Chemistry and Forensic Science
The Chemistry Department provides an intellectually stimulating environment that meets the changing needs of society. The department uses modern teaching methods, instrumentation and subject matter. The program has a hands-on approach to teaching and provides personal attention responsive to the needs of incoming students.
Chemistry has modern laboratories for chemistry classes and research. Chemical measurement instrumentation includes a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance device, X-ray diffraction equipment, gas and liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, IR, UV, and visible spectrophotometers, and laser spectroscopy facilities. Students who major in chemistry are expected to become fully competent in the use of the instruments by the time they graduate. Undergraduate students gain a practical perspective on chemistry through involvement with research projects. Chemistry has been highly successful in placing its graduates in exciting careers in industry and government, while many students proceed to advanced graduate studies in chemistry at other institutions. Most chemistry faculty have research grants, which can be used to hire undergraduate students.
Degrees AvailableB.S. in chemistry with preprofessional programs and minor for elementary school teachers
M.S. in applied chemistry
Chemistry has been called the central science because it is the discipline that deals with the molecular structure and reactivity of materials, areas fundamental to the other sciences and to engineering. Consequently, chemistry is a bridge between the many science disciplines in which molecular level understanding is needed. Such disciplines include biology through biochemistry and molecular genetics, physics through physical chemistry and chemical physics, and geology through geochemistry.
What makes us special?The American Chemical Society has certified this program. A strong undergraduate research program supplements formal classroom instruction. State-of-the-art chemical instrumentation and hands-on use of advance chemical instrumentation is utilized throughout the program. Small classes offer excellent student-faculty ratios, and students have easy access to faculty. The program offers a unique laboratory sequence, which takes advantage of the small size of the department to give students a superior laboratory experience.
Department Majors
CHEMISTRY |
FORENSIC SCIENCE Available Minors:Biology
Biology for Teachers
Environmental Science and Management
Geology