Chemistry
Why Choose Our Program?
The Department of Chemistry and Physics offers both a major and minor in Chemistry. The chemistry major at JU is designed to provide students with a strong, broad-based conceptual understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry to foster effective, lifetime learning. The chemistry minor provides students pursuing another career in the sciences with a solid background in chemistry. These programs prepare students for careers or graduate studies in chemistry-based fields including education, engineering, environmental science, forensic laboratories, geology, industry, medicine, and regulatory agencies.
ChemistryAbout the Major
The Chemistry major Biochemistry track is designed to provide both the conceptual framework and the practical experience necessary to prepare students for careers in the biomedical field, chemistry or related fields, as well as graduate school in Biochemistry. In addition, this major provides excellent preparation for students planning to attend medical, dental, or pharmacy school upon graduation. This track also provides flexibility for a student who might want to earn a double major. Students will:
- Develop a strong, broad-based conceptual understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry.
- Master specific laboratory techniques in analytical, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry.
- Apply conceptual learning and lab techniques through undergraduate research experience.
- Analyze, criticize and summarize research projects from inception to completion.
- Develop scientific communication skills in both oral and writing though publication and presentation, in both course work and professional venues.
- Execute critical thinking skills through related coursework and research experience that will enable problem-solving abilities.
About Our Minor
The Chemistry minor is a great addition to a degree program for any student wanting to pursue a career in the sciences. While successfully paired with any major on campus, the majority of our minors major in biology, marine science, physics, math and computing science. The 20-credit minor provides a solid foundation in chemistry with 12 credits of required courses and 8 credits of upper-level chemistry electives.
Bachelor in BiochemistryCareer Paths
Graduates from JU’s Chemistry programs have found success in a variety of careers. Many go on to graduate and professional schools, specializing in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and neuroscience. Some of the employers JU Chemistry alumni work with include Task, Merck & Co., South Florida Water Management, Jackson Memorial Hospital, and Exxon.
A degree in Chemistry prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of field, including:
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- Chemical Analysis
- Molecular Biology
- Education
- Forensics
- Medical Research
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Preparation
- Toxicology
- Environmental Science
- Science Journalism
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pharmacy
Featured Alumni
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Alumni Spotlight
Meet GiGi Arias: From Jacksonville University Chemistry to Emory University PhD program
GiGi reflects on how personalized attention, high academic standards, and community helped propel her through the Chemistry major at Jacksonville University, working on COVID-19 diagnostics after graduation, and on to a PhD program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology at Emory University.
Meet Louise Persson: From international student-athlete at JU to a PhD Biochemistry program
Years after graduating from Jacksonville University with a chemistry degree where she made life-long friends on the golf team, Louise shares how the chemistry curriculum and undergraduate research set her on a path to becoming a research scientist. Louise went on to earn a master’s degree back in Sweden at Uppsala University, where she is now a PhD student researching biomolecules as a computational biochemist.
Meet Yuriah Cook: From Chemistry Senior to Pharmacy Doctoral Student
Two weeks before graduating with a chemistry degree at Jacksonville University, Yuriah shares how small class sizes helped him develop as an individual and a scientist, and touches on his curious mind, his mother’s influence, the chemistry major at JU, and his research experience at Mayo Clinic. Yuriah entered the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Auburn University three months later.
Meet Antonio Espinosa: From Jacksonville University Chemistry to UConn School of Medicine
Antonio shares his journey at Jacksonville University as a first-generation college student as he gets ready to fulfill his childhood dream of attending Medical School two months later. He explains how his JU degree is more than the sum of its parts through individualized attention, lab experiences, and undergraduate research.
Request for Information
Contact Information Department of Chemistry & Physics
Merritt Penticoff 132
Jacksonville University
2800 University Blvd N
Jacksonville, FL 32211
Phone: (904) 256-7325