The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides a strong education that prepares its students to function and thrive in our society. Its goal is to increase all students' problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
The department offers both B.A. and B.S. degrees in chemistry. Non-science students learn about the scientific and chemical aspects of everyday life that allow them to understand issues related to the environment, energy production, disease prevention, and nutrition. Students of the sciences learn the fundamentals of chemistry that control the interactions of elements and molecules. Chemistry majors receive extensive instruction in predicting chemical reactivity. Building on an understanding of mathematics and physics, chemistry majors receive a background in the major disciplines of chemistry, including inorganic, analytical, organic, physical, and biochemistry. Students learn the protocols and techniques for working safely with chemicals. The department recognizes the importance of the pursuit of new knowledge in developing skilled scientists and productive members of society and encourages its students to participate in research projects and collaborative educational opportunities.
Analytical Chemist • Dietitian • Environmental Chemist • Food and Drug Inspector • Geochemist • Materials Scientist • Organic Chemist • Perfumer • Petrologist • Pharmaceutical Chemist • Pollution Control • Quality Control Technician • Teacher • Water Purification Chemist
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Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
University CatalogAn introduction to analytical chemistry including determination of error in measurement, statistical analysis of data, acid-base equilibria, and electrochemical, spectrometric, and chromatographic methods of analysis.
Explore basic physical and chemical properties of the major classes of organic compounds. Emphasis is placed on those aspects of organic chemistry that are relevant to the study of human and environmental health.
Learn the principles of operation and application of various analytical instruments including visible/ultraviolet, infrared, inductively coupled plasma optical emission, fluorescence, high-performance liquid chromatography, and more.
Explore the application of chemical principles to natural processes and related anthropogenic influences. Topics include analysis of multiple equilibria systems, influence of pH and redox on solubility, interactions between soil and aqueous systems, atmospheric pollutants, and current topics.
A comprehensive treatment of selected topics in classical and statistical thermodynamics with biochemical applications.
Fundamental principles of inorganic chemistry with applications to the structure, bonding, and reactivity of main group inorganic compounds, coordination and organometallic compounds, and solid state.