AMERICAN UNIVERSITY
	Dept. of Chemistry - Profile

Chemistry is the science that deals with the composition of materials, their structures and properties, the transformations they undergo, and the energy changes that accompany these transformations. Areas of study include general, organic, medicinal, physical, analytical, and inorganic chemistry, as well as biochemistry and earth science.

Accredited by the American Chemical Society, the department offers programs leading to B.S. degrees in Chemistry or Biochemistry, and the M.S. degree in Chemistry. Besides training for a career or graduate study in chemistry, bachelor's students are prepared for medical or dental school, engineering programs, and other careers where technical expertise is needed. The department provides a personal, congenial environment where both male and female students can develop and pursue a flexible program of study designed to fulfill individual interests and needs. Full-time faculty teach the majority of courses at all levels and work one on one with students doing research.

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects at all levels. The Schwartz fellowship supports two or three undergraduates who wish to do research in the department during the summer. Graduate students are supported by teaching assistantships or stipends from research grants. Washington, DC is a center for scientific research, and our students have the opportunity to attend seminars and use the research facilities at area laboratories such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly the National Bureau of Standards).

The department of chemistry website is maintained by Dr. Albert Cheh.  Last update 03/04/04.