Undergraduate Study in Chemistry and Biochemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers four Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs: Chemistry, Chemistry with a Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Option, Chemistry with an Environmental Chemistry Option, and a new Juristic Chemistry Option. The Department also offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program. All four degree options have been approved by the American Chemical Society's Committee on Professional Training. Such approval carries national recognition that the department meets high standards in its faculty, facilities and curriculum.

Our faculty members are committed to high quality instruction. Professor Tom Clausen was the recipient of the 1998 Usibelli Award for Excellence in Instruction. Maggie Isbell, a 2001 Ph. D. graduate in the Environmental Chemistry program, was the 1999 recipient of the Robert Piacenza award in recognition of teaching excellence, outstanding work, and a commitment to students. The award is given annually by students in the UAF Honors Program.

Our undergraduate research students have achieved recognition of their high quality work in research. Shane Coleman (2000), Roger Rothschild (2001), Laurie Martin (2002), and Loda Griffeth (2003) were recipients of UAF's Brina Kessel Medal for Excellence in Science.

Details of the Degrees and Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry may be found at the UAF General Catalog and in the Department's description of the curriculum (see the Student Handbook).

The small class sizes at UAF and the close interaction between students and faculty provide a type of environment often missing in larger universities. Students are encouraged to visit faculty and to become involved in research as early as possible. Most of the upper division chemistry majors work in the teaching or research program. We have had numerous undergraduates co-publish their research results (undergraduate publications) with faculty in the refereed scientific literature. This type of interaction, combined with a rigorous academic program, is responsible for the success of our students after graduation. We also have an excellent array of instruments available for undergraduate labs and undergraduate research.

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An Online Undergraduate Application is available at the Admissions home page.