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Academics Chemistry

Chemistry

Small class sizes, along with excellent science facilities and instrumentation, create an environment in which chemistry students can engage in hands-on, experiential learning through diverse research projects in collaboration with professors.

Academics

  • Majoring in chemistry is designed to develop a broad and thorough understanding of the fundamentals of the discipline. A study of chemistry is one of peering into our Lord’s “invisible attributes” as He has revealed them through creation – molecules, atoms, and chemical reactions.

    Students gain a solid foundation in the concepts and applications of chemistry, as well as perform research alongside faculty or plan and accomplish their own independent analysis. Students can take advantage of laboratory experiences that will make them attractive candidates for competitive internships and prepare them for graduate school and careers in medicine, education, business, manufacturing, natural resource management, and government. Faculty members work together to give students an interdisciplinary view of science, enabling the pursuit of research.

    What Makes the Program Distinctive?

    Students in WLC’s chemistry program can gain experience doing scientific research alongside faculty in Generac Hall. Students also collaborate with faculty and student researchers from other programs to give their research additional scope. Chemistry majors actively engage in scientific research with professors, all of whom hold a doctorate degree and have made meaningful contributions to the field.

  • ACADEMICS AND RESEARCH

    Student Research

    WLC's chemistry students conduct experiential research alongside respected chemistry experts. Students have worked on industry-research collaborations funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and National Science Foundation. WLC chemistry majors have previously been published in respected science journals, an opportunity not often available to undergraduate students.

    State-of-the-Art Facilities

    The chemistry department is located in Generac Hall. This 81,700-square-foot facility allows undergrads to experience state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that students at many other institutions would not have access to until graduate school.

    BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

    Field Research

    WLC chemistry students have an opportunity to conduct research both in the lab and in the field. Previous projects include improving water quality in constructed wetlands, studying Ag nanoparticle effects on zebrafish, constructing printed sensors, performing stop-flow kinetic measurements, and experimentation with sulfonamides.

     

    International Competition

    Wisconsin Lutheran College students have participated in iGEM - the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition - for the last three years. Participation usually involves lab work with synthetic biology, and education initiatives. Last summer, a team of WLC students focused on modifying a strain of E. coli in the lab for their research on bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In the end, the team earned a gold medal and received honorable mention at the iGEM competition in Boston. 

    GRADUATE SCHOOL AND CAREERS

    Graduate School

    WLC chemistry majors often continue their education at such schools as Marquette University, Medical College of Wisconsin, Purdue University, University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin. A WLC chemistry degree, along with experience in undergraduate research, provides a solid educational foundation upon which one may succeed in graduate classes.

    Careers

    WLC chemistry majors are enjoying respectable careers in companies across the country, such as Bio-Key Engineering, Dow Chemical, and National Oilwell Varco. WLC grads also work at the Medical College of Wisconsin, located across the street from WLC's campus. 

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