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Programs
The curricula of the chemistry and biochemistry department are designed to provide students with a strong scientific training that will allow them to have successful futures in a diverse set of careers. Instead of narrowly tracking students toward rigidly defined paths, we work with each student to provide the necessary skills for their goals. A majority of our recent graduates have attended graduate or professional schools in the sciences or medicine, whereas others have pursued careers in the industrial/technological sector or as science teachers at the secondary level.
The department offers programs that lead to bachelor of science degrees in chemistry and biochemistry. Bachelor of arts degrees are also available in chemistry. Certification in chemistry education and general science education is also offered through our program. Students pursuing certification in chemistry education earn a chemistry degree prior to enrolling in the masters program in secondary education at Mercyhurst, which can then be completed as a 1-year or 2-year program.
The department believes one of its strengths is the undergraduate chemistry research opportunity. The student-centered research projects currently being investigated at Mercyhurst include the study of polymer applications in biomedicine, the use of carbon nanotubes in alternative energy applications, organic synthesis of novel molecules, a study of pollutants in the Lake Erie watershed and the computer modeling of explosives. Our students work directly with the faculty and regularly present their research results at regional and national conferences in chemistry.