Guide to Undergraduate Programs

The Field

Chemistry occupies a central position among the sciences. Most phenomena in the biological and physical worlds that constitute our environment are ultimately explained in terms of the physical and chemical processes of molecules and atoms. The field itself is uncommonly broad, encompassing a number of sub-disciplines, among which are physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biological chemistry, and analytical chemistry. Working within these subdisciplines are chemists in such diverse areas as environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, neurochemistry, polymer chemistry, materials chemistry, and photobiology. A chemist may decide to specialize in one or more of the subdisciplines in order to pursue a particular interest.

Chemists can pursue their work on purely theoretical grounds, or on an experimental basis. An example of the former is the physical chemist who seeks a mathematical model of the chemistry of the combustion process. On the other hand, inorganic and organic chemists may seek ways to synthesize bioactive compounds to find new drugs to treat diseases. An analytical chemist may be involved in investigating new approaches to measuring the identities and amounts of drugs in body fluids. The mechanism of protein folding is a major concern to biological chemists. Often, in today’s laboratories, teams of various types of chemists are engaged with other scientists to find solutions to problems.

Chemists share a common core of knowledge and methodology, largely acquired during the first three years of undergraduate education. In the third and fourth years there is ample opportunity for the student to pursue appealing specialties within the subdisciplines.

Career opportunities for the B.A. or B.S. chemist are many and varied. The industry that does not require chemists is unusual. There are many opportunties for chemists in government positions at the local, state, and national levels. In addition, chemists are engaged in a large number of related fields, including medicine, dentistry, forensics, environmental science, art conservation, optometry, law, secondary school education, administration, technical sales, scientific journalism, and illustrative arts.