Chemistry

Gary Blackmer, Interim Chair
Main Office: 3425 Wood Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-2846
Fax: (269) 387-2909

Michael J. Barcelona
Steven B. Bertman
Megan Grunert
Ramakrishna Guda
David L. Huffman
James Kiddle
Gellert Mezei
John B. Miller
Yirong Mo
Sherine Obare
David S. Reinhold
Elke Schoffers
Donald Schreiber
Ekkehard Sinn
Susan R. Stapleton
Blair Szymczyna
Andre Venter

Students majoring in chemistry may prepare for a career in industrial laboratory work, high school teaching, or graduate work in departments of chemistry, biochemistry, medical, pharmaceutical or dental colleges. The course offerings for the undergraduate degree are structured to give a broad but thorough grounding in the elements of chemistry. The chemistry curriculum should be fortified by a minor in physics, mathematics, or biological sciences.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) certified program was developed in conjunction with the chemical Industry. As a result, students graduating from this program are better prepared for technical employment. Companies give preference to (ACS) majors and sometimes offer higher salaries.

Majors and Minors

Students are required to declare their intent to be a major or minor before completing their credit hour requirements. This is done by filing a declaration of major/minor slip with an advisor.

To qualify as a major or minor in chemistry from Western Michigan University, the student, including the transfer student, must complete a minimum of their last 14 credit hours (major) or 7 credit hours (minor) in the Chemistry Department. The courses taken for credit must include at least one that contains a laboratory experience. Students who plan to attend graduate school should take a minimum number of courses under the credit/no credit option.

Students must maintain at least a “C” average in their Chemistry courses and earn a grade of “C” or better in any courses that are to be used as prerequisites for other courses.

Students who have chosen any chemistry major will satisfy the Baccalaureate-Level Writing Requirement by successfully completing CHEM 4360: Physical Chemistry Laboratory I.

Enrollment in 5000-level courses requires Junior standing, 12 hours of work in chemistry and department approval.