There are many reasons to study chemistry, just a few of which are listed here. The bottom line is that chemistry is an exciting and challenging field and Otterbein has a strong and supportive environment that will prepare you for a successful future.
Some of the reasons for studying chemistry or biochemistry include:
The chemistry and biochemistry majors are excellent preparation for many careers.
Chemistry is a fundamental science and therefore serves as a solid foundation for further study or work. Regardless of your chosen career path, the rigorous study and skills you learn earning a chemistry degree will serve you well. For example, recent Otterbein Chemistry and Biochemistry graduates have gone on to:
As a chemistry or biochemistry major you will develop skills that employers seek.
Employers are seeking motivated employees that have strong communication skills, have the ability to work independently, and yet can also work effectively in a group. As a chemistry or biochemistry major you will learn to communicate the results of your library or laboratory work both in written and oral form. You will learn to work in groups together with other students both in class and in lab. Modern instrumentation and computers are integrated into classes and laboratories and you will learn to use these tools to answer important questions. Finally, advanced laboratories and independent research will teach you to research and solve problems on your own.
Chemistry is challenging.
Chemistry is not for everyone, but the excitment is in the challenge. If you decide to major in chemistry or biochemistry and succeed, you will have the confidence to attack and solve problems both in chemistry and other areas as well.
Chemistry is FUN!
Chemistry is an exciting and rapidly changing experimental science. As a chemistry student at Otterbein, you will learn chemistry by doing, performing hands-on experiments, using modern instrumentation, and even designing your own experiments. Many students work one-on-one with faculty on an undergraduate research project where they learn to work independently.
The ACS Student Affiliates group plans activities every quarter such as tie-dying lab coats, chemical demonstrations for elementary students, tutoring, and tours of local chemical research labs. As a student you will decide how you want to get involved.
Chemistry is fundamental.
Look around you - chemistry is everywhere in our modern society. Plastics, foods, cosmetics, medical diagnostics, microchips, the environment, genetic engineering... Learning chemistry gives you a unique and powerful perspective on understanding the world around you.
Otterbein has a strong program that is approved by the American Chemistry Society.
The American Chemical Society has reviewed and approved the program and curriculum at Otterbein. What does this mean? This means the faculty, staff, curriculum, and facilities have been reviewed extensively to ensure that the program is up-to-date. The ACS-approved chemistry major meets the requirements set by the American Chemical Society and is comparable to an ACS-approved major at any school in the country.
Otterbein has a strong chemistry program. All five full-time faculty have Ph.D. degrees from major research universities. The department is well-equipped with modern instrumentation.
At Otterbein you have the opportunity to learn chemistry in a personal and supportive environment.
Otterbein is an environment where you will work one-on-one with the faculty to learn the fundamentals of chemistry. You will know all of your professors personally. The faculty are available and eager to help you both with specific questions about chemistry and larger questions about career development.
