The Chairman’s Welcome to the Department of Chemistry

The Undergraduate Handbook provides information to undergraduate students entering the Department of Chemistry as well as others who would like information about the department. The department consists of faculty, staff and students working together toward education in the chemical sciences and creating new knowledge through research. Some of the questions you have will be addressed in this Handbook; sections include links to course descriptions and faculty research, requirements for the Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry programs, and a discussion of undergraduate research opportunities. I strongly encourage you to contact the Undergraduate Office (363 NSC) or Professor James McIver, Director of Undergraduate Studies, for elaboration or answers to questions not answered herein.

We call your attention to an active colloquium series in the Department and a University-organized annual Open House designed to introduce potential newcomers to the University at Buffalo. The honors and awards conferred by the Department are also denoted, as are the career opportunities available to our graduates.

Floor plans of the Natural Sciences Complex are included for your information.

I hope that you find the handbook both useful and informative. Even more importantly, I hope you will avail yourself of the opportunity to get to know our faculty better during your stay at the University. The Department of Chemistry assigns a faculty “mentor” to every major. The mentor can be a valuable source of information, if used by the student. The Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society also provide an opportunity to meet faculty and other undergraduate Chemistry majors. This active and dedicated group of undergraduate students sponsors a number of departmental parties and events throughout the academic year.

It is my hope that your stay at UB will be enjoyable and productive. During your time in the Department of Chemistry, you can always contact me if you have problems or need further information.