Chemistry and Biochemistry (CBM)

556 William R. Murchie Science Building
(810) 762-3275
Fax: (810) 766-6693
Webpage: http://www.umflint.edu/chemistry/

Chair: Dr. Robert W. Stach

Principal Secretary: Karol Scheitler

Supervisor of Equipment and Chemical Stores: Todd J. Toulouse

Laboratory Demonstrator: Monique Wilhelm

Professors Robert W. Stach; Assistant Professors Brian Buffin, Jie Song, Anselm Omoike, Jessica Tischler; Lecturers Pamela J. Coffin, Michael D. Gebler, Marina Ionina-Prasov.

Professors Emeriti: Dr. Harry H. Blecker, Dr. Virgil W. Cope, Dr. Robert M. Kren

Chemistry is unique among the natural sciences, because it has its own special viewpoint for examining matter and the changes that matter undergoes. The study of chemistry or biochemistry can prepare you for a career in chemistry or biochemistry or for further work in chemistry-related areas, such as materials science, one of the biomedical sciences, bioengineering, chemical engineering, food science, pharmacology, toxicology, oceanography or marine science. You may also use an education in chemistry or biochemistry to pursue admission to law, medical, dental, osteopathic or veterinary school or professional studies in other health-related areas. If you have a specific career goal, you should carefully read our offerings and choose the one that is right for you.

The American Chemical Society through its Committee on Professional Training has certified three of our programs or options: Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Environmental Chemistry. The address for the American Chemical Society is 1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 872-4589.

The Department adheres to the use of letter grades and their descriptions as set forth in the College of Arts and Sciences section of the Catalog. It should, however, be understood that the Department attaches the following advisory meanings to grades: “A,” approved without reservation for further work in the subject; “B,” approved for further work; “C,” or “P,” capable of further work; “D,” unready for further work; “E” or “N,” not accepted for further work. Students should be advised that two grades of “C-“ or worse in the progression of prerequisite courses leading to a particular course at the 300+ level will result in a Departmental review and possible refusal of admission to that course.

Department Mission and Program Assessment

It is the mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to provide its graduates, and all its students, with a core of chemistry-related knowledge and cognitive and material tool skills, on the basis of which they may make valid judgments, make reasonable predictions, and take actions as professionals. Another aspect of the Departmental mission is to develop the ability of students to work/study independently and to solve original problems through involvement in research projects with faculty. This is done through close interaction with students and a laboratory program that requires students to be intimately involved with experimentation. The Department participates in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at http://www.umflint.edu/assessment/.

Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry

Five concentration programs are offered: the General Program in General Program in Chemistry  with options in Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry (Bachelor of Science), the Program in Biochemistry (Bachelor of Science)  , the Honors Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry (Bachelor of Science) , the General Program in Chemistry (Bachelor of Arts) , and the Teacher’s Certificate Program in Chemistry (Bachelor of Arts) . A Minor in Chemistry  is also available.

The department also offers two-year programs in Pre-Pharmacy , Pre-Medicinal Chemistry , and Pre-Pharmaceutical Sciences . (See “Pharmaceutical Studies Information ”)