Chemistry

Department Chair - William R. Bartlett
Professors - William R. Bartlett, Ron C. Estler, Robert E. Milofsky, and Leslie E. Sommerville
Assistant Professor - Monte Helm

Chemists are concerned with the structure, composition, energy relationships, chemical conversions, and other properties of substances. Fields such as environmental analysis, biotechnology, material science, semiconductors, waste management, pollution control, energy research and production, forensic science, and pharmaceuticals all rely on chemists. In fact, the various areas of chemical and biochemical technology offer the largest field of employment in the physical sciences.

The chemistry curriculum provides modern chemical skills and knowledge to students preparing for careers in these and other areas. Many students continue their studies in professional or graduate programs, while others start technical careers immediately after graduation. Chemistry graduates will find additional applications for their training in the fields of education, business, industry, law, government, and medicine.

Three major options within the American Chemical Society accredited Chemistry Department meet a variety of student interests as well as professional and industry demands.

The Chemistry option prepares students for professional work in various areas of applied chemistry in the chemical industry, for admission to graduate programs in chemistry, and for interdisciplinary careers in the medical and environmental fields.

The Biochemistry option prepares students for graduate programs in biochemistry or for employment in the rapidly expanding biotechnology field. Both options are appropriate preparations for medical and other health careers and graduate studies.

The Chemistry for Secondary Teachers option prepares students for teaching science at the secondary or elementary levels, with an emphasis on chemistry. This option is not recommended for students interested in graduate programs in chemistry or biochemistry or employment in related industries.

The Chemistry Department also offers certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to students completing the specific requirements of the ACS-certified curriculum. ACS certification requires coursework above and beyond that of any of the three major options. Students interested in ACS certification should consult with the faculty of the Chemistry Department.

Appropriate preparation for graduate or professional school often involves advanced elective coursework. Students planning on graduate studies in chemistry, biochemistry, or related fields should consult with the chemistry faculty in planning their coursework. Students planning on professional studies in pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, nursing, or veterinary medicine should consult with the chemistry faculty and the Pre-Health Advisory Committee when planning their studies. (See “Health Careers Program Options ” section of this catalog)

A minor in Chemistry is available for students majoring in other disciplines.

The ACS-Certified Bachelor of Science Degree

Chemistry majors who complete the Chemistry Option qualify for certification by the American Chemical Society (ACS) upon graduation by successfully completing a core of specified courses in chemistry and related fields. This program is particularly recommended for students planning to seek an advanced degree in chemistry or a related field or employment in industry. The ACS certification of the Fort Lewis College degree requires an extension of the degree requirements given above (e.g., Chem 460, Chem 464, plus additional lab credits). Students will need to consult with their advisor to carefully plan their schedules to meet these requirements.

Students planning to earn an advanced degree in chemistry or biochemistry, engineering, medicine, or other science-based postgraduate program for the purpose of teaching or research or clinical practice are encouraged to extend the basic Chemistry major by including three or four additional courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, or physics. These courses should be selected in consultation with the Chemistry faculty.

Chemistry majors are also encouraged to study a foreign language.

Chemistry Major for Careers in the Health Professions

Chemistry majors are well prepared to seek admission to professional programs in law, medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, medical technology, and pharmacy. For assistance in planning their curricula, students interested in these programs should consult with members of the Chemistry faculty who are members of the Pre-Health Advisory Committee. (See “Health Careers Program Options ” section of this catalog.)