Chemistry and Biochemistry

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Chemistry and Biochemistry

Professors Wasileski (Chair), Brock, Heard, Holt, Krumpe; Associate Professor A. Wolfe; Assistant Professors Kaur, McMahon, Steed; Senior Lecturer Schmeltzer; Lecturers Love, McGreal

As a central science, chemistry is an important component of many related disciplines and includes five major chemistry sub-disciplines in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Therefore, it is the goal of the department to actively contribute to raising the level of scientific literacy for all students, provide them with an understanding of the relationship of chemistry to society, and to nurture their appreciation of the character of chemistry as a humanistic activity. The department continues to implement an approach that is built around an experiential, explorative-based curriculum that integrates the lecture with the laboratory and introduces students to research pedagogy early in their education. This involves smaller classes, group work, interactive methods, longer-term laboratories (projects and/or discovery-based laboratories), much greater use of student-centered learning activities, and culminates with a collaborative student-faculty research project. The department provides students with a solid foundation of chemical knowledge in all five sub-disciplines and builds upon that foundation with students customizing their degree focus generally across the sub-disciplines or in a specific subdiscipline such as biochemistry through upper-level coursework and student-faculty research. Throughout the curriculum, students learn problem-solving and self-directed learning skills and how to communicate effectively both in writing and speaking.

Because its constituency is so diverse, the department offers both the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees with the flexibility to tailor course options to meet specific needs of the students.

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and Biochemistry

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