Department of Chemistry

When you were younger, was “why?” your favorite question? Do you like to take things apart to see how they work? Are you a curious and creative person? If so, chemistry may be a field that suits you well. Chemists work in a variety of industries, including the pharmaceutical, biotech, geological, and medical fields. The role of the chemist is to study matter at the atomic level. If you major in chemistry, you will use theory and experimentation to learn about physical substances. Chemistry may be a good fit for you if you want an active profession that involves more lab work than desk work. However, chemistry can lead into a variety of academic and industry positions.

Overview

Point Loma’s chemistry department has developed a strong reputation over the past 40 years. Small classes and deliberate faculty mentoring provide students the knowledge and confidence to pursue their career goals. At PLNU, we understand that chemistry is a laboratory science. Almost all courses in the major have a significant laboratory component. You will learn science by doing science. You will also become very familiar with the instrumental tools of modern chemical investigation.

Undergraduate research has, and continues to be, the hallmark of the Department of Chemistry at PLNU. You will learn to think like a scientist as you tackle your own research projects. Undergraduate research requires funding and the chemistry faculty has been very successful in competing for public and private grants (the total exceeds $2 million). As remarkable evidence of loyalty and support, department alumni also contribute nearly $30,000 annually to partially fund the kind of research from which they themselves benefited. Students, faculty and alumni connect in significant ways to make the chemistry education at PLNU a respected and vital experience.

Special Features:

• More than 200 students have had the opportunity to work side by side with faculty in our summer research programs.
• Many students have been published as co-authors in peer-reviewed professional journals. More than 75 such articles have been published since 1965 as part of the chemistry department undergraduate research program.

Career Opportunities:

Chemistry majors often enter fields such as: medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, business management, environmental regulation, forensic science, or science journalism. More than 80 percent of students who apply to medical schools are accepted (almost twice the national average). Higher percentages are accepted into Ph.D. programs in chemistry and related fields. PLNU alumni can be found on the faculty of numerous medical schools and universities. They are also making important contributions in school classrooms and industrial labs.