The Department of Chemistry at Indiana University currently has 37 full-time research faculty and 9 full-time teaching faculty who teach our undergraduate curriculum. Our faculty are committed to developing our students' understanding of science and problem solving skills and preparing them for careers in science and the health professions.
Courses
For the most updated course information, please see the College of Arts and Sciences Bulletin. Enrollments in courses are limited to students with a grade of C- or higher in the prerequisite chemistry courses.
Student Experiences
Amna Yaqub
April Ye
Regine Vincent
Our department offers four degrees, a 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 B.S. degrees are certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and prepare students well for either graduate school or industrial positions. Usually, the B.A. degrees are pursued by students who plan to attend professional school after graduation.
The chemistry academic office is located in the Chemistry Building (C021) and our office staff can be reached at (812) 855-2700. If you are a prospective student or need to make an advising appointment, feel free to contact one of our chemistry advisor, Carly Friedman or Amy Craft to set up an on-campus visit.
What Do Our Students Do with a Chemistry Degree?
- One third of our graduating seniors in chemistry and biochemistry attend graduate school, often recruited by the best graduate schools in the nation.
- One third of our graduating seniors enter the workforce in an industrial position.
- One third of our graduating seniors are accepted into the best post-professional schools (e.g. medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, physician's assistant, chiropractor, and law schools), where a small number of students pursue combined M.D./Ph.D. degrees in biochemistry and medicine.
Students may also wish to combine their studies in chemistry with those in other fields such as; Biology, Neuroscience, Mathematics, Germanic Studies, or Drama. Alternatively, students demonstrate their interests by earning minors in several areas.
High Impact Practices Outside the Classroom
Research
Students can pursue research with our faculty, often leading to publications after several semesters of research. We encourage our majors to take X399: Chemical Research and X499: Chemical Research Capstone for credit toward graduation. Students can apply for summer support every January for the following summer (applications in the UGO).The Indiana University Journal of Undergraduate Research seeks student writers. The IUJUR aims to sustain an annual, student-run, faculty-mentored undergraduate research publication for Indiana University.
The Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Research Experience (ASURE) provides students with the opportunity to carry out research projects in their first years of college. In the chemistry ASURE courses, X150 and X325, students learn the steps of modern drug discovery and development as they study a target protein from fungal pathogens, screen small-molecule inhibitors, and synthesize analogues to carry out structure-activity studies.
Overseas Study
Although our students pursue a rigorous and challenging curriculum with smart decisions, several of our students can fit in an overseas studies opportunity (Office of Overseas Study) either in several weeks over the summer or in one semester.
Internships
Through X373: Professional Practice in Chemistry internships are arranged with local industries during the summer sessions and are designed to provide opportunities for students to receive credit for career-related, full-time work.
Service Learning
X170: Chemistry Community Outreach Seminar, students find fulfilling experiences working within the community to foster interest, knowledge, and appreciation in the sciences. Students prepare and execute demonstrations and in-class lessons at the primary and secondary school levels. Students learn more about their discipline while providing mentoring for younger students in the community.
Timmy Global Health: An Indianapolis based nonprofit that works year-round to combat health disparities at home and abroad. Students will serve on medical brigade teams, raise support for partner organizations, and help engage local communities.
Teaching
A select number of our advanced students have the opportunity to serve as Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (X371: Internship in Chemical Instruction), providing valuable experiences in peer instruction in the classroom.
Volunteering
Students have several opportunities to join student groups such as the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Sociey (SAACS; professional chemistry society), Alpha Chi Sigma (AXE; chemistry fratenity), and the Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students (MAPS; helping all students prepare for health professions).