Bachelor in Chemistry

Bachelor in Chemistry

Become a teacher and inspire students to investigate the properties, composition, and structure of matter. Work for a pharmaceutical company and help develop new drugs to cure life-threatening diseases. Conduct chemical analyses at an industrial research lab. As a chemistry major at B.V.U., you’ll study the principal areas of modern chemistry, and learn to apply your skills to a variety of careers and contemporary challenges.

Through your studies, you will learn to think creatively, solve complex problems, and perform detailed analyses. Early on, you will put theory into practice through challenging coursework, internships and hands-on applications using cutting-edge equipment. You will also have the opportunity to carry out an extended research project in collaboration with highly qualified faculty, participate in a summer research experience at a major research institution, and present research at local and regional professional science meetings. There are two tracks in chemistry at B.V.U. – professional and liberal arts – allowing you to solidify your strengths, customize your career path, or continue on to graduate or professional school. The chemistry program also offers teaching licensure for grades 5-12.

Facilities

The Estelle Siebens Science Center is a 70,000 square-foot building with 18 laboratories and three research areas. As a chemistry student, you will have regular access to labs and will carry out experiments using state-of-the-art equipment owned by B.V.U.. Because all of the labs are located in the Science Center, they are easily accessible and professors are always on hand to show you how to use them. The chemistry program also maintains strong relationships with other area colleges and universities, allowing students access to additional technologically sophisticated equipment.

Equipment and laboratories available to chemistry students includes:

• Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscope (NMR)
• Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS)
• Confocal microscope
• FTIR infrared spectrophotometer
• HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatograph)
• Fluorescence spectrophotometer
• AUTOPOL II automatic polarimeter
• Optics Lab
• Gene guns
• Human Cadaver Lab
• Sterile hoods
• Labs full-equipped to study DNA and RNA
• Thermal cyclers
• UV and chemiluminescent imaging equipment
• Greenhouse with three environmental growth chambers

Who We Are

Welcome to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. Our picturesque campus covers 60 acres and is located on the shores of a 3,200-acre natural lake. Storm Lake has a population of just over 10,000 with an assortment of retail, entertainment and dining offerings for when you feel like escaping campus for a little while. BVU offers an engaging and collaborative educational experience. Enjoy a small classroom setting where you will learn about the world, life and yourself from professors who care about you and are invested in your growth. BVU’s top-notch faculty will use real-world examples alongside proven lessons to prepare you for success after you walk through the Victory Arch on graduation day. Outside the classrooms, you will have a variety of options to explore your interests and passions. From athletics and performing arts to politics and service, you have access to a multitude of resources and organizations so you can be actively involved in your community – on campus and beyond. Our wireless campus makes it easy to stay connected to class work and friends, whether you’re sitting in the library or lounging by the lake.

Beyond Storm Lake

Maybe you already have some college credit and want to finish your college degree in a learning-focused environment like ours, but need to stay closer to home. We have a solution. BVU has 15 locations in communities around the state, with our Graduate & Professional Studies program.