Introduction
The Chemistry Department in the College of
Letters and Science (L&S) offers four different majors for students who wish
to study chemistry. Our American Chemical Society approved (ACS) major is
available for those students interested in an extensive background in
chemistry, whether they wish to continue their work in graduate school or
enter the job market. In addition to appealing to students whose future is
summarized above, our L&S major should also appeal to students who wish to
pursue medicine, dentistry, or other professional areas related to
chemistry. Two additional majors, which add a Polymer Option to both our L&S
and ACS majors, should be especially appealing to students wishing to
specialize in the chemistry of materials.
Why Study Chemistry at
UW-Stevens Point?
The Chemistry Department prides itself on
the strength and commitment of its faculty to undergraduate education.
Students have extensive hands-on use of our modern equipment. There is ample
opportunity for student employment in the department (both regular and work
study) and independent study projects.
High School Preparation
Students preparing to major in Chemistry
should elect as many courses as possible in chemistry, mathematics, and
physics. Work in computer science and oral/written communication is also
desirable.
Department Features
The Department of Chemistry has 15
faculty, all of whom have the Ph.D. They represent areas of expertise in
analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, biochemistry, and
polymer/materials chemistry. Our two polymer options are very attractive
additions to our more traditional majors.
Employment Opportunity
The department’s placement record is
excellent. About forty percent of our graduates continue their education at
major graduate or professional universities. The remaining sixty percent
typically obtain their first job immediately upon receiving their degree.
They frequently find employment in industry and governmental chemistry
laboratories or as high school teachers.
Sample Program of Study
for Chemistry Majors
The first three years of study are
essentially the same for the four chemistry majors offered. The suggested
courses for these three years include the following:
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First Year
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Second Year
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Third Year
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General chemistry - 2 sems.
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Organic chemistry - 2 sems.
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Physical chemistry - 2 sems.
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Calculus - 2 sems.
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Analytical chemistry - 1 sem.
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Chemistry seminar - 1 sem.
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|
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Calculus - 1 sem.
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Chemistry electives
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Physics - 2 sems.
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The fourth year of study varies in the
four majors:
- Students selecting the ACS-certified major take a
number of advanced courses chosen from advanced organic, advanced
inorganic, advanced analytical, instrumental analysis, biochemistry, and
other courses.
- Students selecting the Letters & Science major are
eligible for the same advanced courses described above, but they take
fewer of them.
- Students selecting either Polymer Option choose
four specialized courses, all of which are typically taken in the fourth
year.
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UWSP Chemistry
Graduates at Work
Director
State Laboratory of Hygiene
Research
& Development
Kimberly-Clark
Plant
Manager
Neenah Paper
Foot
Animal Protection Research Labs
USDA
President
R.P. Biochem, Inc.
Glass
Blower
Aldrich Chemical
Chemical
Safety Specialist
Northwestern University
High
School Teacher
Baraboo
|
