Chemistry Major

Referred to as the “central science,” Chemistry is key to understanding other fields of study including biology, geology, astronomy, physics, medicine, engineering, and materials science. The study of Chemistry endeavors to prepare you to formulate, investigate, analyze, and articulate solutions to major scientific, technological, environmental, and health problems in a chemical context.

In concert with the Great Commission, the study of Chemistry embraces the idea that its coursework should actively encourage and prepare you to develop theologically sound and scientifically solid connections between the Christian faith and the discipline. Because of our small, rigorous classes, students benefit from personal attention and assistance from their professors, as well as tremendous opportunities to engage in important research.

Concordia University Irvine’s Bachelor of Arts program of study in Chemistry allows you sufficient flexibility to accommodate a double major or minor degree and also may be of interest to students preparing for chemistry business careers or chemistry-related fields that are not directly research or laboratory positions. The defining characteristic of the bachelor of arts degree is the flexibility to pursue your desired career path and the value in the breadth of our coursework that may open up new ways of thinking.

The Chemistry major offers you the opportunity to select an emphasis in line with your interests, strengths, and vocational goals:

Curriculum

The Concordia Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry program collaborates closely with the mathematics, physics, and biology programs in structuring courses and interdisciplinary research and educational opportunities for students. The full curriculum for each emphasis can be viewed on its respective page.

Sample Courses
3 Units

CHE 222: Chemistry II
4

The major topics of this course will include solubility products, chemical thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and qualitative analysis. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 221.

CHE 321: Organic Chemistry I
4

This course will examine the fundamental concepts relating to organic compounds with an emphasis on structure, nomenclature, theory, bonding, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and physical and chemical properties of the principle classes of compounds. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisite: C- or better in CHE 222.

CHE 421: Introduction to Biochemistry
4

This course will provide an introduction to the principles of chemistry that govern life systems including topics in pH and buffers, enzymes, amino acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and metabolic pathways with exercises emphasizing protein purification and characterization techniques, plus kinetic modeling. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in CHE 221, CHE 222, CHE 321, CHE 322(concurrent enrollment allowed for CHE 322) or consent of instructor.

CHE 424: Analytical Chemistry
4

Theory and fundamental techniques of qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis via classical and advanced instrumental methods will be the focus of this course. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in CHE 222 or consent of instructor.

CHE 431: Physical Chemistry 1
4

This course will cover classical thermodynamics: 0th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd laws, gas laws, and kinetic molecular theory of gases, colligative properties, solubility's, equilibria, phases and phase transitions, and electrochemistry. Lab time is included in the schedule. A lab fee is required. Prerequisites: C- or better in (CHE 222, MTH 272) and (PHY 211 or PHY 221) and MTH 373 (concurrent enrollment allowed for MTH 373) or consent of instructor. Offered alternate years.

Medical Science Professions

Many of our Chemistry majors pursue careers in the medical science professions. If your goals include going to medical school, Concordia University is a great place to prepare for that. Professors actively partner with chemistry students to assist with career planning, scholarship and fellowship, and internship applications supported by richly detailed letters of recommendation – whether that's as an M.D., D.O., D.D.S., R.N., D.P.T., or other. Our Medical Science Program Director, Professor Scott Gaines, will meet with you to discuss graduate opportunities in the medical sciences.

Professor Scott Gaines
(949) 214-3303
scott.gaines@cui.edu

Alumni Success

Graduates from Concordia University Irvine’s Chemistry major are putting their degrees to work and excelling in various professional callings and postgraduate studies.

Alum Heads to Los Alamos Lab on Prestigious Fellowship

Cecilia Eiroa '15
Chemistry Ph.D. Candidate at Washington State University in Pullman

Cecilia Eiroa Lledo '15, a chemistry Ph.D. candidate at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash., was awarded a prestigious Seaborg Fellowship to conduct research in nuclear chemistry at Los Alamos National Laboratory this coming summer.

