Chemistry Overview
Chemistry, the study of structures and properties of matter, plays an important role in both physical and biological sciences and holds a crucial position in our technologically advanced society.
The main objectives of the Chemistry/Environmental Chemistry program are:
To provide a well-rounded liberal arts education with an insight into the significance of chemistry in everyday life and the enhancement of the quality of our environment;
To provide a sound background in the basic fundamentals and techniques of chemistry; and
To prepare students to pursue careers in research, teaching, business, industry, medicine, or pharmacy.
The carefully-designed Chemistry program (major and minor) provides a solid background in general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Seminar II (CH 402) provides students the opportunity to explore chemical phenomena through independent research projects, experimentation and computer data analysis.
The Environmental Chemistry (major) program is an extension of the chemistry major with a specific focus on environmental topics. In addition to the general, organic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry courses, the two courses on environmental chemistry (CH 204 and 390) will provide the students with an understanding of the complex nature of the environment and how to improve and maintain the quality of the environment.
Analytical chemistry (CH 308) helps students learn the use of various analytical instruments and computer data analysis.
Seminar II (CH 402) provides students the opportunity to analyze environmental pollutants in air, soil, and water through independent research projects.
Seminar I (CH 401) offers opportunities for both chemistry and environmental chemistry majors to learn the history and philosophy of chemistry and develop an understanding and appreciation for the environment.
Since chemistry is based on physics, biology and mathematics, students are required to take additional courses in these three areas.