Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Note: MSU's programs in the biological sciences are distributed across multiple departments. MSU does not have a single Department of Biology. For additional options see Biological Sciences at MSU.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers programs that are certified by the American Chemical Society and American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the major professional societies in the field. These emphasize modern areas in chemistry and biochemistry at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry provides foundational education in chemistry with sufficient breadth and flexibility to allow students to enter a variety of chemistry-related careers. Several curricular options are available, each of which is career- and employment-directed. Employment opportunities are extensive. At least 36 percent of the research and development workforce in the United States have degrees in chemistry, more than any other discipline. Each of the degree options (chemistry, biochemistry, and teaching) allows students to tailor the degree toward their personal choices in course selection.
Particular attention is given to mastery of state of the art instrumentation, modern concepts and methods, and use of computational and informatics approaches to help solve chemical and biochemical problems. Participation in undergraduate research within an active research group in the department is an important and rewarding part of the overall program. A wide range of research programs are available, spanning all major areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry participates in several instructional and research programs of an interdisciplinary nature. These include nanomaterials, optical technology, thermal biology, biofilm engineering, computer modeling of proteins and nucleic acids, and the WWAMI medical education program. The department has active graduate programs leading to the degrees of Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). These degrees may be obtained in either chemistry or biochemistry.
Per Montana Board of Regents policy 301.5.2, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will evaluate any post-secondary coursework taken within the last fifteen (15) years of being admitted or readmitted for the purposes of satisfying prerequisites for any CHMY or BCH course. If a course was taken more than 15 years ago, it will not be evaluated or counted as satisfying a prerequisite.
The department encourages majors in allied fields to consider either a chemistry or a biochemistry minor.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
Biochemistry Option
This option includes a core of chemistry, biochemistry, and biology courses for students interested in the molecular nature of biological materials and life processes. A broad choice of biological science electives allow the students to prepare for careers in human, animal, plant, or microbial biochemistry. Trained biochemical scientists are in demand for research and teaching in universities and for research and development work in chemical, pharmaceutical, and bio-technical industries, in medical laboratories, and in state and federal governments. Students who complete the curriculum satisfactorily will be prepared to assume responsible professional positions or undertake graduate level work in the life sciences. The curriculum also provides an excellent preparation for medical, dental, or veterinary school.
Chemistry (Professional) Option
This option includes a central core of chemistry courses that, together with technical electives, allows the students to prepare for careers in chemistry or related fields such as medicine, patent law, chemical industry, or science writing. Students interested in the more quantitative and physical aspects of chemistry may wish to include additional mathematics and/or physics courses. This option is certified by the American Chemical Society. Students electing this option will be well prepared both for graduate study and for immediate employment in industry, government, or business.
Teaching Option
This option is designed to prepare prospective teachers of chemistry at the secondary level. It provides a thorough background in all of the basic fields of chemistry and an acquaintance with aspects of chemistry in society that are essential to the practicing teacher of chemistry. The chemistry teaching option qualifies graduates to teach secondary school chemistry. Employment opportunities will be enhanced by obtaining a second area of certification, usually a teaching minor. Obtaining a teaching major, a teaching minor, and certification will require more than 120 credits.
Chemistry/Biochemistry Minors (Non-teaching)
A minor in either chemistry or biochemistry is offered for students with other majors who wish to receive formal acknowledgement for taking a core of intermediate-level chemistry and/or biochemistry courses. The minor is designed to strengthen the students' opportunities for admission to graduate school or medical, dental, veterinary, or pharmacy school, or for industrial employment.