Chemistry: Chemical Technology

Major

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

In the chemical technology concentration, you'll take a closer look at the techniques needed to study chemical substances and develop new materials.

Courses in spectroscopy and bioanalytical techniques will teach you about the structure of molecules, while classes such as polymer science will show how to synthesize various materials.

You'll begin your studies with core courses in science and math. You'll also engage in hands-on research and work one-on-one with recognized experts. For 50 years, our capstone program has paired students and faculty on meaningful research. It's the only program of its kind among Michigan's public universities. Since its inception, hundreds of students have completed capstones. Many have gone on to publish their findings in peer-reviewed publications and present their research at national meetings.

While the capstone is a reflection of your own passion and interests, you won't be on your own. You'll be guided in the process by a faculty mentor who will steer you toward success. You'll also present a research poster, write a thesis and have the chance to present your research.

Employers will tell you that this kind of independent research builds the analytical skills they're looking for. You'll find that no matter what you study, our faculty are focused on your real-world success. The things you learn will have practical use, whether you pursue an advanced degree or a career right out of college.

Program Highlights

Our American Chemical Society-certified program gives you the opportunity to:

• Join the student chapter of the American Chemical Society, recognized for excellence for eight years in a row.
• Participate in student-faculty projects. Previous projects have resulted in a method to capture and process mercury from coal-fired power plants, and developing a chemical compound that filters cancer-causing perchlorates from water.
• Learn in the four-story, 60,000-square-foot Dow Science Complex, with its 20 faculty labs. It supports NMR spectrometry, radioactive materials research, and mass spectrometry and spectroscopy.