Chemistry Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do I need to succeed in this major?
If you're considering a chemistry major at CMU, 你应该有耐心, 持续的, inquisitive and have a desire to understand the world. You should always be willing to ask "why?" and then take the steps necessary to determine the answer. Dedication plays a big role as you commit to a problem until you find a solution. You should have strong mathematical skills, 尤其是在代数方面, and understand that mathematics is the language of chemistry.
How will I know if this major fits me?
Chemistry is everywhere, and a degree in chemistry can often be applied to almost any profession. If you're interested in being a physician, 兽医, 药剂师, 物理治疗师, or another medical profession, you can pursue a degree in chemistry. If your interests are more in line with the manufacturing of food, 化妆品, chemical or agricultural products, 你可以专注于化学. Even if you're interested in going to law school, you can initially earn a degree in chemistry, as you will gain knowledge in forensic science.
What can I expect to learn?
As a chemistry student at CMU, your classes will further cultivate skills in three fundamental areas:
- developing a deeper knowledge of chemistry
- having the ability to execute well-designed chemical experiments
- having the confidence to communicate the experiment's knowledge
You will gain a firm background in chemical theory, practical laboratory experiences, classical techniques of chemical analysis, and the formulation of chemical compounds. You will have hands-on laboratory experience so when you graduate, you will leave CMU with a strong ability to design experiments and collect, 分析, manipulate and communicate scientific information.
What technology will I use in this major?
Starting your freshman year, you are given opportunities to work with real scientific instrumentation. Throughout your major and senior research project, you will learn fundamental theory and gain first-hand knowledge of the operation of chemical instrumentation including pH meters, UV-Vis and IR spectrophotometers, 核磁共振光谱仪, and gas and liquid chromatographic systems. You also will have access to specialty instrumentation including an electrochemical system and a Karl Fischer Titrator for water analysis.
Will I have opportunities for internships and hands-on learning experiences?
作为一个化学专业的学生, you must complete a research project either with a CMU faculty member or in a summer research experience (sponsored by the National Science Foundation). 在任何一种情况下, you will have opportunities for internships with chemical companies if it fits your interests. 在过去, research projects and internships have resulted in students going to graduate school to earn a master's or Ph.D in chemistry, or students being offered full-time jobs once they graduate from the program.
What are CMU chemistry majors saying about their experience?
“我喜欢实验室. You get to practice what you've learned in a hands-on way and I feel more prepared for the real world because of this.——维奥莱塔·塞维利亚诺
"The best thing since coming to CMU as a chemistry major is probably how much fun I have actually had getting to know the people in the field, and getting the opportunity to have new experiences all the time. I wouldn't have chosen a different major looking back now.——米兰达·韦根
"The professors are inspiring and truly wonderful people. 卡内基梅隆大学, it is not uncommon to spend your morning with a professor trying to work through a difficult homework problem, 当天晚些时候, sit across from them in their dining room telling bad chemistry jokes.——凯蒂·多齐尔
"The chemistry department's lessons shape a strong foundation of lab experience and knowledge to excel in today's market. The chemistry faculty helped me grow by creating an atmosphere ideal for developing essential tools for the world of chemistry." - Ryan Bernard, CMU alumnus
What are CMU students who graduated with this degree doing now?
Students who have graduated with a chemistry degree from CMU have gone on to professional schools in areas such as medicine, 药学与护理学. Many graduates are working in the chemical industry, primarily in the production of pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals. Some graduates even work for the Missouri State Highway Patrol crime lab as criminalists, 分析药物样本. Others work for research reactor centers, or as chemistry teachers.
Who can I speak with for more information about this major?
For additional guidance and information about the chemistry major, contact CMU's 招生 Department at 660-248-6251, 免费电话877 - cmu - 1854, or admissions@courtsidecafe.net.
