Undergraduate Studies
Undergrad Overview |Registering For Classes| After Graduation | Chem Club
Chemistry is frequently called the central science because all materials, whether animate or inanimate, are made of chemical elements. Hence, chemistry is at the heart of all scientific investigations, from the development of new medical treatments to the preparation of new superconductors. Chemistry is uniquely able to provide the fundamental understanding required to deal with societal needs, including feeding, clothing and sheltering the world's people; tapping new sources of energy; providing renewable substitutes for scarce materials; improving health and conquering disease, strengthening national security; and monitoring and protecting our environment.
What Does That Mean For Me?
Through lecture and laboratory courses and undergraduate research, chemistry majors at the University of North Dakota gain the knowledge that enables them to work as professional chemists at the cutting edge of science and technology. You will join the many concerned, dedicated scientists who play crucial roles in solving problems associated with everyday life and advancing our standard of living.
The Chemistry Department at UND is fully accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), a professional organization of chemists, and offers two programs leading to degrees in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree is for those students who wish to become professional chemists and pursue graduate work or an industrial position in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry has two options with different emphases (one for physical sciences and one for biochemistry). Both are less specialized degrees that prepare students to work in other areas. For example, the emphasis in physical science with additional course work by the Department of Teaching and Learning in the College of Education and Human Development is an excellent program for students planning to teach high school chemistry. The emphasis in biochemistry provides flexibility in electives that makes it a good choice for students going into medicine.
Each program requires the same series of courses for the first two years of college. The specific requirements for each of these programs are given in the Chemistry listings in the Undergraduate Departmental Courses section of the current UND Catalog.
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Traditionally, bachelors graduates have pursued one of three paths after receiving their degree: high school teaching, further education in a graduate program or professional school, or a job as an industrial chemist.
The recent focus by the government on improving the quality of secondary education, particularly in science and mathematics, has meant that more positions are available for chemistry teachers in post-elementary schools.
Chemistry students who attend graduate school following completion of their Bachelors degree are assured of complete financial assistance. Currently, graduate students in chemistry are in demand. Students with good academic records will have their choice of graduate schools to attend. Recent graduates from UND have pursued graduate studies at schools such as UC Berkeley, University of Utah, University of Minnesota and University of Indiana.
The demand for chemists in industry remains high in today's high technology world. For example, in 1997 the median salary for all B. S. chemists in industrial positions was $50,000 and the median starting salary for new graduates was $35,000, with an unemployment rate of only two percent.
Undergraduate Chemistry Club
The Chemistry Club is a campus organization for undergraduate chemistry majors and other interested students which promotes interest in chemistry and is affiliated with the American Chemical Society. The group sponsors visits to local schools, demonstrations at community hands-on learning events, and social events and has regularly scheduled meetings. Recent activities have included:
* Chemistry Fun Day, November 2010 at UND for area youth
* Presentations for Super Science Saturday, April 2008, 2009, 2010
* After School Science Club demonstrations at Schroeder Middle School
Interested students are always welcome to participate!
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Julie Abrahamson
Join the Periodic Table Element Design Challenge
Part 2 - Filling the Gaps
Part 1 - Submit a design for the element of your choice for a creative PERIODIC TABLE for the north lobby of Abbott Hall. Designs will be transferred to ceramic tiles with assistance from the Ceramics faculty of the UND Department of Art and Design.
- Designs selected for inclusion should meet these criteria:
- Based on something about the element or its name
- Fits an 8 x 8 inch square
- Be judged as in good taste
- Include the element symbol(1 or 2 letters), and atomic number
- Designs should be submitted by 5 PM, Friday, October 14.
- Electronic submissions (pdf or jpg format) or on paper are acceptable.
- Send your creation or direct questions to Dr. Julie Abrahamson
Preliminary design choices will be announced at the Chemistry Homecoming awards presentations on Friday, October 21. Design contributors will be acknowledged on an informational plaque.
Visit the lobby outside Abbott 101 to see where the UND Chemistry Periodic Table will be mounted. Some previously submitted designs are now displayed.
