Chemistry

Undergraduate major: chemistry (BA, BS)

Undergraduate minor: chemistry

Graduate degrees: MS in chemistry; PhD in chemistry

Graduate certificate: radiochemistry

Faculty: https://chem.uiowa.edu/people

Website: https://chem.uiowa.edu/

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing its undergraduate students with the skills needed to comprehend and confront the scientific challenges of the new century. The department's strong and vibrant undergraduate chemistry program is an environment where students can develop and ultimately find success in their chosen career paths.

The graduate programs in chemistry train scholars to lead efforts in chemistry research and teaching. One of the primary goals is to train students to become independent scientists. The department offers coursework to provide the foundational knowledge that enhances student efforts in the laboratory.

Student Organizations

A number of organizations are open to undergraduate students for support and enrichment.

Students may join the University of Iowa undergraduate student chapter of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Chapter activities include dinner meetings with guest speakers, field trips to local industries, participation in local and national meetings of the ACS, and participation in chemistry outreach programs. Students in the ACS student chapter develop valuable leadership, organization, and speaking skills during their college experience and throughout their careers.

The department has a chapter of Alpha Chi Sigma, a coed chemistry fraternity. The Alpha Theta Chapter is open to students in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields. Alpha Chi Sigma sponsors many social and professional events throughout the year.

The department endorses the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), which is committed to discovery, transmittal, and application of knowledge in science and engineering and to increasing the participation of underrepresented populations in these fields. NOBCChE sponsors diverse programs designed to foster professional development and to encourage students to pursue careers in science and technical fields.

The department also supports the activities of Women in STEM Ambassadors (WiSA), whose aim is to increase women's participation and advancement as students, faculty members, and professional staff; promote a supportive study and work environment for women; integrate women's ideas, strengths, and approaches into research, teaching, and service; and inform the public of educational and career opportunities for women in scientific and technical fields. WiSA sponsors a living learning community in a university residence hall for first-year female students majoring in science or engineering, the Student-to-Student Support in Science mentoring program, a service learning program, and the WiSA Discourse and Dining series.