Chemistry and Biochemistry (CHM)
For information, please contact the chairperson, 989-774-3981, 268 Dow Science Complex; https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/cst/chemistry/
Why Study Chemistry and Biochemistry?
The study of chemistry provides a wide variety of opportunities for students with career interests in the sciences or related professional areas and for students in non-science areas who wish to obtain some understanding of the impact of the chemical sciences on modern society. Biochemistry applies chemical principles to the study of living systems. An undergraduate major or minor in Chemistry or Biochemistry will give you an excellent foundation to apply for and succeed in:
- professional programs in medicine, allied health sciences, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, optometry;
- graduate work in chemistry and biochemistry;
- graduate work in a related area such as pharmacology, polymer science, materials science, chemical engineering, molecular biology, biomedical science;
- industrial chemistry positions in research and development;
- technical services, chemical marketing, technical writing, patent preparation, product formulation, quality assurance, analysis;
- teaching chemistry or the sciences.
Chemistry and Biochemistry at CMU
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers a variety of courses at the freshman level to permit the selection of a beginning course that is most appropriate for each student. Although the principal guide in the selection of a beginning chemistry course is the student’s curriculum and interest in chemistry, other considerations include previous experience in chemistry and mathematics.
Students for whom chemistry or biochemistry is a major or chemistry is a minor or degree requirement or demonstrate an aptitude for chemistry are encouraged to enroll in CHM 161 (5) Principles of Chemistry , an Honors offering, or CHM 131 (4) General Chemistry .
Students with minimal chemistry background may wish to enroll in CHM 120 (4) Survey of Chemistry . This course may satisfy some degree requirements or may also serve as preparation for CHM 131.
Students who have had no previous chemistry background and who desire some experience in chemistry as part of a liberal arts education may wish to enroll in CHM 111 (3) Interaction of Chemistry and Society, which satisfies Group IIA of University Program requirements, or CHM 101 (3) Armchair Chemistry , which satisfies the Group IIB requirement including laboratory, as do CHM 161 and CHM 131. CHM 120 meets the Group IIB requirement but does not include a laboratory. Students taking CHM 111 or CHM 120 desiring to satisfy the Group II laboratory requirement may concurrently enroll in CHM 127 (1) Introductory Chemistry Laboratory.
A major in chemistry affords the student a broad background in all areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, physical) with additional courses available in polymer and materials chemistry. The student with a chemistry major is prepared for graduate work in chemical sciences, industrial chemist positions, medical related professional schools or teaching chemistry.
A major in biochemistry requires a student to build a strong background in chemistry and biology/molecular biology with upper level courses that emphasize biological applications of chemistry (Biochemistry I and II, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Biophysical Chemistry). The biochemistry major is excellent preparation for students interested in medicine and allied health professions, pharmacy, and graduate programs in biochemistry and biomedical sciences (pharmacology, physiology, microbiology) and affords students important skills for jobs in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
To properly acquaint the upper-level undergraduate student with the broader world of chemistry, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry maintains an excellent departmental seminar program. All majors are encouraged to participate in this program and, in addition, to earn at least one credit in CHM 583 Seminar in Chemistry. All chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to do an extended research project in collaboration with a professor of their choosing as a capstone experience (CHM 491WI Undergraduate Research ).
Students planning a major or minor program in chemistry or biochemistry should contact the appropriate departmental advisor by the end of the freshman year. Chemistry courses and their mathematics, physics and biology prerequisites should be scheduled in the proper sequence to avoid later conflict. Students planning to enter graduate school or the chemical industry are strongly encouraged to complete the requirements for the American Chemical Society (ACS) certified major in chemistry. CMU is accredited by the ACS to award degrees certified by the society.
All transfer students who wish to complete major or minor programs in chemistry or biochemistry must demonstrate proficiency by completing appropriate course work at Central Michigan University as determined by the departmental major or minor advisor.
A variety of scholarships are available in chemistry for outstanding high school students and current CMU students who plan to major in chemistry.
Courses taken on a Credit/No Credit basis are not allowed on the major or minor.
The Faculty
David E. Ash, Gabriel Caruntu, Minghui Chai, Anthony Chappaz, Wenjun Du, Bradley D. Fahlman, Bob A. Howell, Anton W. Jensen, Stephen Juris, Dale J. LeCaptain, Choon Y. Lee, Bingbing Li, Sharyl Majorski (Laboratory Coordinator), Dillip K. Mohanty, Anja Mueller, Ajit Sharma, Philip J. Squattrito, Benjamin Swarts, Mary M. J. Tecklenburg, Janice M. Tomasik, Linlin Zhao
The Programs
Chemistry Major
Biochemistry Major
Chemistry Minor
Undergraduate Certificate in Fermentation Science
Teaching:
Chemistry Major
Chemistry Minor