Courses & Advising in Chemistry/Biochemistry

Classes Advising Pre-Professional Coursework at UMM Study Abroad Education Licensure Textbooks for Fall 09

Classes in chemistry at UMM are challenging, but are taught by faculty who find teaching a great reward and are prepared to help students do their best. In addition, the Academic Assistance Center offers convenient drop in tutoring for many chemistry classes. Because multiple sections are offered for introductory classes, students and faculty alike get to know one another well. Upper-division classes are small, with a student-to-faculty ratio averaging around 10:1.

Curricular information about the Chemistry major and minor, the Biochemistry subfield and teaching licensure requirements can be found in the UMM Online Catalog. Current chemistry offerings and availability of courses can be found in the class schedule and at the course status site.

The faculty member with the primary responsibility for teaching each of the following courses in the Chemistry discipline's core curriculum is listed below, along with the chemistry electives being offered for the next two years.

*This is a new course that has not yet been approved for as an elective for the chemistry major.
** This class will replace (and be similar to) Macromolecules, but has not yet been approved.

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Advising for Chemistry and Biochemistry majors takes place through the one-on-one relationship with an academic advisor, assigned from among the chemistry faculty. Course and career choices are made in consultation with your advisor, who can guide you to undergraduate research opportunities, internships, directed studies or specialized studies in interdisciplinary areas such as forensic science, geochemistry or environmental studies. The Academic Advising website has a plethora of valuable information:

• Four year plans for the Chemistry & Biochemistry majors
• Worksheets listing all courses for the majors and minors

Pre-professional coursework at UMM. Many Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are interested in pursuing a career in the health sciences, including medicine. UMM prides itself on its top-quality advising, and advising for pre-meds is no exception. Professor Tim Soderberg is the Chair of our Pre-med Advising Committee and maintains the UMM Pre-Med Web Page.

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Study Abroad and the Chemistry/Biochemistry Major. Study Abroad is something every Chemistry/Biochemistry major should consider, although the number of requirements for the major and the sequential nature of these requirements means that Chem/Biochem majors will need to plan carefully for their study abroad experience. You will also need to start your planning early - preferably in your freshman year! Make an appointment to talk with Tim Soderberg, the Chemistry Discipline study Abroad advisor. You should also visit the Center for International Programs (231 Community Services) to let them know of your interest and look at the information they have available.

A short pamphlet with Study Abroad information for Chem/Biochem majors is available at the Center for International Programs, or you can download it here. In addition, the American Chemical Society has a very useful link for students considering studying abroad.

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Secondary Education Licensure. Many UMM Chemistry/Biochem majors are interested in teaching at the High School level. The fine folk in the Division of Education maintain a Licensure information website to answer all of your questions (with help from your advisor, of course!) about this career path.

Textbooks for Spring 2010 Classes

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