Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Andrew Miller

Class of 2009
Chemistry B.S.

"My academic experiences in the Department of Chemistry at IU have given me the opportunity to not only acquire a solid foundation in the principles spanning all areas of chemistry, but also to engage in modern, cutting-edge research. As the intellectual heart of many scientific disciplines, majoring in chemistry will prepare me for a dynamic interdisciplinary career in science. Participating in undergraduate research was an excellent way to gain an understanding of the usefulness of the chemistry degree, and has allowed me to realize which area of science I would like to pursue in the future. Methods in which I have been involved range from the synthesis of virus-like particles with quantum dots to the time-resolved spectroscopy of photosynthetic proteins and tris(N-salicylideneamine) core chromophores. The summer undergraduate research program is an indispensible opportunity for undergraduates to engage directly in the responsibilities of graduate student life, and has been without question the best scientific experience I've had. "

Our department offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in both Biochemistry and Chemistry, as well as a minor in Chemistry. Both the BS degrees are certified by the American Chemical Society. Each year, our graduating seniors in chemistry and biochemistry go on to the best graduate schools in the nation, including Caltech, Stanford, California-Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Columbia and all of the Big-10 universities. Close to one-third of our seniors go immediately into industrial jobs. Our department facilitates the job searches of students by providing a placement service, in which industrial recruiters hold on-campus interviews within the chemistry building. Many of our graduating seniors are accepted into medical and dental schools, and a small number of students pursue combined M.D.-Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and medicine.

Our faculty members show a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching by opening their laboratories for Undergraduate Research. Recently, a team of faculty has redesigned our first-year chemistry courses to emphasize more current topics, such as biochemistry and polymers, that will better prepare our students for further study in modern laboratories and medical technologies. Developments in the curriculum and in teaching facilities are continuing on a regular basis.

Announcements

New IU program offers fast track to teaching for math, science majors
Chemistry and math majors now have a more efficient path to earning both a master's degree in education and teacher licensure under a new agreement between the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education.