Chemistry and Biochemistry
Department of Chemistry/Geology/Physics
The College of Arts and Sciences
Chair
Brian K. Mohney, Professor of Chemistry
Faculty
Perry S. Corbin, Professor of Chemistry
Rebecca W. Corbin, Professor of Chemistry
Jeffrey D. Weidenhamer, Professor of Chemistry, Trustees' Professor
Robert G. Bergosh, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Nicholas A. Johnson, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Education
Mission and Goals
The chemistry program prepares chemistry and other science majors to apply the scientific method to problems and to discover the intimate relation of chemistry to all phases of everyday life and to other sciences. Chemistry majors graduate with the background and skills necessary for jobs in commerce, industry, or education, or further graduate or professional training.
The program places heavy emphasis on faculty/student interactions, hands-on training with instrumentation, and data analysis tools such as computer modeling and spreadsheets. The importance of writing and communication skills is stressed throughout the curriculum, beginning in the introductory courses and carried through every course offered by the department.
The chemistry program seeks to provide non-science majors with the basic understanding of the nature of science needed to live as responsible citizens in a technological society. Students gain an understanding of the scientific method through an in-depth analysis of topics and case studies, selected hands-on activities in classroom and laboratory, and exploration of the consequences of scientific discoveries for society.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students in chemistry and related programs will:
Describe and apply the major concepts, experimental findings, and theories of chemistry;
Effectively use the laboratory techniques and methods of chemistry;
Follow proper safety procedures and regulations for use of chemicals and laboratory equipment;
Design appropriate investigations, interpret the results and make decisions within the context of chemistry;
Communicate scientific information both orally and in writing; and
Practice ethical and professional behavior within the context of the discipline.
Chemistry Facilities and Equipment
The chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society. Four instructional laboratories, four research/instrumentation laboratories, and ample classroom space accommodate the needs of the faculty and students. The chemistry instrumentation laboratory houses chromatography and spectroscopy instruments that students will use in industry, a clinical setting, or graduate school. Recent acquisitions include an inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer for measuring trace metals, a high- performance liquid chromatograph with mass spectrometer detection for determination of natural products and pharmaceutical agents, a liquid chromatograph for polymer studies, an ion-exchange chromatograph for measuring anions , and a high field NMR spectrometer. The chemistry curriculum is structured so that students have hands-on use of these instruments throughout their time at Ashland University.
Pre-Professional Programs
Chemistry courses make up a substantial component of the required curriculum for a number of pre-professional programs. For minimum requirements, see the Academic Affairs section on pre-professional programs. The chemistry faculty along with other departments has developed recommended course sequences that give students the needed background to continue studies in professional schools. A major in chemistry, biochemistry, or forensic chemistry is a strong preparation for professional schools in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.
Description of Majors
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the structure and behavior of atoms, compounds and their properties, and reactions. Whether it is the development of new pharmaceuticals to treat disease, new materials, or reduction of environmental hazards, chemists are at work in many industries and related disciplines such as geology and biology. A degree in chemistry can open the door to almost any scientific or technological field, as well as careers in medicine, business, and law.
Biochemistry
Biochemists apply chemistry to understand biological processes at the cellular and molecular level. Biochemists seek to understand the structure and function of molecules found in living organisms. The interdisciplinary nature of biochemistry and molecular biology are blurring the traditional boundary lines between biology and chemistry.
Forensic Chemistry
Forensic chemists apply modern instrumental methods of analysis to criminal investigations. The forensic chemistry major equips students with a well-rounded, multi-disciplinary experience necessary for careers and advanced graduate work in forensic science, law, chemistry, and associated fields of science and engineering.
Majors in chemistry, biochemistry, and forensic chemistry are provided with broad training in chemistry and biochemistry and extensive, hands-on laboratory training, along with the opportunity to conduct independent research with one of our faculty. Our graduates have been successful in continuing their education in graduate and professional schools, and in obtaining positions in chemical and pharmaceutical companies, and government laboratories.
Degree Requirements
Assessment – The assessment of student learning outcomes for chemistry, biochemistry, and forensic chemistry majors includes both internal and external assessments in selected courses, typically culminating in the CHEM 497 Laboratory and Field Research course or the CHEM 493 Internship course.
Chemistry Courses and Descriptions