Chemistry & Biochemistry

Overview

We live at a time when both private and public decision making increasingly rests upon the latest scientific findings. Today, chemistry and biochemistry are accelerating the development of many new products and policies for fields as diverse as health care and homeland security. Your opportunities abound for entering medical school or graduate work, teaching at the elementary or secondary school level, or pursuing scientific careers in the private and government sectors.

Our program begins with a laboratory-oriented introduction to underlying principles, with extensive use of chromatographic, spectroscopic, and other instrumentation. This is followed by an in-depth study of the chemistry of carbon compounds, with emphasis on laboratory techniques and the treatment of data.

Upper-level courses in chemistry and biochemistry include specialized laboratory, computer, and online literature search skills, instrumentation, seminars, research with faculty, effective oral and written use of technical language, honors research, and externships.

Undergraduate Degrees B.S. in Chemistry B.A. in Chemistry B.S. in Biochemistry Minor Chemistry Certificate Teacher of Physical Sciences Certificate

Details

Students may elect to pursue a

1. Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in chemistry, or the

2. Bachelor of Science degree program in biochemistry.

The degree in chemistry may be coupled with a B.A. in education with the Physical Science Certificate. Students who major in chemistry or biochemistry begin their program with a laboratory-oriented introduction to the underlying principles of the discipline. This is followed by an in-depth study of the chemistry of carbon compounds, with emphasis on laboratory techniques and the treatment of data. Upper-level courses include specialized laboratory, computer and online literature search skills, instrumentation, creative research programs, and practice in effective oral and written technical English.

To continue as a chemistry or biochemistry major, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the completion of 16 credits of freshman and sophomore chemistry courses.

The Honors Research Program in Chemistry is an opportunity for distinction, offered by the department, to those majors demonstrating exceptional ability and commitment to the discipline. The program is by invitation only. Students will be informed of their eligibility at the beginning of the spring semester of the junior year.

Students earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or biochemistry may confidently enter graduate work in any branch of chemistry, medicine or dentistry, government careers, science writing, business, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and a wide variety of other positions in the occupational spectrum.

All chemistry and biochemistry majors are required to attend departmental seminars.

All majors pursuing the B.S. degree are required to take the ETS Major Field Achievement Test in Chemistry before graduation.

Georgian Court University Dual Degree

Students participating in the dual degree agreement Georgian Court has with Burlington County College are guaranteed admission into the Chemistry or Biochemistry programs, provided their cumulative grade point average is at least 2.0 and they follow the Transfer Curricula described in the agreement (contact admissions personnel at either Burlington County College or Georgian Court for a copy of the transfer curriculum).

Career Development

Pre-Medical: Both the chemistry and biochemistry degrees are excellent preparation for careers in medicine. Course advisement and planning is available for students wishing a pre-medical, pre-chiropractic, pre-dental, or pre-veterinary curriculum.

Medical & Health Sciences: Students preparing for medical research, medical technology, or other health services may elect either major--chemistry or biochemistry--and will be advised accordingly.

Chemistry Teaching: Chemistry and biochemistry studies coordinates with the School of Education at Georgian Court to assist students in the completion of requirements for teacher of physical science certification by the state of New Jersey.

Graduate Study: Special guidance is provided in the selection of courses in preparation for advanced study in chemistry or biochemistry.

For further information, contact