Chemistry Major
Looking for an interactive undergraduate degree program in chemistry with plenty of personal attention? Look to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. The Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society and that assures you of an educational experience of the highest caliber.
Everyone knows that there’s no substitute for one-on-one instruction. The overall student-faculty ratio at Parkside is an impressive 14:1. The typical enrollment in junior and senior level chemistry classes is ten to fifteen students. That low student-to-faculty ratio is especially important in the lab, where you’ll find hands-on learning with modern instrumentation including an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer. The Chemistry Department makes extensive use of computers in the labs for instrument control, data acquisition and molecular modeling.
SIX CONCENTRATIONS
General Chemistry
Biochemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Chemistry for Pre-Health Professions
Natural Products
Professional Chemistry
General Chemistry Concentration | 31 credits
Students completing this concentration are equipped with essential foundational knowledge and skills for many entry level positions and to consider a career in secondary education. This concentration is also ideal for students who are already employed in the field and need a degree to increase their career options. Students who complete this concentration are also eligible for a certificate in green chemistry.
Chemistry for Pre-Health Professions Concentration | 62 credits
This curriculum is specifically designed for students continuing into professional health schools. Students who complete this concentration are also eligible for a minor in biological sciences.
Biochemistry Concentration | 52 credits
The biochemistry concentration provides additional laboratory experience compared to the pre-health professions concentration and is best suited to students continuing in graduate schools with a specific interest in drug design, medicinal chemistry and toxicology. Students who complete this concentration are also eligible for a minor in biological sciences.
Industrial Chemistry Concentration | 51-52 credits
The industrial chemistry concentration equips students for non-laboratory intensive career in the chemical industry including product development, business development, sales, marketing research, technical service and manufacturing. These positions are at the interface between product development and applications. Students who complete this concentration are also eligible for the certificate in green chemistry
Natural Products Concentration | 44 credits
Natural products have had a major impact on chemistry, chemical biology and drug discovery and have been part of medical remedies since ancient times. The structural diversity of organic molecules produced in nature is matched only by the range of their biological activities and applications. Natural products represent an important source of leads for medicinal chemistry, and drugs developed from natural products are used for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, as well as bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Students completing this concentration will be able to describe the biological activities of secondary metabolites, and develop and verify analytical methods for the extraction and analysis of active ingredients in natural products.
Professional Chemistry Concentration | 32 credits
This concentration is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students who complete this concentration are registered with the ACS and have the certification recorded on their official University credentials. Participation in undergraduate research, independent study, is strongly encouraged. This concentration is also the premier choice for students planning to pursue graduate studies.
One reason the chemistry program at Parkside is so impressive is because of outstanding faculty research in so many areas including theoretical and experimental physical chemistry, spectroscopy, synthetic organic chemistry, space chemistry, analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry and biochemistry. There is a high level of opportunity for independent research in the laboratories of faculty members. In addition to research opportunities with faculty, there are also internship opportunities with area companies such as Abbott Laboratories.
The bottom line of any university program is the type of opportunities available to graduates. The UW-Parkside Chemistry Department is proud of their excellent graduate placement record for employment, admission to graduate school and admission to professional programs such as pharmacy and medicine.
Not everyone in the chemistry program fits the same schedule. That’s why all freshman and sophomore classes, including those required for a chemistry minor, are also offered in the evening.
Here is a sample of some of the classes you may take
Industrial Chemistry Seminar | 155
Introduces students to the technical disciplines of chemistry, the applied fields, and various career options. Emphasizes the importance of discovery and creative thinking in advancing science. Guest speakers and tours of area business are anticipated.
Environmental Analysis Laboratory | 209
Provides an introduction to analytical techniques commonly employed with environmental samples. Topics include regulatory limits, proper reporting of analytical results, and validation techniques. Hands-on experience analyzing air, water and soil samples for easy and difficult to analyze components.
Chemistry of Biological Systems | 324
Structures, synthesis and characterization of biological molecules including proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and primary and secondary metabolites. Chemical mechanisms of biological reactions. Biochemical thermodynamics and kinetics. Three-hour lecture.
Program Highlight
SC JOHNSON INTEGRATED SCIENCE LAB
The SC Johnson Integrated Science Laboratory provides you with a state-of-the-art learning environment, designed to prepare you for successful careers in in-demand science and healthcare fields. A few things that make the lab a unique experience for you are the Research Opportunities assist you in exploring scientific concepts hands-on with faculty mentors. A Collaborative Workspace makes it possible for you to learn and work together in classes and across areas of study – from introductory to upper level courses. Updated Scientific Equipment allows you to experience the same tools that are found in industry-leading workplaces and facilitates partnerships with local industry on research and testing.
Program Contact Info
Tsun-Mei Chang | 262-595-2426 | chang@uwp.edu
