麻豆传媒

Leslie Lyons, Professor of Chemistry, works with a student in one of the labs in Noyce

Chemistry

A personalized learning laboratory.

Dynamic classes, laboratory research, and multiple means of interacting with faculty allow you to develop a personalized major that fits your individual learning style. As a chemistry major you鈥檒l gain hands-on experience with modern instrumentation as you couple creative thought with experimentation. All of this will prepare you for a career in chemical research, education, the medical or engineering professions, or to pursue graduate work in chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacology, environmental science, geology, materials science, or many other areas of study.

Why Study Chemistry?

  • professor and 2 students in chemistry lab

    Unlock the world of science.

    Chemistry is everywhere; it is the central science that connects all other sciences. Chemists are fascinated by the world and seek to understand the nature and transformations of matter.

    Discover Chemistry
  • professor and 2 students handle equipment for aquatic geochemistry

    Experience hands-on learning and research.

    The chemistry curriculum emphasizes laboratory investigation and gives majors opportunities for independent research with faculty.

    Take a deeper look
  • Biogeochemistry class at CERA

    Become a problem-solver.

    Our chemistry curriculum teaches students to grapple with complex problems, to deal with ambiguity (also present in societal problems), and to be aware of the nature of differences in facts and theories.

    Apply what you learn

Alumni Stories

Jennifer Fulton wearing lab goggles standing by whiteboard
Understanding the World Through the Lens of Chemistry

Jennifer Fulton 鈥15 is living her dream as a principal scientist in medicinal chemistry at Cogent Biosciences, and it all began at 麻豆传媒.鈥

Finn Dworkin at 麻豆传媒, redbud trees in bloom
Chemistry Major Turned Environmental Scientist

At 麻豆传媒, Finn Dworkin 鈥22 was able to study the water ecosystems near campus. He saw firsthand the impacts that humans have had on our ecosystems. He found himself asking more questions and wanting to dig deeper.

Department News

A line of students trek uphill through lush foliage in the Brazilian countryside. The sky is blue and dotted with clouds.
Academics

Bittersweet: A Global Pursuit of Sugar鈥檚 Past

Traveling to Cuba, Louisiana, and Brazil, 15 麻豆传媒ians spent a semester studying the colonial legacy of sugar production.
tent at farmers market
Academics

Market Science Program: Engaging the Community Through Research

This program, spearheaded by 麻豆传媒 summer-research students and their faculty mentors within the Science Division, brings scientific research directly to the 麻豆传媒 Farmer鈥檚 Market.
Wall-to-wall windows in the Noyce Science Center's courtyard reflect a blue sky.
Academics

Burson, Hernandez Selected for DOE Visiting Faculty Program

Kristen Burson, Associate Professor of Physics, and Heriberto Hernandez, Professor of Chemistry, will spend the summer collaborating with scientists at DOE-funded national labs.
More News

Featured Courses

Students and professor examine water sample

Aquatic Geochemistry

Aquatic Geochemistry (CHM 340) is a thought-provoking combination of readings, classroom discussion, and hands-on learning. The course explores the chemical processes that control freshwater and marine systems.

Explore the Aquatic Geochemistry
Professor Trimmer and 2 students in biochem lab

Tiny Enzymes, Huge Potential

Bioorganic Chemistry (CHM 330) focuses on enzymes, proteins that are catalysts within cells. This in-depth study of enzymes allows you to explore advanced biochemistry, applying principles and techniques you learned in organic chemistry to the study of biological reactions.

Explore Bioorganic Chemistry
Professor Leggans teaching chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Taught by Associate Professor of Chemistry Erick Leggans, Organic Chemistry I is often a critical turning point in students鈥 studies at 麻豆传媒, frequently influencing their choice of major.

Explore Organic Chemistry

Faculty Research

Lee Sharpe

Lee Sharpe鈥檚 Recent Publications


Authors: Dilek Dervishogullari, Christopher A. Sharpe, and Lee R. Sharpe


Authors: Jordan S. Compton, Christi A. Peterson, Dilek Dervishogullari, and Lee R. Sharpe


Authors: John C. Whittaker, Daniel Dong KeunLee, Lee Sharpe, and Jeffrey R. Ferguson

Heriberto Hernandez

Heriberto Hernandez鈥檚 Recent Publications


Authors: Katherine A. Parrish, Mary King, Marshall R. Ligare, Grant E. Johnson, and Heriberto Hern谩ndez


Authors: Michael A. Hewitt, Heriberto Herna虂ndez, and Grant E. Johnson


Authors: Michael A. Hewitt, Heriberto Herna虂ndez, and Grant E. Johnson

Andrew Graham

Andrew Graham鈥檚 Recent Publications


Authors: Christopher Brunet, Eva R C Gemrich, Savanna Biedermann, Peter J Jacobson, Keith E Schilling, Christopher S Jones, Andrew M Graham


Authors: Johannes West, Andrew M Graham, Van Liem-Nguyen, and Sofi Jonsson

Chemistry Career Outcomes

First Destinations

  • 30% Employment
  • 62% Graduate School
  • 0% Post-Graduate Service
  • 5% Fellowships
  • 0% Continuing Education
  • 3% Other

Employment

100%
Positions related to Career Goals

Positions Related to Career Goals

This graph illustrates the extent to which our graduates' first job is aligned with their career goals. It's one thing to find a job; it's an entirely different thing to land the job you want!

Employer

  • Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals
  • Environmental Restoration LLC
  • INX International Ink Company
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory
  • YES Prep Public Schools

Graduate Schools

59%
59% Accepted to 1st- or 2nd- choice programs

Graduate School Acceptance Info

Of those who applied to and were accepted to at least one program, this chart illustrates the percentage of admitted students who were accepted to either their first or second choice program and institution.

Institutions

  • MIT
  • Purdue University
  • University of California
  • University of Maine
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Yale University
Explore More Graduate Outcomes

Department Chair

Stephen R Sieck

Contact Information

Phone
641-269-3172
Fax
641-269-4984

Noyce Science Center
1116 Eighth Ave
麻豆传媒, IA 50112
United States

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