State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

In pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, students receive a strong foundation in analytical, physical, organic, and inorganic chemistry before selecting one of three options leading to the degree: biochemistry and natural products, environmental chemistry, or natural and synthetic polymer chemistry.

Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry of Natural Products

This option stresses a chemical approach to problems in the life and health sciences. Students take advanced courses in natural products chemistry, chemical analysis, and biochemistry. Professional electives in physiology, chemical ecology, genetics, and molecular biology strengthen connections in the life and health sciences.

Research areas include the elucidation of chemical signals by which organisms communicate with each other, the role of trace metals in the growth of microorganisms, the origin and function of biologically active natural compounds, and synthetic biology and metabolic engineering for the production of value-added products and antimicrobial compounds.

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental chemistry stresses applications of fundamental chemical principles to describe and predict the behavior of chemicals in the environment. After obtaining a strong foundation in analytical, physical, and organic chemistry, students pursue advanced study in air and water chemistry:

• FCH 510 Environmental Chemistry I - Aquatic Chemistry
• FCH 511 Environmental Chemistry II - Atmospheric Chemistry
• FCH 515 Methods of Environmental Chemical Analysis

Professional Electives provide students exposure to environmental topics in health, engineering, biology, and sustainability. The senior year culminates in a senior research project undertaken under the supervision of one of the chemistry faculty. This gives students the opportunity to experience research ranging from laboratory work to field-intensive studies.

Natural and Synthetic Polymer Chemistry

Students take advanced courses in mechanisms of polymerization and polymer synthesis, physical properties and characterization of polymers, and laboratory techniques of polymer synthesis and characterization. Special topics courses in contemporary polymer and material science are available as electives. In addition, courses in carbohydrate chemistry provide a solid background for chemists planning careers in paper, plastic, high-tech, energy, membranes, and related areas. Biochemistry is an appropriate elective for students interested in the growth of biotechnologies while environmental chemistry complements this program for students interested in working on problems of biodegradation.