Chemistry and Biochemistry

Kim Pamplin, Chair
ACU Box 28132
Abilene, Texas 79699-8132
Onstead Science Center, Room 256

Phone: 325-674-2176
Fax: 325-674-6988
Email: pamplin@acu.edu
Web: www.acu.edu/chemistry

Faculty

Eric Hardegree, Professor Emeritus
Kathleen Lee, Assistant Professor
Gary Mabry, Instructor
Kim Pamplin, Professor
Cynthia Powell, Associate Professor
Gregory Powell, Professor
Perry Reeves, Professor Emeritus
Brad Rix, Associate Professor
Aaron Robison, Assistant Professor
Autumn Sutherlin, Professor

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. A Bachelor of Arts degree in biochemistry is also offered. The department works with the Department of Teacher Education to offer teacher certification in chemistry, physical science and composite science. A “fast-track” cooperative degree in biochemistry is available for students who wish to enter professional school after three years at ACU (see the Interdisciplinary section of the catalog. A minor in chemistry may be added to other majors.

Introduction

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has the finest facilities, including more than a dozen undergraduate and research laboratories, and an outstanding faculty, of whom all full-time members hold a PhD. The undergraduate program has been approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) since 1971.

A major in chemistry or biochemistry prepares a student for a wide variety of work opportunities. Advancing the frontiers of chemical and biochemical knowledge through research can be accomplished in an academic or industrial setting. Alumni teach chemistry and other sciences at any level from grade school through university. Chemists and biochemists work in areas of biotechnology, polymers, forensics, environmental monitoring and remediation, and also in the petroleum, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries. More than 125 scientists have earned their Ph.D. degrees after majoring in chemistry or biochemistry at ACU.

Health professions such as medicine and dentistry require an understanding of chemistry and biochemistry as a basis for advanced study. More than 247 physicians, dentists, and other health professionals have majored in chemistry or biochemistry at ACU as a part of their pre-professional training. In addition, law schools and business schools readily admit individuals with strong science backgrounds to their graduate programs.

To help students better tailor their undergraduate program to eventual career goals, the department offers ten degree programs. Bachelor of Science programs in chemistry (ACS track) or biochemistry (ACS or standard tracks) are designed for students who plan a career as a professional chemist or biochemist, or those who intend to work toward a graduate degree. The BS degrees in chemistry and biochemistry (ACS tracks) are designed to comply with ACS guidelines. The BS degree in physical science teaching includes three tracks that allow students a range of options. The chemistry teaching track focuses specifically on chemistry and leads to the chemistry teaching certification. The physical science track leads to the physical science certification and adds more physics, astronomy, and geology, equipping students to serve in a variety of physical sciences. The composite science track enables students to seek broad preparation including biology and physics in addition to chemistry and leading to the 8-12 certification. The BA degree in biochemistry and the BS degree in biochemistry (biomedical science track) are designed for students who are preparing to enter professional schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy or optometry, or for those who wish to enter the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industries. The BS degree in biochemistry also includes a pre-veterinary track that includes all prerequisite courses necessary for graduates pursuing veterinary medicine in Texas. A “fast-track” cooperative degree in biochemistry allows students to enter professional schools after three years at ACU.

Study Abroad Expectations

All students are encouraged to participate in ACU’s Study Abroad program. Classes offered at Study Abroad sites vary depending on the site. Academic advisors can assist students in planning ahead for their Study Abroad experience and should be consulted during the freshman year.

Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS)

Admission Requirements

Before being admitted to the program in chemistry or biochemistry, a student must satisfy the requirements listed in the ACT/SAT Placement Information section of this catalog.

Cooperative Bachelor of Science Degrees (BS)

ACU awards the bachelor’s degree with a biochemistry track to certain qualified students who have satisfactorily completed three years of prescribed work at ACU (a minimum of 104 hours) plus one year at a recognized professional school. See the Health Professions Cooperative Degree in the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this catalog for complete course requirements.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Biochemistry, BA (BCHA)

Bachelor of Science

Minor

Chemistry Minor (CHEM)

Courses

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Geology

GEOL 111 - Introduction to Geology