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Chemistry
| Overview |
Chemistry is the study of matter and energy. Chemistry
involves the study of many materials and processes including
acids and bases, redox materials for batteries and fuel cells,
organic and biochemical substances, and the rate and extent of
chemical reactions. More and more there is a greater convergence
of the areas of chemistry, physics and biology in the areas of
biophysics and nanoscience. The study of chemistry provides
additional knowledge and tools necessary for a deeper
understanding of the physical universe.
It is possible to earn a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts,
Associate of Science degree or a minor in Chemistry. These
programs are designed to provide theoretical foundations and
practical experiences in all of the major areas of chemistry
including analytical, organic, physical, and biochemistry.
Each student works with a faculty mentor in completing a
research project prior to graduation. In these projects students
are able to more fully develop and showcase their knowledge and
understanding of chemistry as they seek to answer unique
questions. We are proud of the fact that many of the projects
result in publications in professional chemical journals and/or
presentations at regional chemistry conferences.
We are proud of our strong student organizations for chemistry
in which students majoring in chemistry and other areas in
science can interact with each other outside of the classroom.
Students can become involved with the Student Affiliates of the
American Chemical Society and, upon qualification, Gamma Sigma
Epsilon – National Chemistry Honor Society. CMU is proud of the
fact many graduates have gone on to distinguish themselves in
chemistry including two graduates who were president of the
American Chemical Society. |
| What skills and abilities do I need to excel in this degree? |
| In order to excel in chemistry students need a healthy sense
of curiosity. They need to have the desire to ask the
fundamental question, “Why?” Along with a sense of curiosity, it
is very helpful for students to have good math and computer
science skills – especially in the areas of algebra, word
processing, and spreadsheets. |
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What skills can I expect to develop through this degree? |
| As a chemistry major, students will develop a deeper
fundamental understanding of chemical theory. They will develop
and hone their analytical and problem solving skills as they
work in class and in the laboratory. In lab, they will gain
hands on experience with traditional experiments in synthesis
and analysis as well as current instrumental methods of
analysis. Finally, students will develop written and oral
communication skills particularly as they participate in
research projects and the science seminar program. |
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What I will learn |
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Chemistry majors will have a thorough comprehension of the fundamental
concepts and scientific theories of Chemistry. Majors will use critical
and analytical thinking to solve both theoretical and experimental
problems. Majors should be able to safely design and conduct an
experiment, collect and analyze data, properly document procedures and
data, identify sources of error, interpret results and make relevant
connections to other areas in chemistry and other science disciplines.
Majors will clearly articulate experimental and theoretical chemical
concepts and conclusions both formally and informally. |
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What opportunities are there for internships or other hands-on learning experiences? |
| CMU Chemistry majors have been able to participate in
diverse internship experiences including those at a local
ethanol production plant, water treatment plants, swimming pool
management, and Kraft foods. In addition, several students have
been invited to go to universities including Northwestern,
Kansas University, and the University of Arkansas to participate
in summer research projects gaining invaluable experience and
expertise in particular areas of chemistry. |
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What are some possible entry-level careers with a degree in this
field? |
Some potential entry-level careers include teaching, crime
lab analyst, environmental health and safety specialist, lab
chemist in chemical production, chemical analysis, perfumery,
food production, and environmental testing.
In addition, students routinely continue their education in
graduate programs earning Master’s and PhD degrees in chemistry
and biochemistry. They also go on to successfully complete
professional programs in medicine, dentistry, veterinary
medicine, and pharmacy. |
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What are some CMU graduates with this degree doing? |
| Current CMU chemistry graduates are teaching in area high
schools, attending graduate school and medical school. Others
are working professionally as chemists in the Missouri State
Highway Patrol crime lab and for Sigma-Aldrich chemical company
– a world wide leader in biochemical products and compounds. |
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Other items to note |
INSTRUMENTATION AVAILABLE FOR STUDENT USE:
Current chemistry
students have hands-on access to instrumentation including a gas
and high performance liquid chromatographic systems, a Nicole
Fourier Transform infrared spectrophotometer, Ocean Optics
UV-Vis and fluorescence spectrophotometers, an atomic absorption
spectrometer, a Karl Fischer coulometric titrator, a capillary
electrophoresis system, Pine electrochemical instrumentation,
and Calculator-Based Laboratory systems with a wide variety of
accompanying sensors. |
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