Read Story

Q&A with an Aspiring Food Chemist

Lila Musegades '18
Graduate Researcher, Food Science and Technology at Washington State University

Lila Musegades '18 is presently pursuing a Master’s of Food Science and Technology at Washington State University. Her master’s thesis focuses on the microbiology of wines and ciders with a specific interest in improving the fermentation processes of cider. Her career goals include becoming a Food Chemist and pursuing a doctoral degree.

Read Story

CUI Prepares Alum for Graduate Program at USC

Grace Chong '15
Ph.D. Candidate at USC Doing Research on DNA Repair

Grace Chong '15, a double major in Chemistry and Biology, came to Concordia intending to go into the medical field, but changed her mind because of the research she was involved in at CUI.

Read Story

Graduate Schools Attending

Many of our alumni in the natural sciences continue their education in graduate school. Concordia has proudly placed graduates in first-class PhD programs ranging from material science and nuclear chemistry to food science and chemical engineering.

Baylor University
UC Davis
UCLA
UCSF
USC
Washington State University

Opportunities for Chemistry Majors

As a Chemistry major, you will have a wide range of exciting research opportunities during the regular academic year and throughout the summer months. Chemistry faculty work closely with chemistry students to assist them in applying for scholarships and fellowships.

Academic Opportunities

The Chemistry major collaborates with the Physics major and other majors in the natural sciences when structuring courses and interdisciplinary research. This gives many of our students the freedom to pursue a double major or compliment their Chemistry major with coursework from other disciplines that may fit their desired career path.

Extracurricular Activities

Concordia University offers many opportunities for you to become involved with on-campus events, clubs, and organizations. Our students also collaborate on chemistry-themed, community service projects, sponsor special activities, and bring in distinguished guest speakers.

Research Opportunities

The Chemistry program offers multiple opportunities for you to become engaged in chemical research activities on campus. Faculty-led projects in the fields of chemical physics, biochemistry, and molecular biology are available both during the semester and in the summer. As a Chemistry major, you can develop research projects in any of the foundational areas of chemistry: analytical, physical, inorganic, organic, or biochemistry. Your project may be used to fulfill requirements for research classes, the President’s Academic Showcase, or as an honors project.

Peer-Reviewed Scientific Journals
President's Academic Showcase
Women of Faith in Science Program
Scientific Conferences

Meet Your Professors

One of the great advantages of small class size is that you get to work closely with faculty in both your classes and on research projects. Our program prepares you for your vocation as Chemists and Biochemists and addresses the interaction of faith and science throughout the curriculum.

Dr. Brian Ikkanda

Assistant Professor of Chemistry

Dr. Brian Ikkanda graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with a B.S. in Chemistry and minor in Education. He went on to study at The University of Texas at Austin to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry specializing in organic chemistry and chemical biology. Through his doctoral research, he investigated the development of synthetic molecules that either mimic or interact with DNA. Dr. Ikkanda’s passions are seeing students grow in their excitement over chemistry as well as discussing with students about the connections between science and faith.

Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese

Chemistry Department Chair, Professor of Chemistry and Biology

Dr. Lindsay Kane-Barnese obtained her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Her doctoral work and current research interests involve a protein involved in some cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She teaches a variety of classes, ranging from introductory to advanced biology and chemistry courses. She enjoys working with students to learn complex biological and chemical topics in their classes and research and helping them explore the intersection of faith and science in their chosen field.

Dr. John Kenney

Physics Department Chair, Professor of Physics and Chemistry

Dr. Kenney is an award winning teacher and scholar noted for his contributions to both chemical education and to chemistry / chemical physics research. He is known for his passionate, enthusiastic, energetic, and innovative hands-on teaching style, for the depth and rigor of his classes, for his involvement of students in high-level scientific research, and for his ability to transform the lives of his students and inspire them to achieve their professional and personal goals. “There’s nothing more spectacular than getting a privileged view of God’s creative genius, either at the microscopic scale or the cosmological scale,” states Kenney.

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Get In Touch

For questions about the Chemistry major, contact:

Lindsay Kane-Barnese
Chemistry Department Chair, Professor of Chemistry and Biology
lindsay.kane-barnese@cui.edu
949-214-3299

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