Chemistry, BS

BS

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry curriculum provides a thorough undergraduate education for students planning careers as research scientists, industrial chemists, and educators in universities or in secondary schools. In addition, department courses provide a foundation in the basic science of chemistry to students majoring in biological or physical sciences, students planning a career in medicine or other health-related fields, students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science, and students in the liberal arts. Especially in its graduate programs, the department stresses interdisciplinary approaches, as exemplified by the Laboratory for Surface Studies and the Great Lakes WATER Institute. It also cooperates with chemists of the Milwaukee area’s industrial and scientific community.

Course of Study: Major Options in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Students may choose from four different curricular options in chemistry and biochemistry:

1. Chemistry Major
2. Chemistry Major with a Biochemical Option
3. Biochemistry Major
4. Biochemistry Major with a Clinical Pharmacology Option (BS only)

Undergraduate research is encouraged strongly for students in any of the chemistry options. In some cases, students may start research with a faculty member as early as their freshman year. Information about research opportunities may be obtained from the department office or from SAACS (the American Chemical Society student affiliate group). Pre-medical students who choose to follow one of the chemistry or biochemistry options should see the L&S pre-professional programs section in this catalog and should consult their pre-medical advisor and an advisor in chemistry regularly.

The opportunity to participate in research as an undergraduate is a distinct advantage for UWM undergraduates. At most large, research universities, research opportunities for undergraduates are limited; there are fewer of them and they often are reserved for juniors or seniors. At UWM, you can get involved as early as freshman year. Students work directly with faculty and graduate students on their current research projects, and sometimes find themselves published in a peer-reviewed journal right alongside the faculty member. Participating in undergraduate research is an excellent way to enhance your resume for graduate school or employment.

Chemistry is the study of the elementary parts and substances that make up our world, both the parts that occur in nature as well as man-made objects. 

Chemistry is known as the "central science" because of its relationship to all other sciences. Because it is the foundation of other sciences, UWM Chemistry alumni are prepared to go on to countless number of professional roles. While your first impression may be that chemistry majors all end up working in a laboratory surrounded by beakers and test tubes, there is more to the major than that.

Our majors go into medical research, healthcare professions, manufacturing (particularly research and development), scientific writing and marketing, law (particularly areas of law that deal with science such as intellectual property), forensics and toxicology, aspects of engineering and production, teaching, sales, consulting, and government agency work.