Chemistry at Muskingum University
What can a degree in chemistry offer you?
Chemisty is the central science that ties together fundamental concepts from fields such as mathematics, physics, biology, engineering, medicine and environmental science playing an important role in all those fields.
Chemists are very much involved in tackling the problems faced by our modern society. On a given day, a chemist may be studying the mechanism for the recombination of DNA, measuring the amount of insecticide in drinking water, developing a biodegradable plastic, comparing the protein content of meats, better pollution controls, developing a new antibiotic, or analyzing a moon rock. The professional preparation for work on important projects such as these begins with the study of chemistry as an undergraduate.
An undergraduate degree in chemistry provides an opportunity to continue on with graduate work earning a masters degree or doctorate or pursue employment in the chemical industry at companies such as Proctor Gamble, British Petroleum, 3M, DOW, or DuPont. In addition, a chemistry degree is excellent preparation for careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, forensic science, and the allied health professions. Students have also gone on to obtain MBA's and law degrees.
Why study chemistry at Muskingum University?
Modern instrumentation and computers are integrated into classes and laboratories. Students learn to use these tools to answer important questions. Advanced laboratories and research projects carried out under the guidance of department faculty members teach students to research and solve problems independently.
All current faculty members hold Ph.D.'s in chemistry. Areas of faculty specialization include: analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. This expertise enables the offering of courses in all the major subdivisions of chemistry as well as courses that support interdisciplinary programs such as conservation science, environmental science, molecular biology, and neuroscience. Tracks for pre-pharmacy, pre-health (Pre-med, Pre-vet, and Pre-dental) and forensic chemistry within the Bachelors of science degree in chemistry are also available.
The chemistry department provides a personal and supportive environment. All teaching and research mentoring is done by the department faculty not teaching assistants. Opportunities are abundant for one-on-one consultation with the faculty learning chemical concepts as well as getting answers to general questions about chemistry and career development. Departmental picnics and holiday socials provide a forum for faculty and students to interact in a relaxed nonacademic setting to get to know one another on a more personal basis. The faculty strive to know the students as people to better understand their interests and aspirations. From this, a course of study can be designed that best tailor's a students educational experience to their goals.