Chemistry Major
Chemistry has been called the "central science" because an understanding of it is necessary for study in the fields of biology, astronomy, earth science, and physics. Chemistry is fundamental to interdisciplinary fields such as biochemistry, ecology, medicine, pharmacology, and environmental toxicology. The department offers the courses CHEM 101 Introduction to Chemistry and CHEM 105 Citizen Chemistry, which meet general studies requirements and educate the student not only in basic chemical principles, but also in how chemistry impacts the planet.
The core requirements of the chemistry major are a year each of general chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry (Quantitative Analysis and Instrumental Analysis), and physical chemistry. The remainder of the requirements give the student a foundation in related fields and provide breadth. In addition to classroom requirements, it is strongly recommended that students complete a special project during their junior or senior year. This may involve collaboration with one of the science faculty in a research project, off-campus internship in industry, or a project in which students pursue one of their own ideas.
Benefits and Distinctives
- Graduates gain enhanced understanding of problems ranging from acid rain to the ozone hole.
- Scientific disciplines give students strong problem-solving skills.
- Graduates are better able to enter into meaningful discussions of the scientific and technical issues facing society.
Career Opportunities
- Research and laboratory scientists
- Industrial chemists involved in quality control and product development
- Specialty analytical chemists in forensics, pharmacology, and environmental chemistry
- Teaching jobs at the secondary level
What About Internship and Graduate School Opportunities?
About 80 percent of graduates go on to world-renowned research and graduate schools. Available internships include opportunities at organizations such as the City of Hope, Heart Association, and the Wynn Oil Company. The university also has experiential learning opportunities such as Team Luke, APU’s medical Mexico outreach program.
Objectives
A student majoring in chemistry with a B.A. or B.S. will be able to:- Apply basic knowledge, theories, and mathematical problem-solving approaches to this field.
- Demonstrate traditional chemistry instrumentation and laboratory applications.
- Relate modern discoveries in chemistry to applications in medicine, pharmacology, toxicology, and foods to applications in industry, waste management, and environmental issues.
- Matriculate into graduate programs in medicine, biochemistry, and research.
“APU has the unique quality of offering personal attention while also providing the academic challenge and opportunities often found only at larger universities. And it is the faculty and staff that makes this possible through their evident love for the students and their genuine gift of teaching.”
Lily Knowles
