Faraday Hall West is a new addition, completed in 1995. These modern buildings contain specialized laboratories for instruction and research, a library with approximately 18,000 bound volumes and nearly 450 subscriptions to scientific periodicals. The department has all the modern instruments needed for investigating the physical and chemical properties of compounds, for characterizing and determining the molecular structures of solids, and for studying the magnetic and photonic properties of molecules. All undergraduate chemistry majors are required to take at least 28 semester hours of classes in analytical, organic, physical, and inorganic chemistry. In addition, all students must take a minimum of 16 semester hours of courses in calculus and physics.
Additional requirements vary depending on the student's particular area of interest.
An undergraduate may receive a B.S. degree in chemistry with a choice of five different emphases, which are listed below along with links to their respective program requirements. Students who intend to pursue advanced degrees in chemistry or are planning careers as professional chemists should select Emphasis 1. The other emphases are designed to prepare students for chemical careers in teaching at the junior and senior high school levels, in business, or in biochemistry. 1 and 5 require a minimum of 3 semester hours of research. The emphasis in professional chemistry is recommended for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in chemistry.