Chemistry

Explore science’s great connector in state-of-the-art labs with Ph.D. trained faculty.

Our American Chemical Society approved curriculum strategically combines chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses to make you a well-rounded, competent chemist. Classes and laboratories are taught by specialized faculty trained in the chemical sciences. You’ll work directly with modern equipment and instrumentation and have the opportunity to attend scholarly conferences starting as soon as your first year.

Upon completion of the degree, you’ll have a strong foundation of modern theory and laboratory skills for chemistry career options that include teaching, research and development, and management, as well as for advanced study in chemistry or medicine.

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Learn more about this offering designed for incoming freshmen in the sciences to strengthen math and chemistry skills before they enter classes.

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Learn in state-of-the-art facilities

The Stewart Science building is a five-story complex that houses several science departments and is home to newly renovated chemistry laboratories. The labs contain suites of advanced, modern equipment that all students have direct access to, where you can learn to troubleshoot and work independently.

Take advantage of opportunities

All Chemistry students have many opportunities to get involved in events, camps, labs, and organizations to enhance your research, networking, public speaking, and more. Each of our faculty members runs an active research program that you can join, encompassing topics such as drug discovery, pharmaceutical analysis, and analysis of coffee.

Make valuable connections

Each month, our students can attend the Society of Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh meeting to network with area professionals. Many of our students have made great connections through this experience.

Get involved in ACS

You can also become a member of the Waynesburg University American Chemical Society Student Chapter, which has been ranked as an outstanding chapter for the past nine years. You can get involved in one of the most active student chapters in the country, enabling you to make significant connections to your future professional life.

The Chemistry Major at Waynesburg University is an official "Approved Chemistry Program" as determined by the American Chemical Society.

As a chemistry student, you'll have countless opportunities to work with our student chapter of ACS.

Faculty Research News

Dr. Suyama was the recipient of the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, "Directed Evolution of Cytochrome P450 for Synthesis of Pyrrole Marine Natural Products."

The grant includes an award of $225,000 for his work that will involve undergraduate students at Waynesburg University.

For each year of the project, students can apply to be the RIBS (Research Initiatives in Biomedical Sciences) Scholar, which comes with a stipend for the research, as well as opportunities to present research locally and at national venues.

The goal is to supplement traditional coursework in biomedical sciences with novel and authentic research experiences to help prepare students for rewarding careers.

Grant details

Andrew Gordon, senior biochemistry major, has been selected as the first RIBS (Research Initiatives in Biomedical Sciences) Scholar for the fall 2021 semester.

As part of the RIBS Scholar award, Andrew will work ten to twenty hours per week in the lab in addition to his coursework, and he will be given the opportunity to present his work at local, regional or national scientific conferences.

Dr. Takashi Suyama and collaborators, including recent graduate Kimberly Taylor, were recently published in the Journal of Natural Products for their work involving the total synthesis of a marine natural product isolated from cyanobacteria. Taylor, a Jeffrey and Regina Taussig Ohio Honors Scholarship awardee and 2021 chemistry graduate, is pursuing a Ph.D. in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Taylor began work on this project as a sophomore and presented her findings at the virtual 2021 American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring Meeting. Dr. Suyama and Taylor collaborated with researchers at the Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of San Diego.

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Student Outcomes for Chemistry

Students will:

Develop a strong, well-rounded foundation in analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry and biochemistry, while learning to understand the connections between these areas.
Learn to reason analytically, applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to confidently approach questions as a scientist.
Gain practical and functional hands-on experience of commonly used instrumentation with an emphasis on interpretation of results, trouble-shooting, and understanding the underlying theories of operation.
Participate in research experiences that promote independent learning, build literature skills, develop creative thinking, and highlight the design and execution of novel experiments.
Develop superior communication skills through focused practice in writing lab reports, technical papers, oral presentations, and critically analyzing scientific articles.
Recognize, appreciate, and implement standard laboratory safety procedures, considering environmental concerns and acting in an ethical, professional, and responsible fashion.
Have the opportunity to integrate their studies of chemistry with the University’s mission of faith, learning, and service by participating in departmental activities and student organizations.

View the academic catalog to further explore the curriculum.

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Alumni and Student Testimonials

I have developed a personal relationship with many of the Chemistry faculty members. You can find me in their offices having long conversations about my life, my future plans, asking questions about the courses, and anything else.

Samantha Bruffy, Class of 2020

Events
Wed, Feb 1

Annual summer CSI Camp opens registration
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Academics
Tue, Dec 13

Waynesburg students inducted into national chemistry honor society
The Buzz
Fri, Dec 9

Prospective students learn about careers in chemistry at Waynesburg U. event
Academics
Wed, Dec 7

Waynesburg U.’s ACS Student Chapter receives national award

Chemistry

Chemistry majors participate in research and inquiry-based activities in a variety of settings to prepare for real-world problem solving.

Accelerated Start Program