(Bachelor of Science Degree)
Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter at both the macroscopic and atomic levels. Students choosing chemistry as their major field of study will learn to understand and appreciate the physical world as a manifestation of its smallest molecular parts, both through abstract theoretical models and in direct laboratory experimentation. Through participation in a discipline that often occupies a central and unifying role in contemporary science programs, the student of chemistry is especially well equipped to pursue professional careers in medicine, industry, and teaching. During the course of their study, majors will have opportunities to perform and present original research, to engage in a culture and tradition of inquiry that is simultaneously rigorous and rewarding, and to take part in a variety of collaborations with the faculty. Exceptional students may also elect to pursue the degree with Honors.1 Flexibility within the major allows the student and advisor to design a program of study based on one of the following available concentrations:
The General Concentration is intended to provide a fundamental, well-rounded education in science and is ideal for pre-dental, pre-law or pre-medical students, for students who wish to teach, or for students seeking job entry at the technical level.
The Biochemistry Concentration is modeled on a course of study recommended by the American Chemical Society and places significant emphasis on the study of the molecules and reactions of life processes. It is intended for chemistry students who have an interdisciplinary interest in biology. Students will be prepared for entry-level careers in biochemistry and biotechnology or for further graduate and professional study in biochemistry or medicine.
The Environmental Concentration is intended for students with an interest in understanding the effects of human activity on atmospheric, aquatic, and terrestrial environments within a chemical context. By seeking solutions for such chemically based environmental problems as water pollution, acid rain, and hazardous wastes, environmental chemists help ensure a healthy environment for all living things.
The Professional Concentration is, like the Biochemistry Concentration, a recommended course of study from the American Chemical Society. It is especially suited for students who want to pursue graduate work in chemistry or careers in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries.
Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education listed alphabetically in this section of the catalog. Each student who studies the chemistry major should consult regularly with his or her advisor, particularly concerning the selection of electives.
The chemistry program is accredited by the American Chemical Society, the highest standard for undergraduate chemistry education. Students wishing to graduate with a B.S. in Chemistry certified by the American Chemical Society should complete the professional concentration with at least one credit hour of chemistry electives being laboratory based.
Learning Objectives
Students graduating from any program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Utica College will demonstrate the ability to:
Think like a chemist
- Analyze chemical behavior using structure-function relationships
- Assess chemical mechanisms using reaction-energy relationships
- Apply qualitative and quantitative reasoning to solve problems
Work like a chemist
- Exhibit a culture of workplace safety and chemical hygiene
- Use qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze structure, function, and chemical reactivity
- Apply appropriate laboratory techniques for successful synthesis and purification of chemical compounds
- Exhibit a familiarity with modern chemical instrumentation, including the applications, capabilities, and limitations of such tools
Write like a chemist
- Record, in a permanent fashion, laboratory procedures and data in a concise and accurate manner
- Write clear and effective reports of activity in the laboratory
- Exhibit effective written and oral communication skills for presenting experimental and theoretical results as well as promoting awareness of chemical issues to the general public
Students graduating from any of our B.S. programs (B.S. Chemistry, any concentration, and B.S. Biochemistry) will be prepared to immediately enter the chemical professions upon graduation. This includes:
- Entry into and success in graduate or professional school for further study in the chemical disciplines
- Direct entry into the chemical professions
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