Chemistry (BA, BS)

Chemistry is the study of the composition, structure properties and reactions of matter, so the study of chemistry is central to understanding many other scientific disciplines. All human activities deal with a material world, which consists of chemicals, both natural and manufactured. Chlorophyll, hemoglobin and insulin are examples of natural chemicals that are essential to life. The colors used by painters, the electronic components in computers and the active ingredients in modern medicines are examples of manufactured chemicals produced by chemists.

Chemistry is one of many excellent academic programs at Ohio State and is ranked as the best chemistry program in the state of Ohio. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has been ranked among the top chemistry departments in the nation by The National Research Council and U.S. News and World Report.

Request more information about this major

Academic Advisors

Mike Chang

chang.479@osu.edu
(614) 292-1204
Last names A-H
110 Celeste Lab
120 W. 18th Ave.

Mary Bailey

bailey.3@osu.edu
(614) 292-1204
Last names I-Z
110 Celeste Lab
120 W. 18th Ave.

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

The contributions of chemistry to modern society occur in such diverse fields as pharmaceuticals, polymers, agricultural chemicals, petroleum products and biotechnology. Chemistry also plays a role in cleaning up the environment, improving methods of producing, processing, and packaging food, and making automobiles safer and more fuel-efficient. Thus, a world of opportunities awaits the student who majors in chemistry.

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Website More Chemistry Courses

Chemists are employed in industrial, government and academic positions. Chemistry graduates find positions in research and development, analytical services, quality control, chemical sales, and marketing. Chemistry graduates with education credentials are in demand to teach in high schools and middle schools. Chemistry majors earning a Bachelor of Science degree often go on to graduate school to earn a master’s or PhD degree.

courses you might take:

CHEM 1100: Chemistry and Society

This course for non-science majors explores how chemical concepts interact with significant social, political, economic, and ethical issues facing society today. Topics include Climate Change and Global Warming, Energy of Fossil Fuels, Alternate Energy Sources such as Ethanol and Solar, Chemistry of Chocolate, Air and Water Quality, and Forensics.

CHEM 1210 & 1220: General Chemistry I & II

General Chemistry is a fundamental physical science course in which students study essential chemical principles and also conduct experiments with the knowledge learned from lecture. It covers dimensional analysis, atomic structure, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, electron configuration, bonding, molecular structure, phases, kinetics, chemical equilibrium, solubility, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry, etc.

CHEM 2510 & 2520: Organic Chemistry I & II

Through the study of Organic Chemistry, students will be given the opportunity to master a number of chemical concepts and problem‐solving strategies and to develop an understanding of the common functional groups, physical properties, bonding, structure and conformations, stereochemistry, preparation and reactions of organic chemistry.

Disease Detection Breakthrough

Disease Detection Breakthrough

RESEARCH

The question on the table is: What if testing yourself for cancer or other diseases were as easy as testing your blood sugar or taking a home pregnancy test?

“In a few years, it could be," said Abraham Badu-Tawiah (Badu), assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry, who developed a new, low-cost, proof-of-concept paper strip that can reveal the presence of malaria or cancer antigen in the blood.    

“People could apply a drop of blood on a paper strip, at home, mail it to a laboratory on a regular basis — and see a doctor only if the test is positive.”

Read More

Abraham Badu-Tawiah

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Undergraduate Chemistry Club

The Chemistry Club helps provide chemistry and science students with assistance in furthering not only their education, but also their exposure to opportunities within their field. This organization provides support by holding social events, inviting speakers, and doing outreach to encourage future generations to take interest in the sciences.

Learn More

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Chemistry majors are encouraged to enroll in Chemistry 4998 or 4999 (Honors) to obtain undergraduate research experience.  Students receive a grade for credit, rather than S/U ranking. Research projects are most productive when conducted through two semesters.  Contact a research advisor for more details.

Learn More

REEL

Research Experiences to Enhance Learning (REEL): The Ohio Consortium for Undergraduate Research (OCUR) is comprised of the chemistry departments of 15 educational institutions spanning the State of Ohio, including community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and research universities.

Learn More

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT STEP?

Future Students: Learn More

Schedule A Campus Visit

Take a Virtual Campus Tour

Continue Exploring

Top