Chemistry and Biochemistry
The chemistry faculty is committed to the attainment of this goal and has set excellence in instruction as its highest priority. Relatively small classes and dedicated teachers help accomplish this goal. Students and faculty have the opportunity to know each other very well. This facilitates obtaining help on an individual basis when it is needed for coursework and for program planning.
We are proud of the fact that our undergraduate degree has been approved by the American Chemical Society since 1968 and that our recently revised program was accepted. Individuals who elect to follow the approved program receive certification upon graduation.
Although the Chemistry program has no formal division, the areas of analytical, biological, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry and chemical education are well represented in the backgrounds of our faculty. This enables us to offer a well-balanced program.
Laboratory facilities are available and the experimental aspects of chemistry are included as an integral part of all chemistry emphases. Modern chemical instrumentation is available for student use. Students are taught how to operate these instruments and how to interpret and apply the results.
Research opportunities are available to chemistry students in all programs. Students can work with faculty who are involved in research selected from the basic areas of chemistry and chemical education.
At the undergraduate level, students are required to work on independent research in their junior and senior years and to present their results in seminars and at the regional and national meetings of the American Chemical Society and the Colorado-Wyoming Academy of Science.
At the graduate level, all degree programs require research. The results of a graduate student's efforts are reported in a written report and may be presented at meetings and submitted for publication.
Biochemistry Emphasis (ACS Certified)
This program is designed to give students a broad background in chemistry and biology. Students will have the opportunity to work with a faculty member on an independent research project in chemistry. Students receiving this degree can be certified by the American Chemical Society. See advisor for details.
Students graduating with this emphasis will be prepared to pursue graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, environmental health, professional schools (e.g., medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health-related areas) or obtain an entry position within the chemical or biotechnological industry.
Chemistry Emphasis (ACS Certified)
This program is designed to give students a broad background and an in-depth foundation in chemistry. Students will work with a faculty member on an independent research project in chemistry. Students receiving this degree can be certified by the American Chemical Society. See advisor for details.
Students graduating with this emphasis are prepared to pursue graduate study in chemistry, professional schools (e.g., chemical engineering, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine and other health sciences) or an entry-level position with a chemical or petroleum company.
Forensic Science Emphasis
This program is designed to prepare students to enter the field of forensic science by providing them with background courses in chemistry, physics, sociology and criminal justice along with laboratory experiences as research and an internship. Students completing this degree emphasis who wish to pursue graduate study in one of the areas of chemistry may be required to complete additional course work in physical chemistry and/or mathematics and biology depending on the entrance requirements of the specific graduate school.
Industrial Chemistry Emphasis
This emphasis offers training in chemistry, mathematics, physics and a minor area selected by the student. The course of study provides a solid foundation in chemistry and specific background knowledge about the chemical industry.
Students completing this emphasis can pursue a career in the chemical, medical, pharmaceutical or biotechnology industries; or in related government agencies. Career options include supervision, process evaluation, quality control, pilot scale operation, management and sales. Students considering graduate study in chemistry may be required to complete additional coursework in physical chemistry and/or mathematics depending on the entrance requirements of specific graduate schools.
Pre-Health Emphasis
Pre-Medical, Pre-Dental, Pre-Optometry, Pre-Veterinary, Pre-Podiatry and Pre-Pharmacy
This program offers training in chemistry, mathematics and physics with a broad base in biological sciences and biochemistry. It provides a solid foundation in chemistry and biological sciences for those students planning to pursue professional studies in dentistry, medicine, optometry, podiatry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine.
Students completing this degree emphasis will meet the prerequisites to the professional schools listed above. Acceptance into these schools is competitive and students should register with and be advised by the pre-health committee in the School of Chemistry, Earth Sciences and Physics. Students completing this degree emphasis who wish to pursue graduate study in chemistry may be required to complete additional coursework in physical chemistry and/or mathematics depending on the entrance requirements of the specific graduate school.
Secondary Teaching Emphasis (ACS Certified)
This program is designed to prepare students as secondary school chemistry teachers licensed in science by the Colorado Department of Education. In addition to a strong background in chemistry, students will receive training in biological sciences, physics, earth sciences and mathematics. Students receiving this degree can be certified by the American Chemical Society. See advisor for details.
Students graduating with this degree and licensure at the elementary/middle school level could become a teacher or science coordinator at an elementary or middle school. Students graduating with this degree emphasis will be well prepared to teach chemistry and other sciences in junior and senior high school. Students completing this program will be prepared to pursue graduate study in chemical education or science education.
Chemistry B.S. — PTEP
All students in the program must take an assessment examination before graduation. Students wishing to participate in the Honors Program should consult their advisors about LAC selections and other requirements.
For degree and program requirements see:
Biochemistry Emphasis (ACS Certified)