Bachelor of Science Chemistry

• Students have the opportunity to pursue their own research project under the supervision of a faculty member. All chemistry courses include a significant laboratory component to provide students with experience using multiple instruments and performing multiple analyses.
• Student-faculty research is strongly encouraged, and opportunities for such are available across a wide variety of chemistry topics in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, environmental chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
• A major theme in the program is chemical and laboratory safety, as well as the consideration of the impact on the environment that chemical use entails.

Examples of specific careers often held by bachelor of science chemists are laboratory technician or chemist in quality control or assurance, chemical and process development research, synthesis research, or clinical laboratories; laboratory manager in quality laboratories; chemical or pharmaceutical sales representative; and high school chemistry teacher.

Examples of specific careers often held by chemists with a post-graduate degree are lead scientist in product or analytical development, principal researcher in primary research projects, group leader or manager in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, project director at contract research organizations, and university professor.

One opportunity students have to study the world around them is to perform research at the University's Wolter Woods and Prairies Environmental Stewardship and Retreat Center. Located near Sherrill, Iowa, about 20 miles from the University of Dubuque's main campus, Wolter Woods and Prairies is 121 acres of unglaciated land. The property was purchase by UD in 2020 and is home to a variety of mammals including fox, otters, and minks, over 90 species of birds like the yellow-billed cuckoo, owls, and pileated woodpeckers, three orchid species, and the threatened and endangered amethyst shooting star. Through fellowships, research projects include bat, bumblebee, flying squirrel, insect, orchid, small rodent, snake, and soil research. The property was also the site for class projects like GPS or water testing and service projects conducted by UD Web of Life and UD Fishing Club.

The Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship and John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship are competitive fellowships that help prepare talented undergraduate students across all disciplines for graduate or professional school. Prior summer research has included topics such as: Nature Versus Nurture of Behavior Health, Biodiversity and Ecological Assessment of Fruiting Fungi in Dubuque County, Analyzing Health Effects of Lead in Tap Water, Coinfection Rates of Two Tick-born Pathogens in Eastern Iowa, and Analysis of Macro and Microplastics Present in Sri Lankan Elephant Feces. Student will work with their advisors in determining the project and path of study.

"The Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship provide students with the opportunity to engage in one-on-one research with University of Dubuque faculty members to enhance their professional competence through post-graduate school examination preparation, communication skill-building, and professional networking so as to position themselves for success in their post-graduate studies and careers," said Mark Sinton, PhD, director of the Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship.

"The John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship program provides students with the opportunity to do research with University faculty or to partake in an internship within their intended profession. The program also helps fellows build professional relationships through mock interviews, networking, resume and cover letter design, and communication skill-building in order to enhance their post-graduate employment," said Mark Sinton, PhD, director of the John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship.

Fellows will commit 400 hours of work on their research over a 10-week period during the summer. They will each receive a stipend of $4,500 and an additional $500 for research-associated supplies or travel costs. Fellows are required to present the results of their research or internship during the following academic year at a local, regional, or national conference.

- 2022 Chlapaty Fellows to Conduct Research
- 2022 Butler Fellows to Conduct Research