What is chemistry?
Explore this UC major to find out if it's for you
Chemistry is a versatile major that allows students to dip their toes into all professions related to science while completing their undergraduate degree. Offered through the College of Arts and Sciences, UC’s chemistry program offers plenty of opportunities for students—research experience, geographical advantage as a chemistry hub, and its personal education approach.
Considering chemistry’s versatility, students have a lot of decisions to make before entering the field. UC’s approach helps simplify decision making, according to undergraduate director Anne Vonderheide. Instead of the traditional path, UC requires students to gain exposure to various aspects of the discipline before choosing an area of concentration.
A customized approach
UC undergraduate director of chemistry Anne Vonderheide. Photo/Provided
“It teaches you, ‘Where do I fit within this field?'" Vonderheide said.
“You know, some students take organic chemistry and hate it; other students take organic chemistry and love it. And that happens with all the other fields,” she said. “So, I think that having that exposure to the different subfields in the major really helps to direct the student.”
This proved true for senior Alena Dorning. She arrived at UC in hopes of going to medical school and is entering her final year with her eyes on graduate school at UC.
“After being exposed to research, I officially decided that I would rather work in a lab every single day,” Dorning said.
Like other chemistry students at UC, Dorning found her love of labwork through required research that is part of the curriculum.
Access to top-rated research
UC senior in chemistry Alena Dorning. Photo/Emily Widman
UC is a Carnegie Classified Research 1 institution, which is considered to foster high levels of research among universities.
“Research in this department is cutting edge, and our undergrads have the opportunity,” Vonderheide said.
UC’s curriculum requires students to complete at least one to two semesters of research to graduate. With advanced technology and the most up to date resources, students have the chance to explore what areas of research speak to them and can use this knowledge to make choices regarding their career path.
“Students have the opportunity to participate in and learn from faculty who are intimately involved in cutting edge research in different areas of chemistry,” said Michael Baldwin, the interim department head and an associate professor in the chemistry department.
Cincinnati is home to many companies offering jobs for chemists, including Procter & Gamble, Medpace, Inc., The Shepherd Color Company and more. These established companies in the chemical industry provide in-field experiences while getting your degree, in addition to potential positions after graduation.
Take it from a graduate
Moriah Weese-Myers, a lab chemist and UC graduate student, spent three years working with The Shepherd Color Company, where she got to further explore her interest working in a lab.
“Cincinnati is a chemistry hub," she said. "There is a lot of chemical industry in the area, and as a result, if you are looking for a co-op or internship, it’s easy to find one that is local.”
Here are just a few areas of work graduates have pursued following graduation.
- Medical school
- Pharmaceuticals
- Biotech
- PhD Chemist
- US Food and Drug Administration
- Chemistry educator
A family-like atmosphere
UC’s mid-sized chemistry department is small enough to get to know everyone, and big enough to learn from many different perspectives.
“You have a core of probably 40-ish students in your major. You’re going to have people you can know and work with over the course of your four-year degree,” said Weese-Myers. “But it’s also not too small. You have people who are experts in every area.”
Baldwin added: “We’ve got the critical mass and all of the different areas of chemistry to be a comprehensive program, but it’s still small enough that people know and interact with each other,” he said. “It has a family feel.”
Knowing everyone means you get to know a little bit about everything. Chemistry students are encouraged to study everything, because chemistry makes up everything, said Vonderheide.
“Whatever you're drinking in that cup, your earrings, everything is chemistry. I mean, you can take it down to the atomic level and study it,” Vonderheide said. “It applies to everything.”
Featured photo at top: Woman working in laboratory. Credit/jarmoluk for Pixabay
By Emily Widman
Student Journalist, College of Arts and Sciences Marketing & Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
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