Chemistry

320 Pasteur Hall
507.457.5290
Chemistry website
Sara Hein, Chairperson

Faculty

Mark A. Engen, Professor; BS, Bemidji State University; PhD, Montana State University; 1997 -
Jeanne L. Franz, Professor; BA, Augustana College; PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 1996 -
Sara M. Hein, Professor; BS, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse; PhD, University of Iowa; 2000 -
Robert W. Kopitzke, Professor; BS, MS, PhD, Florida Institute of Technology; 1999 -
Myoung E. Lee, Assistant Professor; BS, Seoul National University; PhD, University of Notre Dame; 2013 -
Francis M. Mann, Assistant Professor; BS, University of Nebraska; PhD, Iowa State University; 2011 -
Charla S. Miertschin, Professor, Dean of College of Science and Engineering; BS, Abilene Christian University; PhD, Texas A&M University; 1993 -
Thomas W. Nalli, Professor; BS, Union College (NY); MS, PhD, University of Rochester; 1995 -
C.B. William Ng, Professor; BS, MS, PhD, University of British Columbia; 1986 -
Jennifer M. Zemke, Assistant Professor; BS, Winona State University; PhD, University of Oregon; 2012 -

Programs

Majors

The Chemistry Department offers coursework in all the major areas of chemistry, organized into seven different programs: ACS Chemistry, ACS Biochemistry, ACS Environmental Chemistry, ACS Materials Chemistry, Chemistry (General), ACS Chemistry (Teaching), and Physical Science (Teaching). Each of these programs leads to a Bachelor of Science degree, which equips graduates for employment and prepares them for advanced study in chemistry and related areas. Programs that include “ACS” in the title have met the guidelines established and are approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Graduates of these programs will be certified by the ACS as professional chemists.

Students majoring in chemistry are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research projects with members of the department, through local industry internships, and through summer employment and research opportunities. Current information regarding faculty members’ research interests is available on the Chemistry Department’s website. The Chemistry Department is home to the Southeast Minnesota Analytical Service (SEMAS), which provides educational opportunities through part-time employment.

Minors

For those students majoring in other fields, the Chemistry Department also offers minors in biochemistry, polymer chemistry, and chemistry.

Pre-Professional Sequences

The Chemistry Department advises students in several pre-professional sequences. These are not degree programs (e.g., major or minor) at WSU, but are designed to prepare students who intend to enter professional programs after graduation. The pre-professional sequences offered through the Chemistry Department include Pre-Dentistry, Pre-Medicine (Allopathic and Osteopathic), Pre-Optometry, Pre-Pharmacy, and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. For specific program requirements, see the “Pre-Professional Sequences ” section.

Outcomes

Regardless of the specific major chosen, graduates of a Chemistry Department program will be able to:

Apply scientific reasoning to chemical problems.
Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemistry.
Apply literature search methods to chemical topics.
Demonstrate competency with chemistry instrumentation and techniques.
Practice safe laboratory operations.
Communicate in a scientifically appropriate style.
Exemplify ethical behavior.

Pass/No Credit (P/NC) Courses

Except for internships and practica, students must take all courses in their major, minor, options, concentrations, and licensures on a grade-only basis. The P/NC option is available to non-majors unless otherwise noted. Courses offered on a pass/no credit-only or grade-only basis are so designated in the course descriptions.

General Education Program Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The Chemistry Department offers the following intensive courses in the General Education Program:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

△ CHEM 400 - Biochemistry I (4) (Note: Only 1 S.H. of CHEM 400 counts as Writing Intensive.)
△ CHEM 402 - Biochemistry Laboratory II (1)
△ CHEM 413 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
△ CHEM 415 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory II (2)
△ CHEM 426 - Analytical Chemistry II (4)
△ CHEM 430 - Individual Projects in Chemistry (1-3)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy chemistry major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives.