Chemistry
A degree in chemistry combines practical hands-on experience with a high-quality education grounded in the liberal arts, a combination many employers look for when hiring new graduates.
A Central chemistry major opens doors to diverse careers in research, medicine, pharmacology, public health, biochemistry, teaching, industrial lab work, environmental testing and forensic science. Students may earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
A B.A. in chemistry is designed for students who want a foundational education in chemistry and the flexibility to select courses in other fields. The B.A. program is less demanding mathematically compared to the B.S. and is well suited for those interested in entering medical school and other chemistry-related fields and teaching.
A B.S. in chemistry has a curriculum certified by the American Chemical Society, with substantial research experience. The B.S. degree in chemistry is best for students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in chemistry or a related discipline. The degree also ensures that students are prepared for rewarding careers as chemists in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical, biotech, environmental, manufacturing or other allied fields.
The Central Difference
Which Degree Is Right for You?
Central offers the option of either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biochemistry. They are equally challenging at Central. The major courses are the same for both degrees and students in both tracks take their classes together. The pre-requisite courses to enter the major are the same. It’s the structure of the degrees that are slightly different.
The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes lab work, hands-on experience and independent research. This degree is recommended for those intending to delve intensely into a technical or research-related career or graduate school for research. It typically has a higher level math requirement.
The Bachelor of Arts degree, with less required lab work, emphasizes a broad education and provides more flexibility than the Bachelor of Science degree. A Bachelor of Arts degree is recommended for those intending to enter law school, earn a teaching certificate or work in sales or business. It typically requires proficiency in a second language.
Jay Wackerly
Title: Associate Professor of Chemistry
Research with students: Synthesizing oxacalixarenes, or “molecular donuts”
His team: Five chemistry majors turned research assistants
You can find him: Peering into a microscope in a Vermeer Science Center chemistry lab
Research Opportunities
Nearly all students pursuing chemistry or biochemistry take responsibility for an independent research project. These students benefit from close one-on-one interaction with faculty in many ongoing research endeavors or brand new research ideas.
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Students have direct access to classrooms and laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation and presentation technology, including:
- 300 MHz Bruker NMR
- Spectrum Rx Perkin Elmer ATR-FTIR Spectrometer
- HP 6890 GC with an HP 5973 quadrapole mass selective detector
- HPLC series 1100 with UV-Vis detector
- Two HP 6890 gas chromatographs with TCD
A Glowing Endorsement
Central is one of only seven Iowa private colleges and universities with a chemistry program endorsed by the American Chemical Society.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- Daniel Martinsen ’21, Chemical Synthesis Technician, Hach Company
- Emma Arickx ’19, Quality Control Microbiology Scientist, Eurofins PSS Insourcing Solutions
- Marissa Brandt ’16, Quality Control Technician, DeeZee
- Kevin Jack ’16, Chemist, Iowa Department of Transportation
- Anna Pierce ’16, AP and Honors Chemistry Teacher, Aurora Public Schools
- Samuel Burt ’13, Principal Incoming Material QR Engineer, TSMC
- Adam Feenstra ’12, Manager of Data US Business Insights and Analytics, Eli Lilly and Company
- Dan Flaherty ’05, Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University
- April Hazen-Boswel Hill ’02, Professor of Chemistry and Director of Criminalistics, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Daniel Flaherty ’05 Honored for Research at Purdue
Daniel Flaherty ’05 was recognized for his research at Purdue.
Organizations
- Bio-Chem Club
- SCATE (Students Concerned About The Environment)
No matter what your interests are, Central has a student group for you! Learn how you can get involved with groups and organizations at Central.
Graduate Placement
Chemistry majors are eligible for admission to the chemical engineering programs at Washington University in St. Louis and Iowa State University following completion of their junior year.
- University of Kansas, medicinal chemistry
- North Carolina State University, chemical engineering
- University of Missouri-Saint Louis, optometry
- University of Michigan, public health
- University of Wisconsin Madison, chemistry
- University of Iowa, medical school, pharmacy
Internships
Students with internship experience have a proven track record in a professional environment, which often leads to employment following graduation.
- Pfizer, St. Louis, Mo.
- Iowa Hygienic Lab, Ankeny
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, Johnston
Courses & Faculty
The chemistry department offers a strong foundation in concepts, coursework and laboratory skills in organic, analytical, inorganic, physical and biochemistry. The curriculum, certified by the prestigious American Chemical Society, means graduates are ensured the strong scientific background and the research opportunities needed for graduate school or careers in chemistry or the health professions.
The department also offers students flexible course options in order to incorporate off-campus experiences, research and other liberal arts interests during their four years on campus.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- James Dunne, B.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Chemistry
- Ashley Garr, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry
- Mary Ross, B.S., Ph.D., Lecturer of Chemistry
- Jim Shriver, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Natural Sciences Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry
- Jay Wackerly, B.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Chemistry
Sample Coursework
First Year
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Introduction to Cells
- General Chemistry
- Calculus I
Sophomore Year
- Analytical Chemistry
- Calculus II
- General Physics I and II
- Organic Chemistry I and II
Junior Year
- Biochemistry
- Physical Chemistry I
- Research
- Advanced electives
- Study abroad
Senior Year
- Physical Chemistry II
- Research
- Advanced electives
Learn More
Want to find out more about Chemistry at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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