Chemistry is the central science connecting diverse areas of interest. Chemistry has played a pivotal role in understanding how enzymes function, developing methods for quickly sequencing DNA, creating new materials for advanced technological applications, studying the fate of pollutants in the environment, and even understanding the composition of interstellar gasses. With such a wide range of issues to be studied, chemists can always find interesting problems to address.
Due to the diverse subjects studied by chemists, chemistry majors have many interests and goals. Some enjoy simply working in the laboratory making unusual chemicals. Others have a burning interest in a specific area, for instance the effect of pollutants in the environment. Still others recognize that jobs for chemists are plentiful or that a strong chemistry background will help them in medical, pharmacy, or even law school. No matter what their goal, successful chemistry majors have an active interest in science and mathematics, enjoy working with their hands to perform experiments and build scientific apparatus, and are able to work independently where their persever-ance, curiosity, and ability to concentrate on detail is demonstrated.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Otterbein College is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), which means that a degree in chemistry from Otterbein is recognized nationally as meeting rigorous academic standards. Our curriculum emphasizes quantitative training and hands-on experience with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of chemistry, mathematics and physics courses are required along with chemistry courses. Besides coursework, students are encouraged to participate in research projects under the guidance of faculty members. This research can result in publication in internationally recognized scientific journals. Undergraduate students may also become ACS student affiliates, which allows them to utilize ACS career services, interact academically and socially with faculty and other students, and network with faculty and business people from around the country. These connections, along with the high-quality coursework and research opportunities at Otterbein College, open many doors for a student's future achievement.
