Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Location: Herrmann Science Center 204F
Telephone: 859-572-5409
Fax: 859-572-5162
Email Address: chemistry@nku.edu
Web Address: http://nku.edu/chemistry
Department Chair: K.C. Russell
Other Key Personnel:

Academic Advisor/Retention Specialist: PJ Ball
Department Coordinator: Christine Yankovsky
Stockroom Manager: Kris Mason
Laboratory Coordinator: Jim Wilkinson

Full-Time Faculty: P.J. Ball, Charlisa Daniels, John Farrar, Gwen Fields, Kebede Gemene, Michael Guy, Patrick Hare, Molly Hopper, Isabelle Lagadic, Lili Ma, Diana McGill, Amber Onorato, Betty Russell, K.C. Russell, Cat Shelton, Bradley Sieve

Thinking about the discipline: Students who choose to major in chemistry are inquisitive and good problem solvers. A degree in chemistry prepares students to become professional chemists and biochemists and to enter graduate programs or professional programs such as medical, pharmacy, dental, veterinary, and law school. Graduates from NKU’s chemistry & biochemistry program are successful industrial and environmental chemists, forensic scientists, physicians, pharmacists, college professors, and high school teachers. Some graduates choose unconventional career paths such as pharmaceutical and medical equipment sales, public health administration, and even banking or finance. In short, the training students receive in this rigorous, student-centered curriculum prepares them to be successful in any field that requires creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Special opportunities for our students: Students interested in chemistry & biochemistry have many opportunities outside the classroom where they can apply their skills and interests. The department is extremely well equipped to support faculty-student collaborative work, and the department strongly encourages students to work with a professor on an undergraduate research project. Students can participate in several different vibrant research groups as well as regional internship experiences. The department also provides several international opportunities. The department has a very active student group, the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society, as well as an honor society, Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society (www.gammasigmaepsilon.org).

Special admission requirements:  There are no specific admission requirements for the programs in this department.

You should also know: Many upper-level labs require completion of CHE 391W Chemical Information and Writing - WC (3 credits)  as a prerequisite, so students are encouraged to take this course in their sophomore year. For all major tracks in chemistry, students must take a minimum of 9 hours of chemistry courses at NKU, 1 credit hour of which must be CHE 400 Chemistry Seminar (1 credit) .

Pre-Professional programs: **

• Pre-Dental  
• Pre-Medical or Physician Assistant  
• Pre-Optometry  
• Pre-Pharmacy  
• Pre-Physical Therapy  
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine  

**These areas may be selected by majors in the B.S. General Chemistry, B.S. Biochemistry, or B.A. Chemistry tracks, and more information is found in the pre-professional section of the catalog.

Programs

• Chemistry, B.A.
• Chemistry, B.S.

• Chemistry Minor