Chemistry and Biochemistry

chem@kennesaw.edu
http://science.kennesaw.edu/chem

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers class and laboratory instruction in all areas of chemistry including computational chemistry. The chemistry courses utilize modern instructional techniques to help students become knowledgeable of many abstract concepts in modern chemistry. The department has two degree programs which offer the students a range of options so that they will be prepared for jobs in the chemical industry; for beginning graduate studies in many areas of chemistry and biochemistry; for entrance into medical, dental, pharmacy, or other professional schools; for teaching high school chemistry; for jobs in the business end of the chemical industry; or for other possible employment areas related to chemistry. Internships and cooperative employment opportunities which give the students valuable field-related work experience are available for chemistry majors. Many students are involved in research projects with faculty which emphasizes the department’s attitude that one learns best by doing. Financial aid opportunities include three scholarships, and employment as either laboratory or research assistants.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has continually certified the Department since 1987. The programs of study in the department lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in either Biochemistry or Chemistry. The ACS, nationally approves both of these programs. In addition, the Bachelor of Science in Secondary Chemistry Education (track) is fully accredited by NCATE, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, fully approved by Georgia’s Professional Standards Commission for 6-12 teacher certification, is nationally recognized by NSTA, the National Science Teacher Association and has pending approval by the ACS.

Biochemistry is the study of the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of substances in living systems. This program is an excellent choice for pre-medical students. Biochemistry is a discipline that is applied to medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. Biochemistry spills over into pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. In these areas, a biochemist may investigate the mechanism of a drug action; engage in viral research; conduct research pertaining to organ function; or use chemical concepts, procedures, and techniques to study the diagnosis and therapy of disease and the assessment of health. To receive the ACS certificate for the Biochemistry degree requires discussion with an appropriate advisor in the department.

Within the Chemistry degree program there are several options, depending upon the student’s career goals. Completion of the Professional Chemistry track automatically earns the student a certificate from the ACS, which recognizes them as having completed an ACS approved program. The Professional Chemistry track prepares the student for graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry and for employment in industry, government, or other agencies doing research and development, quality control, environmental studies, or other applications of chemistry and/or biochemistry. 

The General Chemistry track was designed to have more electives and to allow the student to prepare for professional schools (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, or optometry), for a career in high school teaching, for law school (patent law), or for a position in sales or management in some chemical or biochemical industry.

Students also have the option of taking either Forensic Chemistry or Chemistry Education curriculum under the General Chemistry track. Because of the wide range of possibilities for curricula modification in the General Chemistry track, it is very important to receive advice from an advisor during the first semester at KSU.