Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Linette M. Watkins, Department Head
Phone: (540) 568-6246
Email: watkinlm@jmu.edu
Location: Physics and Chemistry Building, Room 1186
Website: http://www.jmu.edu/chemistry

Professors
D. Amenta, K. Caran, T. DeVore, D. Downey, C. Hughey, G. MacDonald, B. Reisner, L. Watkins, Y. Zhang

Associate Professors
A. Baber, C. Berndsen, B. Boardman, O. Kokhan, S. Lewis, D. Mohler, P. Raston, I. Sumner, N. Wright

Assistant Professors
L. Caesar, G. Peters

Lecturers
D. Blumling, K. Funck, C. Hollinsed, O. Judd, Q. Liu, B. Long, D. Wilson

Mission Statement

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers the B.S. degree for a major in chemistry, with concentrations that meet the American Chemical Society Accredited Programs requirements for programs in biochemistry, materials chemistry and in chemistry/chemical education. In addition, the department offers a B.S. degree in biophysical chemistry. It also offers minors in chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, and materials science. The programs are designed to provide the theoretical and practical instruction in chemistry and related areas to prepare students for careers in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, dentistry, paramedical areas, forensic sciences, chemical engineering and other technology-based areas. The department also recognizes its responsibility to provide courses for non-chemistry majors who need a basic understanding of the principles of chemistry either for their chosen major or their general education.

Career Opportunities

Graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry or related areas (ACS Certified Degrees preferred)
Professional employment as a chemist or biochemist (ACS Certified Degrees preferred)
Professional school (medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, business and law)
Chemical engineering
Environmental science
Food or fragrance chemistry
Forensic science
Immunology
Industrial hygiene
Pharmaceutical chemistry
Pharmacology
Production supervision
Quality control
Research assistant
Science educator
Scientific writing
Some forms of development work
Technical library science
Toxicology
Other fields where critical problem solving and technical communication skills are valued

Co-curricular Activities and Organizations

American Chemical Society Student Affiliate Chapter
Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Fraternity (Coed)
Iota Sigma Pi
National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE)
Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS)
Pre-Professional Health clubs and societies
Summer and academic year research
Attend and present at local, regional, or national professional conferences
Employment as a learning assistant
Science outreach in the local schools and community
Advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM

Teaching Licensure

There are two paths to licensure as a high school teacher (link). One is a 4-year path with a double major in Chemistry Education and Secondary Education. A more common option is a 5-year path with the General Program in Chemistry with a Secondary Education Minor, and adding a 5^th year Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.).

It is critical that students seeking licensure consult regularly with both their education adviser and their major adviser to support their progression through the programs. For a full description of the program in secondary teaching, refer to the Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education, Department of, in addition to the College of Education/Professional Education Unit section of the catalog.