Professors: Patricia Flatt, Pete Poston
Assistant professors: Mary Layne Harrell, Feier Hou

Mission

Provides preparation for professional work in chemistry or forensic science; graduate work in chemistry, environmental or forensic science; or pre-professional training in the health sciences or secondary education. Coupling the program with an appropriate minor prepares students to enter related fields such as biochemistry, oceanography, pharmacy, toxicology and the atmospheric sciences. Through the study of general, organic, analytical and physical chemistry, students gain an understanding of the world around them.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an understanding of major concepts, theoretical principles and experimental findings in chemistry.
2. Employ critical thinking and quantitative analytical skills to solve problems and evaluate scientific data.
3. Use and application of laboratory methods and scientific instrumentation to investigate a scientific hypothesis, conduct experiments, analyze data and interpret results.
4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills including the ability to transmit complex scientific or technical information in a clear and concise manner.
5. Gather, comprehend, apply and communicate credible information on scientific and technical topics and recognize the proper use of scientific data, principles and theories to assess the quality of stated conclusions.
6. Demonstrate ethical awareness and conduct with regards to: (1) honesty in data reporting; (2) the safety of practitioners, test subjects and the local community/environment; and (3) their social responsibility to recognize the impact that our actions have on the natural and human world.

Formal admission is required for all students seeking a chemistry or chemistry-forensic chemistry concentration degree. Typically, application for admission will be made at the end of a student’s sophomore year by completing a degree plan with the adviser. Prior to admission, the student should have completed the set of courses below.