Chemistry & Biochemistry at St. Edward’s University
Chemistry and your future
The SEU Chemistry department offers students a range of options including degrees in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Chemistry. These degree plans all share a common core covering the principles, theories and skills central to the discipline. This foundational core is then supplemented with both Chemistry and support courses unique to that specific degree. Each degree is designed to prepare the student to succeed in industry, graduate school or in a variety of pre-professional programs. The Biochemistry degree plan, with its extensive Biology support curriculum, is specifically designed to prepare the student for admission to, and success in pursuing, programs in medicine and dentistry.
Beyond the classroom
Majors have the opportunity to participate in a fully funded undergraduate research program where they collaborate one on one with faculty to solve real world problems using advanced instrumentation in state-of-the-art facilities. Students and faculty regularly present their research at regional and national meetings and have co-authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. In addition, local industry partners offer opportunities for paid summer internship experiences where majors learn first-hand how to apply their chemical knowledge within a professional environment.
Our Degree Programs
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Forensic Chemistry
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental Chemistry
These degrees prepare students for employment in industry, graduate study and professional programs such as medical and dental school.
Alumni and Department News
Everardo Macias, BS Chemistry 2001
Associate Professor of Pathology, Duke University
Welch Foundation Equipment Grant Awarded:
The Chemistry Department received a $75,000 Robert A. Welch Foundation Equipment grant to fund a new Nanalysis 60mHz Pro Benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) system, with 1H, 13C and 19F capabilities. This advanced instrumentation provides students with hands-on experience in analyzing molecular structure and dynamics. The grant proposal was co-authored by Dr. Mariana Ocampo and Dr. Eamonn Healy.
Research and Internship Opportunities
The Chemistry department has an active, externally funded research program. Majors are encouraged to join faculty led research groups and present their findings at professional conferences. Paid six- and eight-week summer research experiences are offered. Additionally, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (i4) offers paid in-workplace internships that help students gain valuable practical experience as they move forward academically and professionally.
American Chemical Society Student Chapter
The SEU American Chemical Society (ACS) student chapter is a professional organization focused on enhancing student networking with professionals in the field, exploring careers in chemistry, and building a sense of community with people who love Chemistry. The ACS student chapter works closely with the Department of Chemistry in coordinating its annual guest speaker series and volunteering for chemistry-focused community events.
Majors
Biochemistry
Take the first step toward a career in pharmaceutical research or medicine with a degree in Biochemistry.
Chemistry
Develop innovative solutions to problems in health, materials and energy usage with a major in Chemistry.
Environmental Chemistry
Examine the impact that chemical substances have on the earth’s ecosystems by building your knowledge of both chemistry and environmental science.
Forensic Chemistry
Majoring in Forensic Chemistry will give you a solid background in chemistry, forensics and criminal justice that you can apply to fields in law enforcement, public safety or private enterprise.