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Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of materials, their composition, and their reactions with other materials. Chemists are in high demand in a variety of areas from medicine and industry to environmental protection. To better prepare chemistry graduates for the diverse career opportunities that will be presented to them, the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire has developed four major emphases in accordance with the American Chemical Society: chemistry with a teaching emphasis, chemistry with a business emphasis, biochemistry/molecular biology, or a comprehensive chemistry major. The Chemistry Department also offers liberal arts or teaching minors.

What will I learn from studying Chemistry?

Knowledge:

Chemistry involves the study of substances and energies. It focuses on composition, characteristics, changes, reactions, and uses of matter. Major sub-branches within chemistry include inorganic and organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, applied chemistry, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. Chemistry is used to produce food, clothing, drugs, plastics, paper, etc. Knowledge of chemistry is crucial to environmental protection efforts as well as health and safety.

Skills:

  • Identifying and solving problems
  • Making critical observations
  • Designing experiments, charts, and graphs
  • Developing theories
  • Maintaining precision and accuracy
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and memorization
  • Sampling for surveys

What are some of the interests and values related to Chemistry?

  • Curiosity
  • Care for intellectual health and safety of others
  • Work independently
  • Precision and attention to details
  • Desire to observe, study, analyze, and create substances
  • Willingness to take risks and assume responsibility

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

Professional:

What career fields are related to the Chemistry Degree?

Potential Employers:

Chemists have an extremely marketable skill: they are able to improve old materials and create new ones. Some employers of chemists include: agricultural companies, chemical laboratories, food and beverage companies, health and protection branches, environmental consulting firms, police laboratories, science museums, and newspapers and magazines.

Potential Job Titles:

  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Brewer Lab Assistant
  • Chemical Oceanographer
  • Crime Lab Analyst
  • Environmental Health Specialist
  • Forensic Chemist
  • Tissue Technologist
  • Toxicologist

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Chemistry graduates?

  • Chemist, Plast-O-Meric, Waukesha, WI
  • Consultant, Technology Solutions, Chicago, IL
  • Research Associate, Potlatch Corporation, Cloquet, MN
  • Research & Development Chemist, Cortec Corporation, St. Paul, MN
  • Nutritional Chemist, Commercial Test Lab, Inc., Colfax, WI

How can I learn more about Chemistry?

Department

Career Services:

  • Meet with a career counselor
  • Take interest inventories and self-assessment tests
  • Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Career Discovery Center:

  • Careers for Scientific Types & Others with Inquiring Minds, Jan Goldberg
  • Careers in Science, Thomas A. Easton
  • Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors, Mark Rowh
  • Opportunities in Chemistry Careers, John H. Woodburn
  • Careers for Puzzle Solvers & Other Methodical Thinkers , Jan Goldberg
  • Opportunities in Pharmacy Careers , Fred B. Gable
  • Opportunities in Forensic Science Careers , Blythe Camenson

Internet:

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Chemistry?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career. To find an internship in Chemistry that suites your interests, visit Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak with a Career Associate about the many available internships.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting. Contact your advisor about enrolling in CHEM 399, 495, 497 or 499.

Research

There are many opportunities for students to participate in Research Experience for Undergraduates ( REUs) to enhance the breadth of knowledge learned in the classroom. For additional information about REU’s for undergraduates, go to Career Services (Schofield 230) and speak to a Career Associate or visit the website: www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/reu_search.cfm. For additional information about research at UW – Eau Claire, contact the Department of Chemistry.