Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics
Faculty: Associate Professor Ballard, Chair; Associate Professor Deneault, Associate Chair of Physics; Associate Professors Carastro, Evans-Nguyen, Hendrix, Jackman, Werner; Assistant Professors Biringer, Del Valle, Kennedy, Leslie, Masserini, Murray, Perry, Schuler, Sode, Struss, Theodore, Wilson, Witherow; Instructors Henchey, Morris.
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; B.S. in physics.
The Department offers chemistry, biochemistry and forensic science 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.
The department also offers students a comprehensive program of study in physics and astronomy, leading toward the B.S. degree in physics. This program is designed to prepare students not only for advanced studies at the graduate level, but also to provide important problem solving and research skills and experience needed for employment in physics and other scientific and technology disciplines.
Given the small class size at the University and the varied research interests of the chemistry and physics faculty, experiential learning opportunities are available and encouraged. Students working with faculty members have completed projects in environmental analysis, atmospheric chemistry, marine nutrient analysis, astrochemistry, protein chemistry, organic reaction mechanisms, exoplanet research, electroanalysis, stellar spectral analysis and biosensor development.
Each member of the faculty is an expert in at least one of the aforementioned areas of chemistry and physics. Chemistry and physics majors may request assignment to a faculty member who serves as an advisor and whose specialty coincides with the student’s area of interest. Advisors and students work together to select courses, review academic and professional progress, and discuss career and graduate opportunities.