Chemistry is the field of science associated with atoms and molecules, hence nanoscience and beyond. Overall, chemists focus their efforts to understand the behavior and properties of matter, the reactions and transformations that dictate chemical processes, and the creation of new substances. Chemistry is often considered the central science linking the physical sciences with engineering, medicine, and life sciences. The subject of chemistry is typically organized into more focused subdisciplines, including organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, theoretical/computational chemistry, and materials chemistry. A degree in chemistry examines these topics to promote a fundamental understanding of the world and an application toward technological problems. Professional chemists apply their knowledge in many different areas ranging from environmental and biochemical processes to the development of new materials. They work in academic environments, high-tech start-ups, and research and development laboratories associated with practically every advanced technological field including medicine, energy, biotechnology, computing, and agriculture.
The BS degree program in chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) with a more traditional chemistry track that can be tailored to optimize preparation consistent with a student's individual career goals offered along with specific curricular tracks emphasizing environmental chemistry or biochemistry. These degree tracks are designed to educate professionals for the varied career opportunities this central scientific discipline affords. The curricula are therefore founded in rigorous fundamental science complemented by application of these principles to the materials, energy, minerals, biochemical and/or environmental fields. It is strongly encouraged that those aspiring to enter PhD programs in chemistry or biochemistry are strongly advised to include undergraduate research among their elective hours. Others interested in industrial chemistry choose area of special interest elective courses, in both chemistry and other departments. A number of students complete a dual degree in chemistry and chemical engineering as an excellent preparation for industrial careers.
There is a separate BS degree in Biochemistry which is also offered. The BS degree program in biochemistry is designed to educate professionals for the varied career opportunities this scientific discipline affords, e.g. medicine, veterinary etc. Biochemistry is the field of science concerned with the chemical and physicochemical processes that occur within living organisms. It focuses on molecular genetics, protein science, and metabolism. Almost all areas of the life sciences are being uncovered and developed by biochemical methodology and research. Biochemistry focuses on understanding how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within living cells and between cells, which in turn relates greatly to the study and understanding of tissues, organs, organism and microorganism structure and function.
A degree in biochemistry examines these topics to promote a fundamental understanding of the fusion of chemistry and biology and an application toward technological problems. Professional biochemists apply their knowledge in many different areas ranging from environmental processes to the development of new biomaterials, to drug development and even novel renewable bioenergy systems. They work in academic environments, high-tech startups, and research and development laboratories associated with practically every advanced technological field including medicine, energy, biotechnology, computing, and agriculture.
The instructional and research laboratories located in Coolbaugh Hall are state-of-the-art facilities with modern instrumentation for synthesis and characterization of molecules and materials. Instrumentation includes gas chromatographs (GC), high-performance liquid chromatographs (HPLC), inductively coupled-plasma-atomic emission spectrometers (ICP-AES), field-flow fractionation (FFF) equipment, mass spectrometry equipment (MS, GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, PY/MS, PY/GC/MS, SFC/MS, MALDI-TOF), 400 MHz and 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (NMR), infrared spectrometers (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectrometers, thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA), differential scanning calorimeters (DSC), and others including equipment for microscopy, light scattering, and elemental analysis. In addition, the campus provides access to the Mines 2,144 core 23 teraflop supercomputer for computational research.
Thomas Albrecht-Schönzart, Distinguished Professor
Thomas Gennett, Department Head
Richard C. Holz, Provost
Mark P. Jensen, Grandey University Chair in Nuclear Science & Engineering
Daniel M. Knauss, Associate Dean of Energy and Materials