UIS Chemistry program receives continued ACS approval

July 11, 2006

SPRINGFIELD – The Chemistry program at the University of Illinois at Springfield recently received word that its curriculum has passed a five-year review process and continues to meet standards and guidelines set by the American Chemical Society. The program has been ACS-approved since 1983.

The ACS Committee on Professional Training also notified UIS that it has approved the program’s new biochemistry option.

Approximately 600 programs at U.S. colleges and universities are ACS-approved. Gary Trammell, professor of Chemistry and chair of the UIS program, noted that students who graduate from certified programs consider their degrees valuable personal credentials. "Potential employers and graduate school admissions committees recognize that these students have passed a more rigorous course of study and are better prepared for employment or advanced study," said Trammell.

"Our recent graduates have been highly successful in pursuing their career goals and have been accepted into such institutions as Purdue University, Washington University School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, University of Kansas, University of Tennessee, and University of Houston," he added.

Chemistry at UIS is an undergraduate program that awards the bachelor of science degree. In addition to the regular program requirements, students who choose the biochemistry concentration must select eight credit hours of courses in biochemistry, physiological chemistry, cell biology, microbiology, and genetics. All program majors also undertake an independent project in conjunction with a faculty mentor.

Established in 1936, the ACS Committee on Professional Training has as its primary objective maintaining and improving the quality of chemical education. The Committee's activities include developing and administering guidelines that define high-quality undergraduate chemistry programs and monitoring trends, developments, and problems in the discipline.

For more information about the American Chemical Society, go to www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/home.html. For information about the Committee on Professional Training, go to www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/acsdisplay.html?DOC=education\cpt\index.html. For information about the Chemistry program at UIS, go to www.uis.edu/chemistry/ or call Trammell at 206-7344.

The University of Illinois at Springfield, one of three U of I campuses, is a small, public liberal arts university that offers 42 degree programs – 21 bachelor’s, 20 master’s, and the Doctorate of Public Administration. UIS has a special mission in public affairs and service and is known for extraordinary internships, a wireless campus, extensive online offerings, and a commitment to teaching.

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