Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Undergraduate Programs of Study
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (major, minor)
- Chemistry (major, minor)
Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.)
Department Description
Chemistry, widely regarded as a central science, involves the study of the properties and transformations of matter at a molecular level. A very wide range of consumer products, including plastics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, etc. owe their development at least partially to modern chemistry. Chemists work in industry, educational institutions, and government laboratories, developing new materials, new pharmaceutical, improved chemical analysis methods, etc.
Biochemistry and molecular biology involve the interdisciplinary study of the chemical and physical properties of living systems and the chemical changes that take place in living organisms. Careers in biochemistry and molecular biology require preparation in chemistry and biology, as well as biochemistry and molecular biology. This is a rapidly advancing field, with many recent developments in the unraveling of the genetic code, forensic science, bioinformatics, etc. This field plays a central role in advances in human health.
Students beginning study in these programs should have a strong high school background in science and mathematics.
Graduate study is available in Chemistry (M.S. and PhD. degrees), and Biochemistry (M.S. and PhD. degrees). Students beginning study in these programs must have a strong undergraduate background in chemical science. For the Biochemistry graduate programs, prior training in the life sciences is desirable, but not essential. For more details, see the department web site or the online Graduate Bulletin.