About the Department
Chemistry is the science dealing with the composition and structure of substances and the transformations of these substances into new substances. The chemist attempts to identify naturally occurring compounds and also prepares and analyzes new materials which may form the basis of products useful to mankind.
Xavier's chemistry majors, upon graduation, are equipped with knowledge of basic chemical principles and experience in careful observation, controlled experimentation and thoughtful analysis of scientific data. The department is very cognizant of the need to provide its students with the training necessary for advanced study in chemistry, for a career in chemical industry, or for one of the professional fields.
The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in chemistry degree enables students to enter into a master's or doctoral program or immediate industrial employment requiring an extensive background in chemistry. This program is approved by the American Chemical Society, enabling students to graduate as certified chemistry majors.
To complete the B.S. degree in chemistry, 47 semester hours of analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, including an original investigation of a chemical problem beginning the junior year, are required. Students have many opportunities to present the results of their research to the department, to the university and at professional meetings. The program also includes 12 semester hours in mathematics and eight semester hours in physics.
The graduate who has completed the B.S. in chemistry will possess the necessary background for medical or dental school if the one-year course in General Biology has also been taken.
A liberal arts core curriculum consisting of courses in foreign language, history, fine arts, literature, philosophy, social science and theology is also required to strengthen and broaden the background of all Xavier students.
A minor in chemistry is earned by completing 19 credit hours of required chemistry courses. Students should contact the program director concerning specific requirements for the minor.
Facilities and Instrumentation
Logan Hall, location of the Department of Chemistry, contains classrooms, laboratories, offices, and associated service areas. The following major items of equipment are available for student use (a more complete list): a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (multinuclear, 300 MHz instrument), a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer, infra-red spectrometers, gas chromatographs, a multichannel analyzer, a high performance liquid chromatograph, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, an Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer, a recording polarograph, an automatic polarimeter, UV-visible absorption spectrometers, calorimeter, pH meters, oscilloscopes and nuclear counters. Computers throughout the building are connected to the university network and run several educational software pertinent to chemistry. These are in addition to the usual laboratory equipment.
Contact Us
Dr. Richard Mullins, Chair
Department of Chemistry
mullinsr@xavier.edu