A message from the Chair…

Welcome to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department at Rockford College. As the “central science”, chemistry has close ties to many areas of science, including biology, physics, medicine, engineering, and materials science, to name a few. This is an especially exciting time for chemistry and biochemistry, with developments in advanced materials, in nanotechnology, in molecular biology and proteomics, and in “smart materials” that can respond to changes in environment. Also, the challenges facing us as citizens today, including global warming, ozone depletion in the atmosphere, water quality, nuclear and other forms of waste, is daunting. You can be sure that the sciences will play a prominent role in solving these problems.

We offer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in chemistry (the latter certified by the American Chemical Society) and the Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. One may also minor in chemistry, which can be useful for a career in biology, the health sciences, business, and many other disciplines. These degree plans are more fully elaborated at the link “Programs of Study.” There, you will see sample 4-year courses of study. You will note that we emphasize a well-rounded program, grounded in the liberal arts.

Our goal is to provide students with a sound background in chemistry or biochemistry so that they will have a wide range of career opportunities after graduation. If you click on the link “Where have they gone”, you will see that our graduates have become professors, doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, high school teachers, industrial research chemists, and much more.

At Rockford College, you have all the advantages of a small college, especially a close working relationship with faculty who take an interest in you as an individual and in your education. We are your teachers in the lecture hall, your instructors in your lab each week, and your academic advisors. It is especially gratifying for us to see students enter college and spend four years here, all the while growing intellectually and socially. It is also a pleasure to keep in touch with our graduates after they've gone on to their respective careers. Our annual departmental newsletter highlights the activities of our alumnae.

I invite you to contact me or any of my colleagues in the department. We would be happy to speak with you about your interests and goals.

Regards,

Fred J. Hadley, Ph.D.