The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry plans its curriculum to provide thorough instruction in the basic principles and concepts of chemistry and biochemistry for students who will: (1) advance to graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry, (2) teach in the science programs of secondary schools, (3) seek employment in industry or government, (4) advance to medical, dental, or pharmacy training, or (5) pursue a degree or minor in support of a career in other areas such as physics, biology, geology, business or computer science. Because of its broad scope, contemporary chemistry offers exciting employment opportunities in rapidly growing fields, such as materials science, polymers, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry, chemical education research and environmental science. Graduates with a master's degree in chemistry are prepared to enter any of these fields or others, since chemistry is the central science with connections to physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and environmental sciences. According to the American Chemical Society, the national professional association for chemists, Many predict a growing role for chemistry as we tackle the major issues confronting the world in the 21st century: providing energy, responding to regulation, protecting the environment, improving health and feeding the world.