Chemistry and Biochemistry
Program Overview
Flowing from the mission of Saint Elizabeth University, the Chemistry and Biochemistry Program is committed to providing a basic knowledge of this liberal art to many students and a thorough undergraduate chemical and biochemical education to its majors. It demands of them honesty, accuracy, and clarity in the carrying out and reporting of their work.
Through the precision of chemistry and biochemistry, it strives to discipline their minds and by chemistry's and biochemistry's ever-increasing insight into the truths of nature, it endeavors to widen their vision. The program encourages its majors to contribute to the discovery of these truths by their research.
Outcomes
After successfully completing a major in chemistry or biochemistry, the student will have developed:
- A proficiency at experimental work as it pertains to planning and executing experiments using the literature, manipulating chemicals, keeping records, analyzing and interpreting data and completing a research project.
- An ability to effectively and accurately communicate their findings to the science and non-science community in written and oral form.
- An understanding of molecular functionality, bonding, and reactivity as it pertains to reaction mechanisms, synthesis, kinetics, and the thermodynamic laws governing organic, inorganic and biochemical systems.
- An understanding of the use and principles governing the interaction of matter with radiation, including spectral interpretation regarding the nature of bonding in molecules and the electronic structure of atoms.
- An understanding of the biochemical processes in living systems and the structures that support them, and the ability to manipulate, isolate, and purify biologically important materials.
- An understanding of analytical methods, organic techniques, and biochemical techniques used in carrying out chemical investigations.
In addition, biochemistry majors develop an in-depth knowledge of biology, cell function, genetics, microbiology, and biochemical analysis techniques.
Graduates
Students completing the degree in chemistry or biochemistry are equipped with the skills to succeed in scientific and science-related careers. Our students are prepared for advanced educational pursuits in graduate or professional schools.
Many graduates go on to receive Ph.D.'s and M.D.'s from major graduate and medical schools, such as:
- Cornell University
- Fordham University
- Georgetown University
- The Mayo Institute
- New York University
- Purdue University
- Rutgers University
- SUNY
- University of Toronto
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Yale University
Graduates in chemistry and biochemistry from SEU work in a variety of careers:
- Attorney
- Physician
- Research Scientist
- Teacher
Some examples of industrial positions held by SEU graduates include analytical chemists, biochemists, medicinal chemists, and research chemists in the pharmaceutical, environmental, and personal care industries at the following:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Kraft Foods
- L'Oreal USA
- Merck
- Novartis