Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics

Faculty: Associate Professor Ballard, Chair; Professor Burroughs, Associate Chair for Physics; Emeritus Professor Ford; Associate Professors Jackman, Hendrix; Assistant Professors Carastro, Deneault, Evans-Nguyen, Hallman, Leslie, Martin, Perry, Struss, Werner, Witherow; Instructors Bender, Tate.

Degrees offered: B.S. in chemistry; B.S. in chemistry–ACS Certified; B.S. in biochemistry; B.S. in forensic science; B.A. in chemistry; B.A. in biochemistry; B.S. in chemistry (biochemistry)/MBA.

The Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics offers its students a solid foundation in the five major areas of chemistry: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry. Research projects, publishing opportunities, internships and classes with both lecture and laboratory experience give chemistry majors the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory experience to either enter the job market with a B.S. degree or go on to graduate or professional school.

Each program is a continuum of prerequisites designed to develop the student’s knowledge of chemistry in each of the five major areas. In upper-level classes, the average course size drops to approximately 10 students per class. This small class size gives students the opportunity to work with equipment not often available to undergraduates at larger institutions, and allows for frequent, direct interaction with the faculty.

Given the small class size at the University and the varied research interests of the chemistry faculty, experiential learning opportunities are available and encouraged. Students working with faculty members have completed projects in environmental analysis, atmospheric chemistry, marine nutrient analysis, protein chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms, electroanalysis and biosensor development.

Each member of the faculty is an expert in at least one of the aforementioned areas of chemistry. Chemistry majors may request assignment to a faculty member who serves as an adviser and whose specialty coincides with the student’s area of interest. Advisers and students work together to select courses, review academic and professional progress, and discuss career and graduate opportunities.