The Department of at Pacific Lutheran University is well-equipped to help you understand the many facets of chemistry in our lives. The PLU chemistry faculty has expertise in all of the major disciplines of chemistry: organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, polymer, and biochemistry. Our curriculum will prepare you for a job or for graduate study toward an advanced degree. An undergraduate degree in chemistry provides you with valuable thinking skills and practical training, whether your interests lie purely in chemistry, a related scientific field, or in an area you might think has nothing to do with chemistry (but almost certainly does!).

Curriculum

Our curriculum takes a traditional approach to the first two years of college-level chemistry. Students take two semesters of general chemistry in their first year followed by two semesters of organic chemistry in their second year. We find that this sequence gives students the solid foundation they need for success in later chemistry courses. It also highlights connections of chemistry to life and the world around us, and prepares them for study in related fields.

Students then take analytical chemistry and physical chemistry, and embark on other upper division courses including biochemistry, instrumental analysis, and advanced courses. Along the way, students prepare professional style written materials and give oral presentations about their work. All of our bachelors of science students apply their chemical skills to undergraduate research projects, as well. In sum, our curriculum trains students very well for either direct employment or graduate study in chemistry.