Degree Overview

Chemistry has seen enormous growth in the past 30 years with many new applications in biotechnology, materials, medicine, nanotechnology, environmental health, alternative fuels, and forensic science. New information is rapidly transferred from research laboratories to practical applications.

With excellent student to teacher ratios, the WIU Department of Chemistry offers a unique, friendly atmosphere of faculty mentorship to our students. Our faculty are very active researchers with knowledge of the latest applications of chemistry. The chemistry faculty involve students in all stages of scientific research, mentoring our students as they achieve their academic & career goals.

Options of Study

• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacy
• Science/Chemistry-Teacher Education

WIU is approved by the American Chemical Society for undergraduate professional training in Chemistry and Biochemistry. Students pursuing the B.S. in Chemistry may qualify for certification by completing coursework as specified in the program requirements.

View the specific degree requirements and course descriptions in the Undergraduate Catalog.

Chemistry

The department offers a major in chemistry, with students taking courses in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry. Students in their junior or senior years are encouraged to take research classes in the area of their interest, the results of which are usually presented at scientific meetings. Many results are also published in peer-reviewed journals.

Chemistry is the science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter, especially of atomic and molecular systems. It is the basis of the technology for large-scale production of chemicals and chemical materials that are vital to modern society. The study of chemistry helps people understand the physical world and its workings.

Our modern world offers many and varied opportunities for professional chemists. Recent graduates have chosen careers in industry, education, medicine, crime laboratories, hospitals, and environmental protection laboratories. In our changing world, one needs a career providing stable employment. Chemists have historically had unemployment rates well below the rates of the general population.

Career Opportunities

Our modern world offers many and varied opportunities for professional chemists. Recent graduates have chosen careers in industry, education, medicine, crime laboratories, hospitals, and environmental protection laboratories. In our changing world, one needs a career providing stable employment. Chemists have historically had unemployment rates well below the rates of the general population.

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of the chemistry of living systems. As such, it fits between the traditional fields of chemistry and biology, and biochemists must be well-trained in both fields. Biochemistry includes the study of chemical processes involved in the formation and breakdown of substances which make up living systems as well as the processes involved in movement, transmission of signals, and reproduction of organisms. An understanding of biochemical processes has contributed to the production of new drugs and agricultural products using recombinant DNA technology.

Biochemistry is the newest branch of chemistry. It has seen enormous growth in the past 30 years. Individuals who are still living have generated most biochemical knowledge. The study of biochemistry leads to an appreciation for the diversity of living systems as well as the similarity of the metabolic processes occurring in these diverse organisms. Biochemical knowledge is also having profound influence on areas as diverse as medicine and agriculture. As the mechanisms by which diseases destroy living systems are explained, new medical treatments can be developed. New varieties of plants are being produced which resist pests and can resist weed killers. New information is rapidly being transferred from the research laboratory to practical application.

Career Opportunities

Individuals trained as biochemists have a variety of employment opportunities available. Those choosing not to pursue advanced training in graduate or medical school generally find employment working in an industrial, governmental, or hospital laboratory setting. Industries hiring biochemists include, but are not limited to, pharmaceuticals, forensic laboratories, foods, and the emerging biotechnology industry. Most studies predict a shortage of chemists of all types, making job markets excellent for many years to come.

Pharmacy

The Department of Chemistry offers a program leading to the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Pharmacy option. The BS Chemistry with Pharmacy option is a focused degree in chemistry that emphasizes the chemical nature, effect, action, and metabolism of drugs. This program is unique as no other pharmacy options to B.S. Chemistry or B.S.Biology degrees are identified (either on the web or through the American Chemical Society or the American Institute for Biological Sciences).

Western Illinois University’s B.S. Chemistry—Pharmacy option program targets those students who seek a career as a pharmacist (Pharm. D) or pharmacologist (Ph.D.), but would also benefit students who wish to work in the pharmaceutical or biotech industries at the B.S. or M.S. level. The pharmacy option will also be very useful to those students who are seeking careers in forensic pharmacology, pharmaceutical sales, or as certified pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, and other healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical science is one of the most exciting branches of chemistry. It has seen enormous growth in the past 30 years. As medical knowledge increases new drugs are constantly being designed, developed, and formulated. With an aging population in the United States employment in the health care industry is likely to increase over the next couple decades.

Career Opportunities

Individuals trained as chemists with a focus in pharmacy have a variety of employment opportunities available. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Pharmacy Option is designed to better prepare students interested in careers in pharmacy for either Pharm.D. or Ph.D. programs in pharmacology. Those choosing not to pursue advanced training in graduate or pharmacy school generally find employment working in pharmaceutical industry labs, government/health department labs, or in a pharmacy or hospital laboratory setting. Additionally the BS Chemistry with Pharmacy option will greatly aid those individuals who seek careers in pharmaceutical sales and marketing. Industries hiring chemists include, but are not limited to, pharmaceuticals, foods, and the emerging biotechnology industry. Most studies predict a shortage of chemists of all types, making job markets excellent for many years to come.

Articulation Agreement with University of Illinois-Chicago College of Pharmacy

Western Illinois University has established an articulation agreement with the University of Illinois Chicago-College of Pharmacy for implementation of guaranteed admission of WIU students into the Doctorate of Pharmacy program at the UIC College of Pharmacy. The conditions for retention and matriculation include that students earn a baccalaureate degree within 5 years of freshman enrollment, complete specific pre-pharmacy coursework with a 3.5 GPA or higher, take the Pharmacy College admissions Test, and demonstrate an interest in pharmacy through internship, research, etc.

Pharmacy Resources

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy http://www.aacp.org/

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education http://www.ajpe.org/

Pharmacy College Application Service http://www.pharmcas.org/

Science/Chemistry-Teacher Education

Our Secondary Science Education Program is nationally recognized by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Faculty members representing Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Geology, Meteorology, and Physics have worked together to develop a well-rounded program for students preparing to teach at the secondary level. Students combine a study of all science disciplines (physics, chemistry, biology, and the Earth and space sciences) with a study of teaching foundations and various field and clinical experiences as they complete the major. Currently, students may select one of three degree options within which to major: Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.