Chemistry and Biochemistry
Faculty: Professors Andersh, Bosma, Campbell, Field (emeritus), Glover (emeritus), McQuade, Remsen (emeritus); Associate Professors Flint, Fry (chair), Schnupf, Sengupta; Assistant Professors Bergman, Kregel; Lecturers Moroz (emeritus), Montag, Woods; Lecturer in Residence Wentzel; Instructor in Residence Bonich. Stockroom and Chemical Safety Coordinator Taylor; Electronics Technician Kahila.
The Mund-Lagowski Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry faculty and students comprise a learning community dedicated to the study of science and the application of the scientific method, to solve problems from both theoretical and applied perspectives. Providing programs in a personal environment characteristic of a small college, in outstanding facilities with modern instrumentation akin to that of larger institutions affords the Department a unique stature in higher education. Our faculty are not only dedicated teachers but professional chemists with active research programs. Our Chemistry major has received continuous certification by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society since 1949.
Employers, graduate schools, and professional schools have recognized our graduates as having excellent problem-solving, critical-thinking, and communication skills, the ability to work in collaborative teams, and a broad understanding of chemistry’s interdisciplinary nature. Our graduates are well prepared for careers in the chemical or educational professions, entrance into graduate programs in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering, or entrance into professional programs, including medical, dental, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary, business, or law.
Research is an integral part of the learning process and an important component of many careers in the discipline; as such, research skills are integrated into the curriculum and students are encouraged to begin independent studies early in their academic careers. Working alongside their faculty mentors, students use high-tech instrumentation to do relevant real-world research, sometimes in partnership with local laboratories or companies. Our students often co-author scientific journal publications and present their work at national and regional conferences as well as during the Department’s weekly seminar series.
Advanced Placement: Students earning a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examination will receive credit for CHM 110 General Chemistry I, CHM 111 General Chemistry I Lab, and CHM 112 Engineering Chemistry. Those who earn a score of 4 will receive credit for CHM 110 General Chemistry I and CHM 111 General Chemistry I Lab. Those who earn a score of 3 will receive credit for CHM 100 Fundamentals of General Chemistry and CHM 101 Fundamentals of General Chemistry Lab.
International Baccalaureate: International Baccalaureate: Students earning a 4 or higher on the IB Chemistry SL or HL exams will receive course credits as listed here:
IB: IB Chemistry SL 4,5,6 = CHM 100-101
IB Chemistry SL 7 = CHM 110-111
IB Chemistry HL 4, 5 = CHM 100-101
IB Chemistry HL 6,7 = CHM 110-111
Internal Transfer Students: Before declaring a major or minor in the Department, internal transfer students must have achieved a 2.25 overall grade point average and completed at least one course in the departmental common curriculum at Bradley, earning a C or better,
To prepare our majors to achieve their professional objectives, six curricular options leading to a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree are available. The Department also offers a Minor in Chemistry and jointly sponsors programs in Medical Laboratory Science (Clinical or General Concentration) and Environmental Science (Biology or Chemistry Concentration) with the Department of Biology.
Departmental Major Requirements
All majors must meet the all-university degree requirements, departmental common curriculum requirements, and courses required for their chosen major or concentration. Typical course sequencing schedules for departmental majors and concentrations may be found on the Department’s website.
Students in all programs must successfully complete the Chemistry and Biochemistry Common Curriculum Requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CHM 110 | General Chemistry I | 3.0 |
| CHM 111 | General Chemistry I Lab | 1.0 |
| CHM 114 | Chemistry of the Elements | 1.0 |
| CHM 116 | General Chemistry II | 3.0 |
| CHM 117 | General Chemistry II Laboratory | 1.0 |
| CHM 252 | Organic Chemistry I | 3.0 |
| CHM 253 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory I | 2.0 |
| CHM 256 | Organic Chemistry II | 3.0 |
| CHM 257 | Organic Chemistry Laboratory II | 1.0 |
| CHM 320 | Quantitative Analysis | 3.0 |
| CHM 321 | Quantitative Analysis Laboratory | 1.0 |
| CHM 360 | Biochemistry | 3.0 |
| CHM 380 | Junior Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry | 1.0 |
| CHM 480 | Senior Seminar in Chemistry and Biochemistry | 1.0 |
| BIO 151 | Molecules to Cells | 3.0 |
• One semester of physical chemistry (see specific major or concentration requirements)
• Calculus (see specific major or concentration requirements)
• Physics (see specific major or concentration requirements)
A grade of C or higher must be earned in CHM 110, 111, 116, 117, 252, and 253 before continuing on to the next course in this sequence.
Combined Undergraduate/Graduate Degree (4+1) Programs
The Department offers two combined Baccalaureate and Master’s degree options, the B.S./M.S.-Chemistry and the B.S./M.S.-Biochemistry. These accelerated, research-intensive programs provide opportunities for students to earn both a B.S. and an M.S. degree in less time than traditionally required. B.S./M.S. graduates are very successful at finding immediate employment and have very high acceptance rates into Ph.D. or professional school programs.
Students may apply to the program after completing CHM 252 Organic Chemistry I. To be admitted, the student must have achieved an overall GPA of 2.50, an average GPA of 2.75 in chemistry courses, and a C or better in all chemistry, mathematics, biology, and physics courses. For both Chemistry and Biochemistry B.S./M.S. options, up to nine hours of graduate credit, taken prior to the completion of the bachelor's degree, can be counted toward both degrees.
Students are strongly encouraged to apply in their junior year, but applications from seniors who have significant research experience will also be considered. For further information, please contact the Department’s graduate coordinator.
Student Organization
All students are encouraged to join the Chem Club, a Student Affiliate Chapter of the American Chemical Society. Based upon their many educational, service, and social activities, the Bradley chapter has been consistently ranked in the top tier of the approximately 900 chapters by the Society’s Committee on Education. Chapter members perform chemical demonstrations at local elementary schools, judge science fairs, participate in Mole Day and National Chemistry Week, host invited lectures, and much more.
Internship and Co-Op Programs
Numerous opportunities exist in the greater Bradley area (e.g., at Caterpillar, Inc., the medical school, hospitals, USDA lab, crime lab, or environmental labs) for students to gain off-campus career-related work experiences. Students who participate in internships and co-ops typically begin their experience during their sophomore or junior year.
Study Abroad
Because scientific advances are often made by international teams of individuals collaborating to reach a common goal, majors are encouraged to participate in a study abroad experience. In addition to the cultural and educational benefits, study abroad experiences will broaden the professional opportunities available to the student. The University’s Study Abroad Office works in conjunction with the department in the placement of students. Majors who choose to study abroad generally do so during their junior year.