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:
|
First Year
|
Second Year
|
Third Year
|
|
General chemistry - 2
sems.
|
Organic chemistry - 2
sems.
|
Physical chemistry - 2
sems.
|
|
Calculus - 2 sems.
|
Analytical chemistry -
1 sem.
|
Chemistry seminar - 1
sem.
|
|
|
Calculus - 1 sem.
|
Chemistry electives
|
|
|
Physics - 2 sems.
|
|
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.
|
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
|