Mund-Lagowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry and biochemistry occupy unique territory. Chemistry is often called the “central science” because it links physical sciences (physics, materials science, etc.) with life sciences (biology, genetics, etc.) and applied sciences (engineering and medicine). Chemistry focuses on substances’ behavior at the most basic level while biochemistry uses chemistry principles to understand living organisms. Both degrees are valuable in careers as varied as agriculture, forensic science, medicine and renewable materials development.

Both majors give you a strong foundation in all five areas of chemistry — analytical, organic, inorganic, physical and biochemistry. You develop communication, critical thinking and lab skills through faculty mentorship and research projects at the forefront of science.

The Mund-Lagowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers you multiple routes to a degree. You can pursue a degree in biochemistry or chemistry high school education. You also can pursue a chemistry degree with one of four concentrations — American Chemical Society-certified, pre-med, pre-pharmacy or business. Additionally, you can earn a graduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry. The graduate degrees are available as traditional two-year programs or five-year programs combined with undergraduate degrees. A chemistry minor also is available.

Successful students will be able to:

  • Describe and integrate the fundamental principles of chemistry and apply them to scientific problems
  • Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors and implement safe laboratory practices
  • Design and implement appropriate experimental methods to solve problems, employing the principles of green chemistry whenever possible
  • Effectively collaborate to solve problems
  • Identify and use scientific literature to interpret and solve scientific problems
  • Analyze data, interpret results, and draw appropriate conclusions
  • Effectively communicate science to diverse audiences

The Green Chemistry Commitment

In 2019, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry signed the Green Chemistry Commitment sponsored by Beyond Benign (beyondbenign.org). Green Chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce and/or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. By signing the Green Chemistry Commitment, the Department has pledged to implement the following green chemistry student learning objectives.

  • Theory: Have a working knowledge of the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry
  • Toxicology: Have an understanding of the principles of toxicology, the molecular mechanisms of how chemicals affect human health and the environment, and the resources to identify and assess molecular hazards
  • Laboratory Skills: Possess the ability to assess chemical products and processes and design greener alternatives when appropriate
  • Application: Be prepared to serve society in their professional capacity as scientists and professionals through the articulation, evaluation and employment of methods and chemicals that are benign for human health and the environment

Our faculty are working to progressively implement these objectives into our curriculum so that our graduates possess skills are aligned with the needs of the planet and its inhabitants in the 21st century!

Over the past 10 years, 95% of graduates have been accepted into professional schools and 100% into graduate programs.

Accredited by the American Chemical Society