Chemistry
As a central science, chemistry is an important component of many disciplines. It serves as an entry in to postgraduate opportunities in chemistry, medicine, dentistry and law, or for careers in the public school system and chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
The Department of Chemistry believes in an experiential, exploration-based curriculum that integrates the lecture with the laboratory and introduces students to research early in their education. This involves smaller classes, group work, interactive methods, longer-term laboratories (projects and/or discovery-based laboratories), greater use of student-centered learning activities, and culminates with a collaborative student-faculty research project. The department provides students with a solid base of chemical knowledge including the structure and reactivity of matter, familiarity with mathematical models describing matter, and experience with characterizing and measuring properties of matter. Students are taught problem-solving and self-directed learning skills, and to communicate effectively in writing and speaking.
Program of Study
Because its constituency is so diverse, the department offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees with specific concentrations in each, as follows:
B.S. with Concentration in Chemistry is intended for students wishing to pursue careers in industry as practicing chemists immediately after graduation or for those who will be seeking advanced degrees in chemistry. After students have completed this course of study, the department certifies to the American Chemical Society (ACS) that the students have fulfilled all of the requirements for an ACS approved program.
B.S. with Concentration in Biochemistry is intended for students wishing to obtain employment or pursue graduate studies in biochemistry. It is also very appropriate for students interested in an M.D./Ph.D. program. On the other hand, the B.A. with a Concentration in Chemistry or Biochemistry allows students more flexibility in course selections and is appropriate for those with broader interests. Students wishing to attend schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or veterinary medicine would most likely select the Concentration in Biochemistry. Those who are interested in a career in a chemistry-related field would opt for the Concentration in Chemistry.
B.S. with Concentration in Chemistry of the Environment is intended for students interested in pursuing graduate school or employment in the field of environmental chemistry. The curriculum meets the requirements established by the ACS for a certification, is designed around the strengths of both the Chemistry and Environmental Studies departments, and provides students with a detailed understanding of the compounds and chemical reactions that are associated with a variety of environmental issues, including air and water pollution, changing meteorological phenomena, detection and disposal of hazardous chemicals, industrial and municipal wastes, pesticides, food pollutants and radioactive wastes.
Chemistry with Teacher Licensure is the concentration for students pursuing teacher licensure. They must complete, at a minimum, the B.A. requirements listed under Chemistry with Teacher Licensure.
Faculty
All full-time Chemistry Department faculty members hold doctoral degrees from leading research institutions, including UNC Chapel Hill, N.C. State, Emory University, Kansas State, Oregon State, Virginia Tech, University of Cincinnati, University of South Carolina and University of Tasmania.
Facilities
The Zeis Science and Multimedia Building, scheduled to open in 2008, will be the department’s new state-of-the-art home. The building is designed to promote discovery-based learning in its 44 labs, classrooms and other spaces. Students have their own space to conduct research, and labs are equipped to integrate teaching and research. Students are not simply exposed to techniques available from instrumentation; they are expected to operate it. By graduation, a chemistry major will have become proficient in the use of equipment such as Gemini 2000 high field NMR, Shimadzu 5000 GC/MS, infrared spectrometers, an HPLC, chromatotrons and atomic absorption spectrometers. Access to and use of more highly specialized instrumentation, such as the X-ray diffractometer, or work with gas-phase photolysis or Mössbauer equipment, is also possible.
Undergraduate Research
The philosophy of the Chemistry Department is that the best way to learn is by doing. Students are required to complete a senior research experience. Many students begin their research projects prior to their junior year, and some start even earlier. The research experience provides graduates with invaluable firsthand experience and a definite advantage to graduate school, medical school, an industrial career, or other options available to chemists.
Students may choose from research areas including synthetic chemistry, analytical analysis, theoretical chemistry, molecular modeling, and the measurement of physical and molecular properties. These research programs are the result of intense efforts by the chemistry faculty over many years and are funded by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, American Chemical Society, several industries and other important sources.
Although each faculty member supervises a group of undergraduate researchers, each student within that group assumes ownership of his or her project. Students are expected to present the results to the campus community and often to the external scientific community. Our students regularly attend the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, meetings of the American Chemical Society and other regional, national and international conferences.
Post-graduate Opportunities
As a result of our strong curriculum and very supportive learning environment, many graduates have obtained assistantships and fellowships to pursue advanced degrees at some of the nation’s best graduate schools, including Boston, Clemson, Duke, Emory, Michigan State, N.C. State and Purdue universities and the University of Colorado. Others have chosen to continue their studies in medical, dental, veterinary science and pharmacology programs. Those who seek employment immediately after graduation have accepted positions with major industrial, chemical and pharmaceutical corporations throughout the country.
More Information
Chemistry Department
246 Robinson Hall, CPO #2310
One University Heights
Asheville, NC 28804-8511
828.251.6443