Chemistry

chemistry department image

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 University; 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, Associate Professor; BS, Seoul National University; PhD, University of Notre Dame; 2013 -
Hannah R. Leverentz-Culp, Associate Professor; BA, Crown College; MS, PhD, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; 2016 -
Jonathan F. Mauser, Associate Professor; BS, University of Portland; PhD, University of Oregon; 2015 -
Thomas W. Nalli, Professor; BS, Union College (NY); MS, PhD, University of Rochester; 1995 -
Emily F. Ruff, Associate Professor; BA, Carleton College; PhD, University of Wisconsin; 2017 -
Joseph K. West, Associate Professor; BS, Southwestern Oklahoma State University; PhD, University of North Dakota; 2015 -
Jennifer M. Zemke, 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, which are established and 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, local industry internships, and summer employment and research opportunities. Current information regarding faculty members’ research interests is available on the Chemistry Department’s website.

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-Forensic Science, 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 and creative reasoning to chemistry problems
Know and apply key concepts of organic, inorganic, analytical/instrumental, physical, and biochemistry
Apply literature searching methods to chemical topics
Exhibit competency with chemistry techniques, including instrumentation and software
Practice safe laboratory operations
Communicate in a scientifically appropriate style
Incorporate diverse perspectives through teamwork and other activities

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 designated in the course descriptions.

General Education Program Requirements

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

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

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

Programs

Bachelor of Science

Bachelor of Science - Teaching

Certificate

Minor