Department of Chemistry and Physics

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Ron Darbeau, Head
Faculty: Archer, Boggavarapu, Bushnell, Christian, Courville, Donahoe, Douvris, McDonald, Merchant, Sampere, Sneddon, Stinnett

Purpose

The purpose of the Department of Chemistry and Physics parallels the purpose of the College of Science and of the University. The departmental programs are designed to implement the purposes of the institution. Specifically, the major goals of the Department are (1) to prepare graduating chemistry/physics majors for advanced study in graduate school or to qualify them directly for industrial positions, (2) to prepare graduating chemistry education majors for teaching positions or graduate study, (3) to provide professional training to enhance application for admission to medical school, (4) to offer a preparatory non-degree geology program, and (5) to furnish service courses for other departments.

Curricula

The program of the Department of Chemistry and Physics achieves these purposes by providing:

1. A complete curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with concentrations in Biochemistry, Forensic Chemistry, and Premedicine.
2. A minor in Physics and a concentration in Mathematical Physics offered under the Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematical Sciences.
3. Curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry Education, Grades 6-12. Note: Students interested in teacher education programs should see the department for advising.
4. Service courses to meet the needs of students whose majors are in other departments.
5. An interdepartmental program leading to the Master of Science degree in Environmental and Chemical Sciences.

Premedicine students should familiarize themselves with specific degree requirements of the institution(s) to which they may apply.

A suggested pregeology course of study can be obtained from the coordinator of geology.

A chemistry degree can be a useful foundation for admission to pharmacy school, and students interested in pursuing careers in pharmacy or a related field may wish to consider majoring in chemistry. McNeese State University, however, plays no role and has no control over the selection and admission of students to pharmacy schools. Students should carefully consider the precise requirements of the pharmacy school of their choice (see http://www.aacp.org for a listing) and ensure that all of those requirements are met in their chosen degree plan. The Chemistry Department will assist students in making course selections, however, the ultimate determination of course equivalency rests solely with the pharmacy school.

Information concerning graduate work in the Department of Chemistry and Physics may be found in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Graduation Requirements. Each student majoring in the Department of Chemistry and Physics must have earned at least a grade of “C” in all Chemistry courses and must meet all other graduation requirements listed in the Graduation Requirements segment of the Academic Regulations  section of this catalog.

All graduating seniors will be required to complete an exit survey form and/or participate in an exit interview designed at identifying program strengths and weaknesses and at gauging the student’s level of satisfaction with their undergraduate experience. Each graduating senior will be required to take the Major Field Test (MFAT) exam in chemistry.

Accreditation. The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society, 1155 Sixteenth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036; email: cpt@acs.org.

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