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Academics - Chemistry

The Mission

The mission of the chemistry department at Blackburn is to prepare tomorrow’s scientists, teachers and doctors by providing a solid knowledge of the field and in the techniques used to advance our knowledge. At the same time we believe it is crucial that our students know how to think critically (“like a scientist”) and to read and think about the highly technical material that comprises the field of chemistry today.

Our new science building opened for classes in the Fall of 2008. It is stocked with a number of new instruments, all of which will be available for students to learn and use. These include a 200-MHz superconducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer to measure both proton and C-13 spectra, and a new state-of-the-art gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC-MS), as well as a variety of infrared (IR) and ultraviolet/visible (UV-vis) spectrometers and gas and liquid chromatographs. (GC and LC). Furthermore, the new building provides modern spaces and technologies for teaching and laboratory experiences as well as student research.


Select Alumni
▪ Melinda Barber '08 - Chemical Technician, Afton Chemical Company
▪ Andrews Ansah '08 - Applying to Pharmacy Schools
▪ Amy Turner '07
▪ Pamela Miller '07
▪ Angela Dumire '06 - Pursing Pharmacy degree at Midwestern University Chicago  College of Pharmacy
▪ Andy Handzel '06 - Pursing Masters in Chemical Engineering
Washington University
▪ Charlie Taylor '05 - Teaching Chemistry at Carlinville High School
▪ Jason Scott-Perkins '05 - finishing Doctor of Pharmacy at Southern Illinois University
  What Sets Blackburn Apart

The small number of chemistry majors at Blackburn is a distinct and important advantage to the student. The chemistry faculty members know you individually and provide mentoring and instruction tailored to your needs. The instructors, assistants and students in each class get to know, support and instruct one another and quickly become a learning community.
 
Qualified students majoring in chemistry and biochemistry have the opportunity to become teaching assistants through Blackburn’s Work Program. Assistants work closely with science faculty as tutors and lab assistants. As an assistant, you would also take full responsibility for maintenance of the labs, stockrooms, and instrumentation. These experiences are highly valued by employers and graduate/professional schools.

The small number of majors also makes it possible for students to conduct research with faculty members and take full advantage of the expertise provided by the mentoring relationship, as well as the instrumentation available at Blackburn.


Testimonial


“The sense of community at Blackburn was one of the many reasons I chose to start my career path here. My time spent in class and in my Work Program job has been very valuable."
Name: Brittany Higginbottham
Class: Junior
Major: Pre-Med