Chemistry

Opportunity Abounds

Our students and alums do great things, including participating in research at an undergraduate level. Scroll through the images and click to read more.

Jasmine Wolfgram, BS '23: Study Abroad

ONU becomes a green chemistry institution

From theory to discovery

Tanner Baughman received one of 14 coveted spots among 973 applicants for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in nanobiotechnology at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore

ONU alumna is breaking records

For chemistry major and honors student Emily Pacek, undergraduate research was the primary reason she chose Ohio Northern University

With a chemistry degree from our American Chemical Society certified program, you could end up working on a cure for cancer; monitoring pollutants in the local watershed; researching superior energy solutions (i.e., battery technology or solar panels); developing new textiles, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products; or creating the global supply of a new compound. Additionally, Ohio Northern offers a closely related degree in biochemistry, a field that focuses on the chemical reactions that occur in living systems.

Our program combines rigorous academics with extensive opportunities for research and work in the lab. You’ll gain a solid foundation in the math and the physical sciences, while developing your critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, and leadership skills. These skills are in demand in today’s workforce.

Large institutions just can’t provide the individualized attention you’ll find here. Even as a freshman, you’ll have the opportunity to be in the lab working with real professors, not graduate assistants. Throughout your four years, you’ll have the chance to design and conduct your own experiments, work on independent projects, participate in grant-funded research projects, present your research at regional and/or national conferences, and possibly even co-author an article for a professional/scientific journal. You will learn to operate our impressive collection of research instruments. The opportunities open to you are truly incredible!

Here, you won’t get lost in the crowd. You’ll be an elite chemistry student – part of our family. You’ll enjoy small class sizes and amazing friendships. Our dedicated professors will get to know you. They will support you in your coursework, research, internships, co-ops, and post-graduate or career preparations. They will become personally invested in your success – in college and beyond.

Upon graduation, you’ll be ready to make important scientific contributions. You’ll be armed with the knowledge, hands-on experience, and critical-thinking skills needed for success – no matter where your path leads you.

Chemistry Courses, Curriculum & Program Resources

In ONU's Donald J. Bettinger Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry, choose from a bachelor of science in biochemistry or chemistry with an optional ACS-accredited concentration, a bachelor of arts in chemistry, a teacher licensure in chemistry, or a pre-med pathway.

SOLID OUTCOMES

95% of our undergraduate students participate in research projects
95% placement rate in full-time employment or graduate/medical school within 6 months of graduation (2024)
Top 12 ONU ranked top 12 small college of the Midwest by the Wall Street Journal
11:1 ONU student-faculty ratio

World-class Labs and Equipment

We may be small, but our facilities are modern and our equipment is cutting edge. Plus, you’ll have hands-on access to equipment that most students don't get to use until graduate school.

Chemistry students work at Ohio Northern University.

Christopher Spiese associate professor of chemistry works with chemistry students at Ohio Northern University.

Professor of chemistry Brian Myers works with chemistry students at Ohio Northern University. Chemistry students work at Ohio Northern University.

Our department is housed on the second floor of the Meyer Hall of Science and the Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences, a student-centered research and learning facility which includes:

• Nine classrooms
• Nine teaching labs
• Three conference rooms
• Two computing lounges
• 17 offices
• 13 research labs
• Stockroom and preparation areas

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer

We’re particularly proud of our nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR) – the Bruker Avance III 400 MHz with a broadband smart probe. This major instrument expands the scope and quality of the research we conduct at ONU. As a chemistry or biochemistry major, you’ll receive extensive hands-on training on the NMR in your sophomore year so that you can operate it independently. It’s one more incredible experience to add to your résumé.

400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectrometer (Bruker Advance III HD Nano-Bay Console with a Multinuclear Broadband 5 mm SmartProbe)

The NMR is a complex machine that uses a superconducting electromagnet to create a concentrated magnetic field around a sample. The machine then bombards the sample with radio frequencies that cause the nuclei of the atoms to absorb energy. Different atoms absorb different frequencies depending on the local environment, so scientists are able to determine which atoms are present and their location in a particular molecule. This instrument provides the single most effective way to validate the identity and composition (purity) of a molecule (especially organic compounds).

Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR) (2 x Thermofisher IR100)

These instruments irradiate a sample with an infrared (IR) source of light. Each type of bond between different atoms in the sample will absorb specific IR wavelengths and thereby excite vibrational movement (stretches and bends) of particular molecular bonds in a molecule. Thus, different IR absorbances indicates different types of chemical bonds.

Infrared Spectrophotometer (FT-IR) (Nicolet 6700)

This instrument represents an upgrade in both resolution and wavelength coverage in the IR. The instrument is capable of high resolution (0.125 cm-1) in the mid and near IR regions. Included attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessories are used to conveniently analyze a wide range of materials. In addition, a chemometric software package allows this spectrometer for quantitative applications.

