TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The department of chemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of Alabama has approved a new chemistry major track geared toward pre-professional health students.
The new chemistry major track for pre-professional health majors is designed to provide students hoping to continue their education in medicine, pharmacology, optometry, dentistry and veterinary sciences with the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree in chemistry that is tailored more to their individual areas of interest.
According to Dr. John Vincent, associate professor of chemistry at UA, students completing the chemistry major track will have met all the science and mathematics course requirements for admission to professional health schools, with the added benefit of reduced calculus requirements. Vincent said the response to the new track, which begins in the fall 2001 semester, has been strong.
“A number of our students at the University are interested in pursuing a degree in chemistry in preparation for entry into health-related programs in the future. However, many are not interested in the large number of calculus requirements that traditionally come along with the major,” said Vincent. “With this new major track, students are still provided with the chemistry background, which includes increased courses in biochemistry, but reduces the calculus requirements to one course.
“This, in turn, provides the students with a degree that is much more specific to their chosen field of pre-professional study, whether it be medicine, optometry, or any other. The student response thus far has been very positive, and we expect strong enrollment in this new track.”
In addition to the health professional track degree, the department of chemistry also offers the curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in chemistry degree, which is approved by the American Chemical Society. This chemistry program leads to the professional degree in chemistry, and it follows recommendations of the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training. It is planned for those whose chosen professions require a strong background in chemistry.
Therefore, persons planning on careers in chemistry or related areas — whether in industry, government, medical sciences, or university and college teaching — including those who plan to do graduate work in chemistry or closely related areas, are strongly urged to follow this curriculum.
Students who are interested in learning more about the new chemistry major track or about other programs offered by the department of chemistry are encouraged to contact Vincent at 205/348-9203, or via e-mail at: jvincent@bama.ua.edu.
Contact
Lance M. Skelly, UA Office of Media Relations, 205/348-3782