Chemistry and Chemical Engineering

Chairman: Pauline M. Schwartz, Ph.D.

Professors Emeriti: Peter J. Desio, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire; George L. Wheeler, Ph.D., University of Maryland

Professors: Michael A. Collura, Ph.D., Lehigh University; W. David Harding, Ph.D., Northwestern University; Michael J. Saliby, Ph.D., SUNY at Binghamton; Pauline M. Schwartz, Ph.D., University of Michigan

Associate Professors: Eddie Luzik, Ph.D., Bryn Mawr College; Arthur S. Gow III, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Assistant Professor: Nancy Ortins Savage, Ph.D., The Ohio State University

Lecturer: Eddie Del Valle, M.S., Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico

Visiting Instructors: Tiffany Hesser, M.S., University of New Haven; John G. Haggerty, Ph.D., Dartmouth College; Pier F. Cirillo, Ph.D., Boston University; Jeffrey A. Webb, Ph.D., SUNY at Stony Brook

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is to prepare a diverse student body for entrance into the chemical engineering and chemistry professions and for evolving professional careers, including graduate study and professional school.

The Department offers bachelor’s degree programs and minors in chemical engineering and chemistry.

Degrees Offered

B.S., Chemistry
B.S., Chemical Engineering

Jacob Finley Buckman Endowed Chair and Scholarships

The Jacob Finley Buckman Endowed Chair of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering was established in 1981 by Mrs. Clarice Buckman of New Haven in memory of her late husband, Jacob Finley Buckman, cofounder of Enthone Corporation. The Clarice Buckman Scholarships are awarded to juniors majoring in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers are creative problem solvers. They apply the fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and economics to the solution of practical problems and to the search for new knowledge. Traditionally, chemical engineers develop, design, optimize, and operate processes that convert material and energy resources into new or improved products. It was practitioners of this discipline who developed the technological infrastructure for industries such as chemicals, petroleum products, plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

Chemical engineers are at the forefront in implementing emerging technologies such as bioprocessing and biomaterials and nanotechnology. Chemical engineers are also concerned with the critical areas of resource depletion, energy conservation, pollution prevention and control, improved control of processes, and enhanced productivity. The major has also proven to be an excellent background for the study of law, medicine, or business.

Mission and Outcomes

The mission of the Chemical Engineering program is to prepare a diverse student body for entrance into the chemical engineering profession and for evolving professional careers. The following four program objectives have been set to achieve the program’s mission:

To graduate students who have the technical knowledge and professional skills necessary for the current practice of engineering.
To prepare students for technical careers that require a high level of interaction and communication with others and sensitivity to the broad social scope of engineering problems.
To prepare graduates to apply an organized approach to competently address problems and opportunities through careful problem formulation, critical analysis of inputs, creative solutions, and the ability to learn what is needed to solve the complex problem.
To assure that students have a firm understanding of the terminology, techniques, and methods employed by chemical engineers.

Based on the program objectives, ten program outcomes have been established:

Students can demonstrate the understanding of and an ability to apply concepts in basic science and mathematics and have a working knowledge of advanced chemistry.
Students can demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, assess results, and make recommendations regarding the outcome of their work.
Students can demonstrate proficiency in the use of computer tools typical of those used in the process industries for research, development, design, and operation activities.
Students can demonstrate the ability to function as integral members of multidisciplinary teams.
Students are aware that solutions to technical problems have wide-ranging effects on society. They can demonstrate the ability to incorporate consideration of such effects into their solutions.
Students can demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate technical ideas to a variety of audiences.
Students can demonstrate the ability to develop solutions to open-ended problems that achieve balance among competing constraints.
Students can demonstrate the ability to apply an engineering approach to the solution of problems.
Students can demonstrate the ability to think creatively and to extend their knowledge through independent learning.
Students can demonstrate the ability to apply the concepts of balances, rate, and equilibrium relationships and of process/product/equipment analysis and design.

Achievement of these four objectives and ten outcomes is assessed by a variety of means, including course evaluations, exit surveys, alumni surveys, and employer surveys.

Chemical Engineering Club

The Chemical Engineering Club has ties to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). The Club provides students the opportunity to socialize, meet chemical engineers working in the area, visit process plants, and participate in community projects.

Chemistry

Chemists are concerned with the structure and analysis of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Today’s chemists are solving problems and developing new substances with the increasing use of laboratory instruments. Many of these instruments are interfaced with computers for rapid data analysis and display.

Careers for chemists in today’s market include the rapidly developing fields of instrumentation; computers; energy; environment; forensics; medicine; biochemistry and biotechnology; safety and health; pharmaceutical, product, and equipment development; chemical engineering; plastics and polymers; synthetic fibers; industrial chemistry; technical sales and services; and management.

Objectives

The Chemistry program has the following educational objectives:

To provide a strong background in theoretical chemical principles and laboratory practice.
To develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
To develop the ability to communicate effectively.
To provide pertinent experience with chemical instrumentation.

Teaching Chemistry

Students interested in earning a teaching certificate in secondary education in chemistry may enter the graduate program at UNH. The B.S. or B.A. degree in chemistry is the best major for those planning to teach at the secondary level, but other related majors are also acceptable. Students interested in teaching science at the middle-school level need a variety of science courses, including chemistry. Please contact the Education Department for additional information.

Forensic Science and Chemistry Club

The Forensic Science and Chemistry Club is a student affiliate of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The Club is open to all students, and all chemistry and forensic science majors are encouraged to join. Club activities include field trips, community and University service projects, films, group discussions, and social activities.