The Chemistry BS Program provides a rigorous in-depth education in all the traditional sub-disciplines of the field. Students also gain hands-on experience through state-of-art advanced laboratory courses in physical and analytical chemistry. With appropriate electives, this curriculum can lead to an American Chemical Society (ACS) Certified Degree. This pathway provides comprehensive preparation, and is ideal for students who intend to pursue careers as professional scientists and/or obtain advanced degrees in Chemistry and related research fields. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers three complementary undergraduate degree programs. The programs follow similar paths in years 1 and 2, featuring foundational courses in general, organic and analytical chemistry, laboratory courses, and supporting coursework in mathematics and physics as well as in the University-wide General Education program. The three programs differ mainly in the types and number of upper-level courses taken in years 3 and 4. Chemistry and Biochemistry are rapidly advancing disciplines that study the properties of matter, and use this knowledge to solve pressing societal problems, including energy, sustainability and human health. Making advances in these areas requires a deep understanding of the chemistry and biochemistry, but in addition, often requires learning how to work in interdisciplinary teams, or on projects that extend beyond the boundaries of traditional chemistry and biochemistry.
Chemistry and Biochemistry are allied molecular sciences. Chemistry studies the properties and chemical transformations of matter in all forms and environments, and creates new chemical forms and properties. Biochemistry studies chemical and physicochemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. These two molecular science disciplines consider both theoretical questions (why) as well as practical problem solving (how). An Undergraduate degree in chemistry or biochemistry prepares students for a wide variety of career paths in industry, medicine, academia, Many UMD degree recipients are employed in the chemical, energy, food/agriculture, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries where they develop new medicines, consumer and agricultural products, advanced materials, or use their analytical skills to evaluate product or environmental quality. Others obtain positions in government labs (e.g. NIH, FDA, NIST, EPA, NRL, etc.). Students interested in careers as science educators can earn K-12 teaching certification through the UMD College of Education concurrently with their Chemistry and Biochemistry studies.
