The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers major and minor programs in chemistry and biochemistry. Chemistry is a central science and provides foundational knowledge relevant to biology, geology, engineering, physics, and medicine. Chemistry encompasses the study of the world around us at a molecular level. Chemistry plays critical roles in medicine, food, electronics, and manufacturing. The department emphasizes a hands-on approach to undergraduate instruction. As part of this effort, the department strongly promotes undergraduate research. The department faculty are involved in research projects in all of the major areas of chemistry: organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biochemistry. In addition, many faculty research interests involve interdisciplinary problems in human health, alternative energy, and materials science.
Programs
The department of chemistry and biochemistry offers a major in chemistry culminating in a bachelor of science in chemistry (BCh) degree or a bachelor of science (BS) degree. The BCh degree is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and leads to an ACS-certified degree. The BCh degree consists of two tracks: chemistry and biochemistry. The BS degree with a major in chemistry does not lead to an ACS-certified degree and is designed primarily for students pursuing health professions. The BS degree is biochemistry-focused. The department also offers minors in chemistry and biochemistry.
- Majors
- Minor
Faculty
Chair
- Szulczewski, Gregory J.
Director of Undergraduate Studies
- Shaughnessy, Kevin H.
Robert Ramsay Professors
- Dixon, David A.
- Sun, Wenfang
Professors
- Blackstock, Silas C.
- Frantom, Patrick
- Pan, Shanlin
- Papish, Elizabeth T.
- Shaughnessy, Kevin H.
- Vincent, John B.
- Wu, Si
Associate Professors
- Allred, Jared
- Bakker, Martin G.
- Bonizzoni, Marco
- Dunkle, Jack
- Ghosh, Ayanjeet
- Pierce, Brad S.
- Snowden, Timothy S.
- Street, Shane C.
- Szulczewski, Gregory J.
- Thompson, Matthew
- Woski, Stephen A.
Assistant Professors
- Fedin, Igor
- Makoś, Małgorzata
- Wijeratne, Gayan
Renewable Contract Associate Professor
- DeSimone, Alice
- Leung, Diana
- Liu, Yinghui
Courses
Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. First semester of the general chemistry sequence designed for students majoring in science, engineering, or pre-health profession pathways. Topics include basic chemical calculations, structure and naming of compounds, and behavior of gases. Degree credit is not awarded for both CH 101 and CH 100 or for both CH 101 and CH 117. Usually offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Three lectures and one three-hour laboratory. Second semester of the general chemistry sequence designed for students majoring in science, engineering, or pre-health profession pathways. Topics include chemical equilibria, kinetics, and thermodynamics. Degree credit is not awarded for both CH 102 and CH 105 or both CH 102 and CH 118. Usually offered in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.