Chemistry program
Undergrad major Undergrad minor Teaching/CertificationDiscover new medications, monitor pollution, or meet the demand for energy-producing fuels.
Chemistry is great foundation for a wide range of career opportunities.
Chemistry education at UWL blends technical, hands-on research experience using modern equipment with practical skill development. Students are immersed in the process of science — designing experiments, collecting data and presenting results. They also learn soft skills to thrive in the workplace such as teamwork, communication and problem solving.
What can you do with a chemistry degree?
Career possibilities in chemistry are wide ranging. They include positions in industry, research, education, engineering, health professions, public service and more. See industries with the highest concentrations of chemists. Even in times when unemployment rates are high, the chemist remains one of the most highly sought after and employed scientists. The American Chemical Society (ACS) College to Career page is a great resource to explore careers in chemistry. Also see the ACS page dedicated to Chemists in the Real World. Chemistry-related occupations and chemistry-related industries are projected to grow in the state, according to the Department of Workforce Development.
Careers in chemistry
Entry level
- Analysis/testing as a laboratory chemist or biochemist
- Management trainee
- Pollution control
- Production control
- Quality assurance chemist
- Research technician
- Sales representative
- High school science teacher (with teacher certification)
Advanced
- Chief project chemist or biochemist
- Director of research and development
- Industrial administrator
- Plant manager
- Production control manager
- Research and development chemist or biochemist
Further education
- Medical or other professional study in pharmacy, veterinary medicine, nuclear medicine, optometry, dentistry and more
- Graduate study in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, material science, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering and more
- Law school (example: patent law)
- Industrial management training
- Graduate study in business
What distinguishes UWL's chemistry program?
The UWL Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is accredited by both the American Chemical Society-Committee on Professional Training (ACS-CPT) and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).This recognition acknowledges the quality program, staff and facilities of the department.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is able to award more than $30,000 in student scholarships annually to support returning undergraduate students in the major and graduates of the program who are entering a professional program in the basic sciences and/or health professions. Learn more about Chemistry scholarship opportunities.
Students have numerous opportunities to get involved in cutting-edge chemical, biochemical, and educational undergraduate research projects. In 2019-20, the Chemistry Department had the highest percentage of students participating in undergraduate research at UW-La Crosse. Learn about the research interests of faculty.
Students routinely co-author professional presentations and publications with chemistry faculty members. Students often present their research at regional and national meetings.
Students will gain experience using high-end scientific instrumentation. This instrumentation includes: Imaging and Surface Analysis, Spectroscopy, Electrochemical and Electrical, Separations, Thermal Methods, X-ray, NMR, Radiation, Sample Preparation.
Students are given broad preparation with both technical and soft skills. This leads to graduates who are flexible and creative problem solvers who can adapt and thrive as their career advances.
The chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and offers a prestigious ACS-Certified bachelor's degree in chemistry for students who meet the required guidelines. The chemistry program offers several other bachelor’s degree and minor options. See the catalog for more information.
Faculty represent all of the major sub-fields of chemistry and have a diverse range of research interests. Areas of expertise within chemistry include: organic, inorganic, nuclear, physical, forensic, atmospheric, environmental, computational, analytical, medicinal, biochemistry and more.
Faculty in the department generously give their time to assist students with coursework, and college and career advising. Students have opportunities to connect and enjoy fund and informative experiences through the Chemistry and Biochemistry Club.
Students are encouraged to participate in internship experiences, which may be taken for academic credit. They offer practical experiences in the field, and, in some cases, are paid. Campus support is available to help find internships through UWL Career Services and Handshake.
The Chemistry & Biochemistry Department currently has over 250 student majors. Each year, over 30 students graduate with bachelor of science degrees in chemistry or biochemistry. Typically, 30-50% of graduating seniors apply to, and are accepted by graduate programs at major research universities where they pursue doctoral degrees in chemistry or related areas.
Areas of study
Environmental Science Concentration
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Environmental Science ConcentrationBachelor of Science in Chemistry & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree Program
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Bachelor of Science in Engineering Dual Degree ProgramSample courses
CHM 103 General Chemistry I An introduction to chemistry including topics in atomic structure, chemical bonding, molecular structure, chemical stoichiometry, reactivity, states of matter, solutions, acid-base theory, and nuclear chemistry, and also including selected topics in descriptive and applied chemistry. Scientific inquiry, experimental design and data analysis are included. Lect. 3, Lab 3, Disc. 1. Prerequisite: grade of "C" or better in MTH 150 or placement into MTH 151 or higher. Students who are currently enrolled in CHM 103 may not register for this course again until after priority registration (unless they have instructor/department consent). Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
CHM 303 Organic Chemistry Theory I A study of the structure, methods of structure determination, stereochemistry and chemical behavior of hydrocarbons, alcohols, and halogenated hydrocarbons. Theories and mechanisms are introduced to explain chemical behavior. Prerequisite: CHM 104; sophomore standing. Students with credit in CHM 300 cannot earn credit in CHM 303. Offered Fall, Spring.
