Department of Chemistry & Physics - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Department of Chemistry and Physics

Fall 2024 Spring / Summer 2025 Fall 2025

Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Physics

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is a dynamic department that embodies an ideal academic standard in an ever-changing technological world of science. We are in line with the University’s mission and vision and we are in the process of launching new programs for both undergraduate and graduate programs that target new and emerging areas in nanotechnology, nanomaterials, space physics, energy and biomedical physics. Under the supervision of faculty, the department has progressively engaged in various research activities. This has enabled us to post several patents and publications in peer reviewed journals as we continue to explore the area of innovation through the hard work of competent members of staff. The faculty and staff are excited and ready to serve all students, Pine Bluff community and Arkansans.

Contact

Department of Chemistry and Physics
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff1200 N. University Drive,
Mail Slot 4941
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603
Dr. Richard Walker, Interim Chairperson
(870) 575-8894
walkerr@uapb.edu

Mission

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Physics is to provide basic knowledge of chemical and physical principles, quality science education and training and enriched learning experiences in the disciplines of chemistry and physics. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science Degrees in Chemistry and Physics with options of chemistry or physics or biochemistry or forensic chemistry. These degree options are designed to prepare graduates to work as professional chemists or physicists or biochemist or forensic chemist, or to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional schools.

An enhanced curriculum is available to students preparing for graduate school in the biomedical sciences. The Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with Endorsement in chemistry is offered for persons preparing to teach chemistry at the high school level. The department also introduced an Associate Degree in Chemistry that is aimed at preparing students for early entry into the job market that include forensic laboratories as well as industrial quality control laboratories. It will also prepare students to continue on towards bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, forensic chemistry, and physics or enter many allied health programs.

Objectives

To provide necessary courses and material content in chemistry and physics required for those seeking admission to graduate or professional schools.
To provide the necessary background in the physical sciences for those students preparing to become secondary science teachers.
To service other departments that require courses in the physical sciences as in integral part of their curricula.
To provide general scientific knowledge for non-science majors.
To provide students with the thinking skills necessary in the physical sciences.
To provide continuing educational opportunities for teachers and other professionals requiring advanced courses in the physical sciences.

Chemistry & Physics Features

UAPB Leads a $5 Million Grant from NSF for Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) Program

OUR IMPACT

Research

We have state-of-the-art equipment that supports student and faculty research opportunities.

Grants

We are a partner institution in a $5 million grant awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop the Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE) Program.

Scholarships

We award more than $50,000 annually to students studying chemistry and physics.

Careers

Our students are prepared to enter rewarding and challenging fields such as medicine, physical therapy, pharmacology, toxicology, biotechnology, nanoscience, petroleum research, and laboratory technologists.

Degree Options

The Department offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Physics with options of chemistry or biochemistry or forensic chemistry or physics. These degrees are designed to prepare graduates to work as professional chemists or biochemists or forensic chemists or physicists, or to pursue advanced degrees in graduate or professional schools. An enhanced curriculum is available to students preparing for graduate school in the biomedical sciences. The Bachelor of Science in Science Education Degree- Chemistry is offered for persons preparing to teach at the high school level. Furthermore, many other career options are available to those obtaining degrees in chemistry, biochemistry or forensics chemistry or physics. Prospective majors should prepare their course of study in consultation with their academic advisor.

Associate Degree of Science (Chemistry)
This curriculum will prepare students for early entry into the job market that includes -0forensic laboratories as well as industrial quality control laboratories. It will also prepare students to continue on towards bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, Biochemistry, Forensic Chemistry, and physics or enter many allied health programs. All the required courses for this curriculum are already offered in the existing Bachelor of Science Degree programs in the Chemistry and Physics Department. This will exempt our department from developing any new course or hiring any new faculty running this program. Curriculum plan
Undergraduate Degree Programs
- Bachelor of Science – Chemistry & Physics (Biochemistry)
  This interdisciplinary program offers students a mix of coursework grounded in both chemistry and biology. This curriculum is designed for those students who wish to pursue graduate studies in biochemistry or a professional degree in medicine, pharmacy and other, or work as laboratory biochemists. The program explores the chemical processes and reactions taking place within living organisms at the molecular level by giving emphasizes on molecular approach to the study of biological processes.
  Curriculum plan
- Bachelor of Science – Chemistry & Physics (Chemistry)
  The field of chemistry is emerging to meet the demands of the economic future as new technologies and interdisciplinary fields become increasingly important. The Chemistry Degree program helps prepare students for graduate school in chemistry and other professionals that includes Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy and Biotechnology, in addition to the rapidly growing areas of nano-science, petroleum research, laboratory technologist, forensics and other related fields.
  Curriculum plan
  Education Chemistry
  This curriculum is offered in cooperation with the School of ducation. It is designed primarily for those wishing to teach chemistry at the high school level. It is designed to develop candidate skills in planning, application and delivery of techniques necessary for teaching chemistry in grades 7-12. It requires field experience of fifteen (15) hours.
  Curriculum Plan
- Bachelor of Science – Chemistry & Physics (Forensic Chemistry)
  This degree offers a strong background in chemistry and instrumental analysis in addition to providing good grounding in forensics and criminal justice. Many students select this degree to prepare for entry level positions examining evidence related to crimes or to apply to graduate programs in forensic chemistry or chemistry or professional degree in medicine, pharmacy and other related professionals. Curriculum Plan
- Bachelor of Science – Chemistry & Physics (Physics)
  The Physics Program is student-centered and designed to provide students with opportunities and experiences to allow them to pursue future careers in a variety of areas. One of the key tenants of the program is the hands-on emphasis on laboratory experience as well as classroom instruction. This practice is aided by industry-related equipment and techniques. The field of physics is emerging to meet the demands of the economic future as new technologies and interdisciplinary fields become increasingly important. The Physics Degree program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff helps prepare students for graduate school in physics and other professionals that include Engineering, Geophysicist/field Seismologist, Metallurgist, Radiation Protection Practitioner etc. Jobs where the physics degree would be useful include: Investment Analyst, Meteorologist, Operational Researcher, Patent Attorney and Systems Developer.
  Curriculum Plan
- Bachelor of Science – Chemistry & Physics (Nanoscience)
  Nanoscience is an interdisciplinary field that involves physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, with different focuses on nanoscience and technology such as nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, and nanochemistry. This new option is the best preparation for students who wish to pursue a career in nanotechnology and state-of-the-art technologies by providing them with a foundation in multidisciplinary areas of nanoscale science and engineering, and even careers in health. Students will be trained both on theoretical, computational, and experimental analysis of science at the nanoscale level. Nanoscience is widely used in our daily life, such as targeted drug delivery/release, micro/nanoelectronics, construction, environment protection, energy applications, and many others.
  Curriculum Plan
Graduate Degree Programs
- Master of Education (Secondary Education-General Science)
  The primary aim of graduate studies is the advanced preparation of students in the field of chemistry. The Division is coordinated by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education. The Graduate Council has legislative authority for the entire process and has designated and specified advisory responsibilities for all graduate programs. The curricula for Master of Education degrees include courses in both professional education and subject matter areas. A total of 36 hours of study is required for program completion. Candidates must complete a 12-hour professional education core, a 9 hour required specialization core, a 12 hour chemistry concentration, and a 3 hour (minimum) educational foundation elective. A written comprehensive examination in the chemistry specialization and the professional education core and/or electives is required. Advanced candidates seeking licensure must also complete the SOE portfolio, courses in Behavior Management and Arkansas History, and the student teaching experience.
  Details of the program