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Chemistry

University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point

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Chemistry


College of Letters & Science
Department of Chemistry
UW - Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481
(715) 346-2888
Email: chemistry.department@uwsp.edu


Chemistry Department Webpage: http://www.uwsp.edu/chemistry/


Catalog page: http://www.uwsp.edu/news/uwspcatalog/Mchemistry.htm

 

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

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