Chemistry @ IU :: Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

Jenna Devare

Class of 2009
Biochemistry B.S.

"I began biochemical research in the Walczak Lab (Medical Sciences) during the summer before my freshman year through the Integrated Freshman Learning Experience program, giving me very early exposure to the workings of a research lab. With continued research experience alongside the courses and funding from the Department of Chemistry, I feel confident conducting my own experiments, explaining the biochemistry behind each step, and presenting my research to others through papers and posters. Though the biochemistry degree has rigorous requirements, I still found time to study abroad in Paris, France without postponing graduation. While abroad, I had the opportunity to take all of my classes in French and live in a French home, as well as travel to the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and even Morocco. The study abroad experience was extremely rewarding and became the perfect complement to my science education. I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to broaden cultural as well as self-perspective."

Happy Mole Day!

10/23/08 - Please join us in the Undergraduate office for Cider and Doughnuts! See all the events here.

Our department offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in both Biochemistry and Chemistry, as well as an Associate of Arts (A.A.) in Chemistry and a minor in Chemistry. Both the BS degrees are certified by the American Chemical Society. Each year, our graduating seniors in chemistry and biochemistry go on to the best graduate schools in the nation including Caltech, Stanford, California-Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Columbia and all of the Big-10 universities. Close to one-third of our seniors go immediately into industrial jobs. Our department facilitates the job searches of students by providing a placement service, in which industrial recruiters hold on-campus interviews within the chemistry building. Many of our graduating seniors are accepted into medical and dental schools, and a small number of students pursue combined M.D.-Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and medicine.

Our faculty members show a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching by opening their laboratories for Undergraduate Research. Recently, a team of faculty has redesigned our first year chemistry courses to emphasize more current topics, such as biochemistry and polymers, that will better prepare our students for further study in modern laboratories and medical technologies. Developments in the curriculum and in teaching facilities are continuing on a regular basis.