CHM 300 Fundamental Organic Chemistry This course is a study of the properties, reactions, and applications of the major classes of organic compounds that commonly appear in biological and environmental processes and systems. Theories relating structures of organic molecules to their chemical reactions are presented as unifying principles. Cross-disciplinary applications of organic chemistry to the life sciences and environmental concerns are included. This terminal organic chemistry course is recommended for students in the biological and allied health sciences when only one semester of organic chemistry is required. Course is applicable only to the following Chemistry and Biochemistry Department programs: the chemistry education major and minor, and the chemistry minor. Lect. 3, Disc. 1. Prerequisite: CHM 104; sophomore standing. Students with credit in CHM 303 cannot earn credit in CHM 300. CHM 300 does not satisfy the prerequisite requirement for CHM 304. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.
CHM 309 Physical Chemistry Theory I A study of real gases, equations of state, kinetic and molecular theory, properties of gases, molecular energies, classical thermodynamics, chemical equilibria, changes of state and reaction kinetics and mechanisms. Prerequisite: CHM 104; PHY 103 or PHY 203; PHY 104 or PHY 204; MTH 310 or concurrent enrollment. Offered Fall.
CHM 325 Fundamental Biochemistry This course is the study of the fundamental chemical processes in biological systems emphasizing the structure and function of biological macromolecules, metabolism and the regulation of cellular processes, transport mechanisms, nature of biological energy, and applications to cellular and organismal function. Lect. 3, Lab 3. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or CHM 304 are required; a 300 or 400-level chemistry course with a lab (excluding CHM 461, CHM 489, and CHM 499) is recommended. Students with credit in CHM 417 cannot earn credit in CHM 325. Offered Fall, Spring.
CHM 441 Instrumental Analysis A study of the theory and principles of chemical instrumentation including the application of basic electronics, spectroscopy, separation science and electroanalytical methods of chemical analysis. Lect. 3, Lab 3. Prerequisite: CHM 301; junior standing. Offered Fall.
CHM 424 Spectroscopy A survey of important spectroscopic methods used in chemistry; infrared and ultraviolet, proton and carbon-13 NMR, and mass spectrometry. Theory and practice of techniques are covered. Emphasis is placed on structure determination of organic molecules. Analysis of dynamic systems and mixtures may also be covered. Lect. 2, Lab 3. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or CHM 304; junior standing. Offered Spring - Even Numbered Years.
CHM 330 Industrial Chemistry An overview of both the scientific and commercial aspects of the chemical industry. Industrially important chemical processes will be discussed. Topics will include production and end use of basic inorganic chemicals of commercial importance, industrial gases, and petroleum-based products. The economics of various chemical processes will be presented. Global and local topics such as regulatory compliance, product liability, and patent/trade secret documentation may also be discussed. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or CHM 303. Offered Spring - Even Numbered Years.
CHM 461 Nuclear Chemistry A study of the decay of radioactive nuclides with emphasis on the theory of nuclear decay. Laboratory will include the study of the detection of radiation, methods of radio analysis and the safe handling of unsealed radioactive sources. Lect. 3, Lab 3. Prerequisite: four semesters of chemistry courses; junior standing. Students with credit in CHM 361 cannot earn credit in CHM 461. Offered Spring.
CHM 413 Environmental Chemistry Laboratory This course is an exploration of chemical reactivity and measurement in atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems. Students collect and analyze samples and perform experiments that validate major environmental topics. Lab experiments include measurement of the physical/chemical properties of air, water, and soil relative to environmental standards and toxic thresholds, as well as investigations of the chemistry of greenhouse gases, contaminants, indoor pollution, and acid rain. Lab 4. Prerequisite: CHM 300 or CHM 303 or CHM 301. Offered Fall.
FAQ
A bachelor's degree in chemistry is an ideal pre-medicine degree. Medical schools do not require a particular college major, but a chemistry background will be helpful in the advanced study of biochemistry, endocrinology, physiology, microbiology, and pharmacology. Chemistry is also an excellent major for students planning careers in other health professions such as pharmacy, dentistry, optometry and veterinary medicine. All of these professional programs require chemistry for admission.
Last modified: 09/09/2020
The department sponsors a chemistry student organization known as the ACS-Student Affiliates or Chemistry Club. This group of majors and minors sponsors numerous professional and social activities. It also brings outside speakers to campus, serves as a tutor resource, and maintains records on employment opportunities and graduate programs. This group has been named one of the top national student organizations.
Last modified: 09/09/2020
Last modified: 10/12/2020
Email or call Department Chair Todd Weaver at tweaver@uwlax.edu or 608.785.8269. Or contact any faculty member directly, or our departmental office at any time. We would be happy to connect with you at your convenience.
Last modified: 10/12/2020