Chemistry & Biochemistry

Faculty

Kevin M. Metz, professor and chair.
B.S., Alma College; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin—Madison. Appointed 2008.

Craig R. Bieler, professor.
B.S., Juniata College; Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh. Appointed 1995.

Clifford E. Harris, professor.
B.S., California State University, Chico; Ph.D., University of California, Santa Cruz. Appointed 1997.

Lisa B. Lewis, professor.
B.S., King’s College; M.S., University of Pittsburgh; Ph.D., 1994, University of California, Irvine. Appointed 1995.

Vanessa P. McCaffrey, professor.
B.S., McNeese State University; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Appointed 2003.

Christopher E. Rohlman, professor.
B.S., Oakland University; Ph.D., University of Michigan. Appointed 2001.

Craig N. Streu, associate professor.
B.A., Albion College; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania. Appointed 2015.

Introduction

The Chemistry Department has three major objectives: (1) To provide a strong major within a liberal arts framework for those entering the profession of chemistry, biochemistry, or preparing for graduate work; (2) to provide cognate backgrounds in chemistry for biology majors, Premedical and pre-dental students, medical technologists, dieticians, science educators and others who may require chemistry; (3) to provide non-science majors with sufficient background to understand advances in technology, environmental implications of new laws, drug problems and health advances.

Independent study is encouraged both as a part of formal course work and in undergraduate research projects. Faculty work closely with students in research areas of mutual interest. Cooperation with other science departments provides opportunities for interdepartmental studies. Majors are strongly encouraged to balance their science training with courses in the arts and humanities.

Chemistry Department Website

Majors and Minors

The Chemistry Department offers majors and minors in chemistry and biochemistry. The majors require a minimum of ten units in chemistry, plus appropriate cognate courses. The Cooperative Education Pathway offers students two internship experiences that augment the chemistry or biochemistry major. Either major is appropriate for students interested in advanced study in chemistry or biochemistry or for careers in other fields such as medicine and health sciences, law, business or education. Consult a member of the Chemistry Department for suggestions of appropriate courses for graduate school preparation.

In either major, the timing of the course sequence is crucial, and students should consult with a member of the Chemistry Department as early as possible in the planning of their major.

Career Opportunities

In addition to professional work and graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry, a major can establish a foundation for future careers in a number of fields: e.g., engineering, medicine and other health-related fields, law and technically related businesses. Graduate and professional schools in the medical sciences require a strong background in chemistry.

Student Learning Outcomes

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Major.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve chemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Literature and Informatics-

Students will be able to evaluate primary literature.

4. Communication Skills-

Students will be able to communicate effectively.

5. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate fluency in basic chemistry content knowledge.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the ACS-certified Chemistry Major.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve chemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Literature and Informatics-

Students will be able to evaluate primary literature.

4. Communication Skills-

Students will be able to communicate effectively.

5. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate fluency in basic chemistry content knowledge.

6. Laboratory Experience

Students will complete at least 400 hours of laboratory work beyond general chemistry course work.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Major with Secondary Education Certificate.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve chemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Literature and Informatics-

Students will be able to evaluate primary literature.

4. Communication Skills-

Students will be able to communicate effectively.

5. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate fluency in basic chemistry content knowledge.

6. Teaching Certification-

Students will be able to complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Biochemistry Major.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve biochemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Literature and Informatics-

Students will be able to evaluate primary literature.

4. Communication Skills-

Students will be able to communicate effectively.

5. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate fluency in basic biochemistry content knowledge.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Biochemistry Major with Secondary Education Certificate.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve biochemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Literature and Informatics-

Students will be able to evaluate primary literature.

4. Communication Skills-

Students will be able to communicate effectively.

5. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate fluency in basic biochemistry content knowledge.

6. Teaching Certification-

Students will be able to complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Minor.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve chemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate foundational chemistry content knowledge.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Chemistry Minor with Secondary Education Certificate.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve chemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate foundational chemistry content knowledge.

4. Teaching Certification-

Students will be able to complete requirements for eligibility for certification.

These Student Learning Outcomes will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Higher Learning Commission for the Biochemistry Minor.

1. Process Skills-

Students will be able to solve biochemical problems.

2. Experimental Competency-

Students will be able to design experiments.

3. Content Knowledge-

Students will be able to demonstrate foundational biochemistry content knowledge.

Departmental Policy on Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Credit

1. Students with a 4 or 5 on the AP Chemistry exam will receive one unit of CHEM 100X.

2. Students with a 5 on the IB (HL) Chemistry exam will receive one unit of CHEM 100X.

3. Students wishing to accelerate their study of chemistry based on their AP or IB performance should contact a member of the Chemistry faculty to arrange to take a placement test.

Programs

Major

Minor