Chemistry is the science dealing with the composition and structure of substances and the transformations of these substances into new substances. The chemist attempts to identify naturally occurring compounds and also prepares and analyzes new materials which may form the basis of products useful to mankind. Xavier's chemistry majors, upon graduation, are equipped with knowledge of basic chemical principles and experience in careful observation, controlled experimentation and thoughtful analysis of scientific data. The department is very cognizant of the need to provide its students with the training necessary for advanced study in chemistry, for a career in chemical industry, or for one of the professional fields. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in chemistry degree enables students to enter into a master's or doctoral program or immediate industrial employment requiring an extensive background in chemistry. This program is approved by the American Chemical Society, enabling students to graduate as certified chemistry majors. The graduate who has completed the B.S. in chemistry will possess the necessary background for medical or dental school if the one-year course in General Biology has also been taken. Four Cool Classes: 1 General Chemistry A pre-professional course approved by the American Chemical Society for chemistry majors and … Continue reading →

Chemistry & Biochemistry Chemistry is central to our understanding of the world. Chemists propose and synthesize new materials, develop new and more efficient ways to make existing materials, and contribute to fields from molecular biology to astrophysics. We are a student-centered department committed to the teacher-scholar model. Teaching is central to our departments mission; we hire faculty who are passionate about teaching and highly trained in their area of specialization. We train our majors broadly across all areas of the central science, with significant coursework opportunities in biological, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry. Research plays a major role in the professional life of our tenure-track faculty. Our research programs support our teaching mission and provide students with practical, hands-on training in world-class chemistry research. Please see the individual faculty pages for more information abouttheir research. If you are a prospective student, a current undergraduate or graduate student, or alumni, you can click the links above to direct you to information about the chemistry department and resources to help you in your academic quest. Welcome to the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry! TCUs Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society was awarded an Outstanding Chapter Award for the 2013-2014 academic year. … Continue reading →

Tomas Lindahl, Paul L Modrich and Aziz Sancar are awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovery of how cells repair DNA and help it recover from punishments meted out by both body and environment. MORE Op-Ed article by Prof Oliver Sacks describes taking comfort in samples of elements that have marked his most recent birthdays, such as that of element 82, lead, and 83, bismuth, a birthday he does not believe he will see; reflects on finding solace in thinking of eternal things as he faces inevitability of his death. MORE Dr John Sutherland of University of Cambridge issues report offering his tested hypothesis that life on Earth may have emerged from chemicals that were present on the planet prior to existence of planet's first living cells; Sutherland's research grew from his discovery within last decade of chemical key to RNA, building block of living cells. MORE LiquiGlide, company begun by professor and students at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has developed coating for inside of packaging that keeps materials from glue to mayonnaise from sticking to it; product has potential to significantly reduce waste by allowing consumers to use entire contents of package. MORE Nobel Prize in Chemistry goes to … Continue reading →