Chemistry

Associate Dean: Steven Fenster
Email: sdfenster@fortlewis.edu

Department Chair: Aimee Morris
Email: ammorris@fortlewis.edu

Chemists and biochemists are concerned with the structure, composition, energy relationships, chemical conversions, and other properties of matter. 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 and biochemisty curricula provide modern chemical and biochemical 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 and biochemistry graduates will find additional applications for their training in the fields of education, business, industry, law, government, and medicine.

Two majors within the American Chemical Society approved Chemistry and Biochemistry Department meet a variety of student interests as well as professional and industry demands.

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degree to students completing the specific requirements of the ACS-approved curriculum. ACS certification may require additional courses and students interested in ACS certification should consult with the faculty of the Chemistry and Biochemistry 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 and biochemistry 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 and biochemistry faculty and the Pre-Health Advisory Committee when planning their studies. See Health Careers Program Options .

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

The ACS-Certified Bachelor of Science Degree

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors may qualify for an American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degree upon graduation by successfully completing a core of specified courses in chemistry, biochemistry and related fields along with the required amount of laboratory experience beyond General Chemistry. This program is particularly recommended for students planning to seek an advanced degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field or employment in industry.

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 or Biochemistry major by including three or four additional courses in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, or physics. These courses should be selected in consultation with the chemistry and biochemistry faculty.

Chemistry and biochemistry majors are also encouraged to study a foreign language.

Chemistry or Biochemistry Majors for Careers in the Health Professions, Business and Law

Chemistry and Biochemistry 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 and Biochemistry faculty who are members of the Pre-Professional Advisory Committee (see Health Careers Program Options ).

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

Chemistry Major 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.

Chemistry Secondary Education Major and Biochemistry Secondary Education Major gives high-quality academic preparation to students who wish to become Colorado licensed grades 7-12 science teachers. These majors are extremely demanding and requires careful planning and advising. Students choosing these majors should consult a Chemistry and Biochemistry Department mentor as early as possible in their careers, and should read the Teacher Education Licensure Program section for the steps and requirements for applying to the Teacher Education Licensure Program and requirements for completing the program.

Majors in Chemistry

Biochemistry Major
Biochemistry Secondary Education Major
Chemistry Major
Chemistry Secondary Education Major

Minor in Chemistry

Chemistry Minor