Why Study Chemistry?
Chemists study matter in its most basic forms鈥攁toms and molecules. By understanding these building blocks, we search for new ways to organize matter into life-saving medicine, space-age materials, and exciting consumer products. Chemistry majors can pursue rewarding careers in research, industry, medicine, education, and much more.
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Isabel Larraza
Dr. Isabel Larraza, professor of chemistry, wants her students to take an active role in their biochemistry education鈥攊ncluding designing new experiments and participating in teaching their peers in the classroom and lab.
Chemistry & Pre-pharmacy Clubs
Students with a general interest in chemistry or who are interested in becoming pharmacists are invited to join either or both the Chemistry and Pre-pharmacy clubs. The Chemistry Club regularly organizes outings and social events that bring students together in the name of increasing knowledge and having fun. Pre-pharmacy Club members plan service projects and training events which provide first-hand experience and allow students to work together outside of the classroom.
Interesting Classes
Learn the basics and dig deeply into chemistry topics that meet your particular interests:
- Organic Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
State-of-the-Art Facilities
In our modern, first-class chemistry labs, analytical instrumentation and integrated technology set the stage for learning. Highlights include:
- Shimadzu GC-MS
- Microwave Synthesis Unit
- Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 FTIR
- 300 MHz Bruker NMR
- Ocean Optics CCD-array UV-Vis
- Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence
Research Opportunities
As a chemistry major, you will have a number of opportunities to conduct original chemistry research with our incredible faculty, through industry internships across Chicago and summer research opportunities like the National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates program.
Graduate Schools
Many chemistry majors continue on to graduate school in a variety of disciplines. Recent graduates from North Park have gone on to the Purdue University, University of Oregon, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Ohio State University Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Michigan School of Public Health, and University of Indiana School of Medicine.
聽Where Alumni Work
- Behr Paint, Inc.
- Diebel Laboratories
- Electromotive Diesel
- Emergency Room Physician in Michigan
- High School Science Teacher in Minnesota
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
- United States Environmental Protection Agency
- Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals
- Dental Technologies Inc.
- Luminex Corporation