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| ACS Student Affiliation “In Miniature” Symposium 2008
The hallmark of the department
of chemistry and biochemistry is a dedication
to innovation in research and education. In the
decade,the department has hired 9 of its 14 faculty
members, completely renovated the Ph.D. and M.S.
programs, and increased extramural research support
more than ten fold. The department is currently
composed of a dynamic group of 13 research active
faculty (with moreon the way), approximately 30
graduate students and support staff. Faculty research
interests span all areas of chemistry (analytical,
biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical)
with particular emphasis placed on multidisciplinary
approaches to solving cutting-edge research problems
in all areas of science. |
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| Why
Chemistry? |
| At Duquesne University,
the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provide
personalized attention, contemporary curricula,
and a modern research environment. The chemistry
and biochemistry baccalaureate programs offer
and exciting and challenging course of undergraduate
studies which includes not only a general education
component but a technical chemistry component.
Our undergraduate courses are taught by faculty
who are nationally recognized experts in their
disciplines. Research-active faculty bring their
unique perspectives to the classroom, adding depth
to their courses. Undergraduates have many opportunities
to collaborate with our faculty on research projects,
teaching them to become independent scientists.
The Department of Chemistry
and Biochemistry is committed to providing undergraduates
a broad education in chemistry, the central science.
Our students are exposed to specialized computer
laboratories with contemporary software applications
for teaching. The undergraduate laboratories provide
students with experience in working with state-of
-the-art research instrumentation. Lectures incorporate
innovative teaching strategies with modern equipment.
In addition, the faculty insist on small class
sizes and close interactions between student and
professor. Undergraduates are part of the science
community where they can attend seminars, tutor
peers, and join in department functions. Active
student participation within the department emphasizes
all aspects of the learning process.
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| What
Makes Duquesne Different? |
|
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has a dynamic
faculty that takes pride in the success of its
students. It is our belief that students should
receive individual attention during their entire
undergraduate career. Each student plans a course
of study in their first year in close cooperation
with a faculty advisor, and the student's progress
is closely coordinated with their developing interests.
We offer an American Chemical Society(ACS) accredited
course of study which includes traditional training
in chemistry, along with progressive and interdisciplinary
studies.
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| Is Chemistry
Right For Me? |
|
Students interested in the Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry are highly motivated to learn. The
ability to think and to reason on their own, along
with a willingness to ask questions, are crucial
in chemistry, where curiosity is the key to great
discoveries. Chemistry is about taking risks and
thinking creatively, and also about learning to
work well with others. New students should work
well in teams, enjoy collaboration, and be open
to new ideas.
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| What
Courses Will I Take? |
| Sample Curriculum is available for:
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| Will
I Get A Chance to Do Research? |
|
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
strongly encourages undergraduates to engage in
laboratory research as part of their science education
to develop technical skills and a mastery of subject
matter. Working under the direct supervision of
a faculty mentor, students will work on cutting-edge
research projects with applications in fields
such as medicine, energy, and the environment.
Research experience allows the students to explore
contemporary chemical problems in more depth than
is possible through traditional course work or
required laboratories.
This hands-on experience
is invaluable for students, aiding them in the
selection of a career or graduate school. Our
undergraduates regularly appear as co-authors
on scientific publications and often present their
work at scientific meetings, making them integrated
members of the departmental community. Undergraduate
research can be taken for credit or a stipend
during the academic year and the summer.
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| What
is the Student Affiliates Chapter? |
|
Many undergraduates choose to participate in the Department
of Chemistry and Biochemistry's national award-winning
American Chemical Society Student Affiliates Chapter
(SAC). The SAC exposes students, first hand, to
the wide range of career opportunities chemists
have through guest speakers, field trips, and
industrial visits. In addition, the student affiliates
participate in the Department's outreach program,
helping with high school workshops each year.
Through the Student Affiliates Chapter, many of
the Department of Chemistry's students are afforded
the opportunity to present their research at the
biannual national American Chemical Society meeting.
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| What
Is the Job Market for Me? |
|
According to Chemical and Engineering News, the job
market for graduating chemists is the best it
as been in almost ten years. More students then
ever with bachelor's degrees are choosing employment
and being hired. There are many new nontraditional
niches opening in government, industry, and academia.
These include such areas as intellectual property
law, licensing, environmental management and public
policy. In addition, the demand for educators
is expected to reach a new high in the next five
years.
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| What
does Duquesne's Chemistry Program Offer Me? |
|
-A strong tradition of Excellence in Teaching
-Quality faculty who are involved with students
in classes and labs
-Honors courses
-Opportunities and encouragement to collaborate
with faculty
-Modern instrumentation and computer facilities
-A broad range of courses which offer individual
attention and small groups
-Faculty mentoring
-A national award-winning ACS Students Affiliates
chapter
-Solid preparation for professional schools, graduate
schools, and the work force
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| What
Happens to Duquesne Graduates? |
Recent Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors from
Duquesne University have been offered positions
with these employers:
Bayer Corporation
The Valspar Corporation
Proctor and Gamble
DuPont Chemical Company
Dow Chemical Company
Boehringer-Ingelheim
Motorola
Hewlett Packard Company
Allegheny General Hospital
The Department of Energy
Pressure Chemical Corporation
Lancaster Chemical Company
Duquesne University
Mount Lebanon Public School System
The United States Air Force
Recent Duquesne graduates have been accepted
at these postgraduate degree programs:
Vanderbilt university
University of Pittsburgh
University of Pittsburgh Medical School
Georgetown University
University of Virginia
University of Delaware
University of Michigan
Emory University
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Pennsylvania State University
Pennsylvania College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Temple University Medical School
University of Cincinnati Medical School
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| How Can I Get More Information? |
| For additional program information or application
forms, call, write, or e-mail:
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA 15282-1530
Phone: (412) 396-6336
Fax: (412) 396-5683
e-mail: chemistr@duq.edu
We would enjoy giving you a faculty-guided personal
tour of our department. Contact us for an appointment.
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