Chemistry & Biochemistry

Chemistry deals with the basic laws of the physical world and the investigation of the composition and properties of matter. The application of these laws to specific areas has resulted in many discoveries which make our lives more comfortable, healthy and productive.

Chemistry and biochemistry majors at the University of Delaware benefit from all the resources of a leading graduate research program combined with the department's strong and obvious commitment to undergraduate education. The diversity of the course offerings and the opportunities to become involved in faculty research present students with more choices and degree options than they would find at a smaller institution. Every major works with a faculty advisor to select the courses that best fit his or her academic and career objectives, and each faculty member reserves a role for undergraduate participation in his or her professional research. The department is also very active in the Intercollegiate Student Chemists' Association (ISCA), and several majors usually present papers and receive awards at the ISCA annual convention.

The standards of Delaware's chemistry and biochemistry department are quite high. Its Bachelor of Science in Chemistry curriculum is one of about 600 programs nationwide to be certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and Delaware regularly ranks among the top 25 schools in terms of the number of certified degrees awarded each year. Delaware students generally score, on average, above the 85th percentile on ACS standardized tests. The certified degree entitles students to receive advanced standing in leading graduate school programs and additional professional opportunities.

The department has also been very successful in maintaining a dynamic program that incorporates the latest discoveries and methods in the science. It is one of the few departments to offer an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, which is currently the fastest-growing aspect of the field. It was the first department in the country to offer an ACS-certified B.S. chemistry degree with an environmental concentration. Delaware takes pride in the number of female students and faculty members the chemistry and biochemistry department attracts. In both areas, the percentage of women meets or exceeds the national average.

With the new $20 million Lammont du Pont Laboratory (completed in the fall of 1993), a $10 million renovation of the south wing of Brown Laboratory (completed in 1995), and two major grants directed toward its undergraduate program ($1 million from Howard Hughes Foundation for enhancement of our biochemistry program and opportunities for minorities; $75,000 from the National Science Foundation, matched by the University, with further support from Hewlett-Packard, for new undergraduate instrumentation), the Department is well-poised to maintain its leadership position well into the 21st century.

Approximately 75 percent of chemists are employed in industry. The others work in academic settings and for nonprofit and government agencies concerned mainly with health and agriculture. Over half of all chemists are engaged in research activities, while many combine teaching with research or do administrative or production work. Employment opportunities exist in marketing analysis, inspection and pharmaceutical and industrial sales. The federal government hires chemists at the bachelor's level for materials research and for the development of fuels, medicines, quality control and analytical procedures. For further information, contact Dr. John Burmeister, 102 Brown Lab, 831-1130, E-mail: jlburm@chem.udel.edu..

Sample Job Titles

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 022 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

Some Employers of Chemistry & Biochemistry Majors

*pharmaceutical companies       
*state/federal government
*colleges/universities          
*chemical companies               
*food companies    		
*textile manufacturers
*newspapers and magazines	
*petroleum refineries             
*mining companies	
*food and drug administration          

Other Sources of Information

Vault Online Career Library
(provides extensive information about careers and companies/organizations; log in via Blue Hen Jobs)  

ACS Student Affiliate Chapter
Chemistry Department
(302) 831-8410

American Academy of Forensic Sciences
www.aafs.org

American Association for the Advancement of Science
www.aaas.org

American Chemical Society 
www.cen-chemjobs.org

Biochemistry Society
www.biochemistry.org/

Chem Jobs
www.chemjobs.net

Chemical Week Magazine
www.chemweek.com

Environmental Career Opportunities
www.ecojobs.com

HireRx.com
www.hireRx.com

Journal of Biochemistry
http://jb.oupjournals.org/

Journal of Chemical Education
http://jchemed.chem.wisc.edu/

Science Careers
http://sciencecareers.sciencemag.org

ScienceJobs.com
www.sciencejobs.com

The Riley Guide
www.rileyguide.com

Resources for Finding Employment

• Blue Hen Jobs -- Internships, Part-time, Summer, and Full-time Jobs -- All in one place
• Medical and Pharmaceutical Sales: How to Land the Job of Your Dreams (CSD 126)
• Job Opportunities - Health and Science (CSD 248)
• The Eco Guide to Careers that Make a Difference (CSE 450)
• Career Opportunities in Science (CSE 455)
• Careers in Science (CSE 455.5)
• Careers for Scientific Types & Others With Inquiring Minds (CSE 457)
• Great Jobs for Chemistry Majors (CSE 458)
• Opportunities in Chemistry Careers (CSE 460)
• Careers in Focus - Chemistry (CSE 460.5)
• Jobs in the Drug Industry (CSE 461)
• Careers in Focus - Biology (CSE 462)
• Opportunities in Biological Science Careers (CSE 465)
• Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, the Environment & Natural Resources (GS 30)
• www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Grad School Information, and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.

Last updated: October 22, 2009 (CH)