Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate Programs

David Hocker

Class of 2009
Chemistry B.S.

"As a freshman, I thought that I should focus strictly on chemistry and science courses in order to become a competent scientist. However, the diverse academic atmosphere at Indiana University introduced me to a number of other disciplines to which I had not previously been exposed. Chemistry seemed much more interesting and significant once I incorporated artistic, philosophical, and cultural aspects into my science coursework. I took advantage of the liberal arts atmosphere of IU to explore those aspects, and benefitted from opportunities beyond the conventional academic structure. I gave a piano recital, lived in London for a year (fully funded through scholarships), nude modeled for art classes, and even got to consult for a weekly radio show about sex and sexuality. I am now applying to graduate programs in chemistry, and the stellar, formal instruction from the department of chemistry has certainly prepared me for this next stage of my life. However, it was also the progressive and creative environment within IU that allowed me to become truly educated."

Our department offers Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in both Biochemistry and Chemistry, as well as a minor in Chemistry. Both the BS degrees are certified by the American Chemical Society. Each year, our graduating seniors in chemistry and biochemistry go on to the best graduate schools in the nation, including Caltech, Stanford, California-Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, Yale, Columbia and all of the Big-10 universities. Close to one-third of our seniors go immediately into industrial jobs. Our department facilitates the job searches of students by providing a placement service, in which industrial recruiters hold on-campus interviews within the chemistry building. Many of our graduating seniors are accepted into medical and dental schools, and a small number of students pursue combined M.D.-Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and medicine.

Our faculty members show a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching by opening their laboratories for Undergraduate Research. Recently, a team of faculty has redesigned our first-year chemistry courses to emphasize more current topics, such as biochemistry and polymers, that will better prepare our students for further study in modern laboratories and medical technologies. Developments in the curriculum and in teaching facilities are continuing on a regular basis.

Announcements

New IU program offers fast track to teaching for math, science majors
Chemistry and math majors now have a more efficient path to earning both a master's degree in education and teacher licensure under a new agreement between the Indiana University College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education.