Academics

In the chemistry department, students investigate the world at a molecular level through an inquiry-based curriculum that gives them immediate access to state-of-the-art equipment.

Balanced Approach

As a scientific discipline, chemistry is firmly rooted in the liberal arts tradition: it emphasizes the development of intellectual capability and judgment. Yet it is also a practical discipline dealing with the fundamental technology of matter that affects the environment and society. The department’s diverse courses and research opportunities provide balance between theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, giving students a well-rounded education.

Flexible Plans of Study

The chemistry curriculum at Valpo intentionally incorporates all five major disciplines:

• Analytical chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Organic chemistry
• Physical chemistry

This breadth allows the department to offer targeted degree programs to match students’ diverse interests and career aspirations: five chemistry majors, a biochemistry major, and a chemistry minor. Students have additional opportunities through our partnerships with programs in environmental science, pre-medical arts, and engineering.

Experiential Emphasis

Nearly all chemistry courses at Valpo include a laboratory component, and students are also encouraged to conduct research under the supervision of faculty members. Through close interactions between faculty mentors and undergraduate scholars in the laboratory, students learn:

• The fundamentals of scientific research
• How to keep an accurate notebook record of their research progress
• Techniques for using state-of-the-art laboratory instruments
• How to locate and understand relevant scientific literature

Valpo students therefore graduate with lived experience of scientific discovery and a solid foundation for any career they may pursue.