Frequently
Asked Questions
about
the Department of Chemistry
By
Dr. Bill Bordeaux, department chair
1. What kinds
of equipment does the University own? Who has access to this equipment?
Let me start by saying
that we stress doing chemistry and using existing technologies and
instrumentation as part of the core chemistry courses. We believe this is
the best way to become proficient and competent with technical and
conceptual information. The instrumentation we have in chemistry includes: a
gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance
spectrometer (NMR), several infrared spectrophotometers (FTIRs), UV-Visible
spectrophotometers, a gas chromatograph (GC), high performance liquid
chromatograph (HPLC), atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA), and
fluorimeter. Students use the first four instruments listed above as well as
computer-interfaced thermometers and pH meters within the first two years,
then go on to become more adept at using all of the instruments in a year of
analytical and instrumental chemistry. All
instrumentation is meant to be used by students and not necessarily only
for research.
2.
What is a typical classroom/lab like in terms of lecture time,
experimentation, difficulty of work, and so on?
Our classes are small;
freshman chemistry normally averages about 15-20 and about 9-12 continue on
in the spring. Some of these students only need one year and in the second
year (organic chemistry) we typically have about half the number from the
spring before. We have three hours (50 minutes/class) of lecture/week and
one 3-hour laboratory. Students earn 3 credits for the lecture portion and
1 credit for the lab portion. The courses must be taken together. Yes, the
work is difficult but with good preparation, good study habits and a
willingness to seek help when needed, students do well. The biggest
problems I see are lack of preparation or unwillingness to devote the time
and effort necessary to succeed. However, persistence pays off. I had one
student who came in with an inadequate background and struggled all term but
by December was making A's on the exams. That took a lot of effort I know,
but it paid off. The investment is large but the benefits are well worth
it.
3. How
does the University assist students with finding opportunities for
internships, jobs, etc.?
All chemistry majors
working toward what Huntington calls a BS in chemistry (the pre-professional
track) do an undergraduate research project, generally the summer before
their senior year. This is usually an excellent experience and can provide
a first job although many of our graduates go on to medical or graduate
school. We definitely encourage research opportunities and do our best to
help students get placed in paid positions. The newly-established
Enterprise Resource Center has already assisted one of our students in
finding an industrial research project. Over the years we have had many
students enjoy the benefits of paid
summer
research projects of various types, in industries, in medical research
facilities, at other universities, and on campus. These positions often
help students decide on a job, a medical school, or further graduate study.
4. How
big is the Chemistry program?
The program is small in
numbers but not in course offerings. We typically graduate two to five
chemistry majors a year, a number which allows for small class sizes and
student-faculty mentoring opportunities. Compared to our student body at
Huntington, the chemistry major percentage is about average for liberal arts
colleges. The interests of our current chemistry majors include the health
professions, graduate work for research careers, industrial careers, and
teaching.
5.
What should I do if I am considering coming to Huntington University?
I hope you will consider
a trip to Huntington and plan to spend enough time to visit some classes,
stay overnight in the dorms and be with the students in more casual
settings. What I find is that students who do this can pretty quickly
discern whether Huntington is a place for them or not. It sure beats the
canned tour (which is not without value but can't get far enough below the
surface). I guess I've stopped talking like a professor and started talking
like a father who has sent three sons off to college. Wherever you think
you will end up, spend enough time on campus (at least one overnight) to get
the sense of the place. If you have any other questions or clarifications,
drop me a line. I'd also be glad to talk with you on the phone if that
would help.
May God bless you and
lead you as you search out His place for you next year.
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