Chemistry

Objectives

The Chemistry program prepares students for professional work, graduate work or teaching in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and environmental science. In view of the diversity of goals students bring to the study of chemistry or biochemistry, the department offers both the bachelor of arts and the bachelor of science degrees. The B.A. degree is recommended primarily for students who plan to enter fields related to chemistry or biochemistry for which additional graduate work is not required. Students should realize that additional coursework may be needed to prepare them adequately to achieve their goals. The B.S. degree is recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate study in chemistry or biochemistry.  A chemistry or biochemistry major can also be used for preparation for medical school, dental school, veterinary medicine school or any of the other professional health sciences.  Students in preparation for the B.A. in Chemistry for the High School Teaching License follow a curriculum designed in conjunction with the College of Education.

With the growing popularity of forensic science, students are entering the field of forensic investigation. Specifically, interest in the role of the scientific laboratory in forensic investigation has attracted students who want to achieve competence in forensic science. The concentration in laboratory forensic science requires students to become well-grounded in the fields of chemistry or biochemistry. The Chemistry Department’s forensic chemistry concentration is directed toward preparing students for careers in the science laboratory, not at the crime scene.

In order to be considered for entry into any majors (B.A. and B.S.) in Biochemistry, Chemical Physics, and Chemistry, first-year students must have a composite score of 21 on the ACT, transfer students must have earned a 2.75 cumulative GPA or better, and students currently attending Lewis University must have an overall GPA of 2.75 or better. Facility in mathematics and laboratory sciences is essential.

All students, whether majors in programs sponsored by the Chemistry Department or majors outside the department, may take a Chemistry course only twice at Lewis University. If a student has not achieved a minimum of a “C-” after the second attempt, the student may not repeat the course at Lewis University.