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Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences
Chemistry
Chemistry is the study of the miniaturized world of atoms
and molecules. Chemists analyze the structure of this
world of chemicals, discover the forces that govern chemical
changes and invent chemical reactions, which create
new molecules and materials for the benefit of mankind.
For example, most of the clothes we wear and the containers
that hold our food are made of synthetic fibers and
polymers that were conceived and developed by chemists.
Life-saving pharmaceuticals are designed and synthesized
by chemists. The development of insecticides, cosmetics,
fragrances, fertilizers, and high tech materials are other
examples of the impact of chemistry on society. The objective
of the IIT undergraduate program in chemistry is to
provide rigorous education in the fundamental areas of
chemical theory and chemical experimentation. Students
become well trained for industrial careers in research and
development, chemical analysis or chemical manufactur-
Coursework
The first stage of undergraduate training provides a
solid foundation in all of the five basic areas of chemistry
(analytical, inorganic, organic, physical and biochemistry).
Most of these courses include required laboratory
work. These laboratories provide extensive practical exposure
to each of these areas and experience with modern
chemical instrumentation such as nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and gas, and
high-pressure liquid chromatography. Concurrently,
students take courses to strengthen their understanding
of mathematics and physics. Students are invited and
Optional Degree Programs in Chemistry
Because of the diversity of interests of students in chemistry
and the increasing inter-disciplinary impact of
chemistry in other areas, IIT offers optional degree programs
in chemistry. Each degree program maintains the
five basic core areas of chemistry while at the same time
providing options to prepare students to enter an operationally
well-recognized career path. Students can elect
the traditional Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry
where they choose their own technical electives or focus
on one of the following six options:
40 IIT Undergraduate Bulletin 2006–2008
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Copyright & Disclaimer Information: Copyright © 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation. CollegeSource® digital catalogs are derivative works owned and copyrighted by CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation. Catalog content is owned and copyrighted by the appropriate school. While CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation provides information as a service to the public, copyright is retained on all digital catalogs.
ing and marketing. Our requirement for participation in
an original research project also provides the necessary
experience for entrance into graduate school in one of the
chemical sciences. In addition, the IIT program in chemistry
provides excellent pre-professional training for
careers in medicine (see, page 43 and www.iit.edu/
~premed), law, business and other areas of science and
healthcare. IIT has developed a very flexible curriculum
which, in addition to our standard bachelor’s degree in
chemistry, gives students the option of selecting an area
of chemical emphasis such as biological, pharmaceutical,
polymer, materials, chemical physics or chemical education.
Students learn not only the basic science of chemistry
but also the practical aspects of the discipline and its
numerous applications. The IIT Bachelor of Science in
Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society
Committee on Professional Training.
encouraged to attend weekly chemistry colloquia where
lectures are given by prominent chemists from industrial,
governmental and academic laboratories. In the second
stage, students take advanced and specialized courses,
focused on career interests. An integral part of this stage
is a research project under the supervision of a member
of the chemistry faculty, culminating in a senior thesis.
Students may receive certification of their Bachelor of
Science in Chemistry degree through the American
Chemical Society (www.acs.org) by selection of appropriate
chemistry electives.
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in
Biological Chemistry
•Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
•Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in
Polymer Chemistry
•Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in
Materials Chemistry
•Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in
Chemical Physics
• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with emphasis in
Chemical Education