Chemists study the atomic structure of physical matter and analyze how it changes.
More specifically, they analyze how basic atomic and molecular components are combined and can be manipulated to produce useful or improved products. Chemistry majors develop a solid foundation in general chemistry and mathematics followed by coursework in organic chemistry, quantitative analysis, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physics. The curriculum is rounded out by courses in the liberal and communications arts. Students who wish to work as professional chemists may arrange their programs to obtain professional certification by the American Chemical Society. This objective entails three additional chemistry courses in inorganic chemistry and instrumental analysis.