their short-term and lifetime careers, including graduate study leading to advanced degrees and research in a variety of programs, rewarding employment in industry or government labs, professional or law schools, or much-needed teaching service in high schools. All are supported by a degree in chemistry. The track provides all of the prerequisites for entry into most chemistry graduate programs, professional positions in the chemical industry, and medical schools and related professions.
Biochemistry Major
Our Biochemistry major is designed for students interested in bio-medically related research careers. Students will gain a deeper and broader understanding of biochemical principles and techniques through the emphasis on biology and biochemistry courses found within this track. Upon completion, students will be better prepared to pursue STEM careers that do not fall within the traditional confines of chemistry or biology degree programs. Biochemistry is the study of biological systems on a molecular level. Competency in the field of biochemistry requires an in-depth understanding of chemistry, a fundamental knowledge of biology, and the ability to recognize the interconnections between the two disciplines. This track is designed to prepare students who wish to pursue careers in biochemical and/or biomedical research including such specific areas as pharmaceutical sciences, disease diagnostics, drug development, DNA-based forensics, proteomics, and clinical chemistry. This program of study fulfills the prerequisite courses required by most chemistry graduate programs. Contact Dr. Bryan Knuckley for more information about the track.
Pre-Medical Professionals Track
Our Pre-Med track is designed to give flexibility and a solid grounding to students wanting to pursue in-depth training with a biological focus. The track is suited to students interested in pursuing a variety of medical professional programs, such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, podiatry, veterinary medicine, physician's assistant or optometry to mention a few. It is designed to provide a broad background in chemistry with an interdisciplinary emphasis by including courses in biology. The track provides all of the prerequisites for entry into most graduate programs in chemistry and research. You can read more about this area in the official program of study.
Materials Chemistry Track
The track is designed to provide a broad background ideally suited to careers in research or industrial pursuits usually in the application of physical and chemical principles leading to the design and characterization of materials (e.g. inorganic solids, polymers, and nanoscale materials). The track acquires an interdisciplinary emphasis by requiring courses in mathematics, computer science, and physics. It provides all of the prerequisites for entry into most chemistry graduate programs. Careers in Materials Chemistry vary widely although graduates will be well-suited to pursue employment in the chemical and related industries focusing on energy and the environment, pharmaceuticals, nano- and biotechnology, chemical engineering, geo-chemistry, catalysis, optical materials and all manner of electronic devices, and related fields. You can read more about this area in the official program of study. Contact Dr. Michael Lufaso for more information about the track.
MS Program in Materials Science and Engineering
Chemistry Minor
The minor is designed to provide a student with a broad general overview of the chemistry discipline. It allows a student to extend the scope of their major through the selection of a complementary subject, or balance it out by choosing an area of interest far outside the realm of their major. Regardless of the direction, a minor increases a student's marketability and prepares him or her for employment and/or further study in many areas.