Raman Spectroscopy (R2001)

This instrument irradiates the sample with a 785-nm laser. The light interacts with the molecular vibrations of the solid or liquid sample causing the laser light to scatter with different wavelengths (Stokes-shifted, longer wavelength light). Raman experiments require less sample preparation than IR and provide complementary information about molecular structures. However, Raman spectroscopy is generally less sensitive than IR and usually requires pure samples or concentrated solutions.

Residual Gas Analyzer (Stanford Research Systems)

This mass spectrometer utilizes an electron ionization source and a quadrupole mass analyzer to examine atmospheric components or the vapors from volatile organic compounds. This technique can be used to both identify and quantitate the molecular species present in a sample. The instrument is capable of better than unit mass resolution over its 0-200 amu range. The instrument is housed on a cart which allows it to be used in different labs and classrooms.

Ultraviolet/Visible (UV-Vis) Spectrophotometer (Shimadzu 2401PC)

This spectrophotometer is designed to measure the amount of light absorbed by a sample at each wavelength of the ultraviolet and visible light regions. The specific wavelengths absorbed are characteristic of the structure of the particular molecule(s) as well as their concentration in solution.

Horiba Jobin Yvon Fluoromax-4 with Time Correlated Single Photon Counting

This spectrofluorometer measures the wavelength and intensity of light emitted by molecules that have been excited by the UV-Vis source. Both the excitation and emission wavelengths can be fixed or scanned. This instrument can be used for quantitative analysis or to study the nature of the fluorescent molecules. Fluorescent techniques are often quite sensitive and therefore suitable for trace analysis.

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer (Innovx portable)

The XRF utilizes an X-rays source to generate a characteristic X-ray signal in samples of interest. Analysis of the X-rays from the sample allows for both identification and quantitation of the elements present. The Innov-x XRF spectrometer has an Ag/W X-ray tube and a Si PiN diode energy dispersive detector. The unit is battery powered and portable and can be used in the field.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (Agilent 100 series) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) (Shimadzu LC-20AB)

These instruments pump a mixture of an analyte and a liquid solvent stream over an immobilized chemical system to separate components of the analyte mixture for identification and analysis (quantitation). This system can be used for determining the amount of organic substances, at low concentrations, in environmental, food, drug, or biological samples. For example, it can be used for the determination of the amount of caffeine in soft drinks and analgesics.

Gas Chromatograph (GC) (Shimadzu, with TCD detector) and Gas Chromatograph (GC) (HP 5890 with FID and TCD detectors)

These instruments separate volatile components in a mixture by passing the analyte through a heated column (typically several meters long) using helium gas. The components of the analyte will have different affinity for the stationary phase (spending more time there) and as a result they will take longer to travel the length of the column. At the end of column, the substances are detected and the quantities of each of the components can be determined.

GC-Mass Spectrometer (MS) (Varian 4000 with autosampler)

The GC portion of this system separates the volatile organic components of a mixture. As each solute exits the GC column, it is diverted into a mass spectrometer. The MS portion of the system takes each gaseous solute and ionizes it in an electron beam. The ions formed by a specific solute will depend on the nature of the bonds in the molecule, and both ionized molecules and ion fragments of the molecule are possible. The sequence and relative intensity of the detected ions (mass peaks) gives the chemical identity of the solute(s).

Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer LC-MS (Thermo Dionex UltiMate 3000 UPLC-ISQ EC Single Quad MS)

The LC portion of this system separates the components of a mixture which are sent into the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer has an electrospray ionization source and a quadrupole mass analyzer. The ions formed by a specific solute will depend on the nature of the bonds in the molecule, and both ionized molecules and ion fragments of the molecule are possible. The mass and relative intensity of the detected ions gives the chemical identity of the solute(s)

CombiFlash automated chromatography system (Teledyne Isco Companion)

Column chromatography is used to separate mixtures and purify chemical compounds of interest. This system automates column chromatography by pumping a mixture of solvents (the mobile phase) through a sample, separating the solution on a silica column (the stationary phase), and collecting the eluent in a rack of test tubes while monitoring the UV spectrum of the eluent.

CombiFlash automated chromatography system (Teledyne Isco NextGen 300+)

Column chromatography is used to separate mixtures and purify chemical compounds of interest. This system automates column chromatography by pumping a mixture of solvents (the mobile phase) through a sample, separating the solution on a silica column (the stationary phase), and collecting the eluent in a rack of test tubes while monitoring the UV spectrum of the eluent. This system represents an upgrade from the Companion system expanding the range and number of solvents that may be used, compatibility with current silica columns, and real-time adjustments and monitoring of the separation.
High-performance computing cluster (40 processors)

This computer system allows students and faculty to complete complex chemical calculations using chemical software packages such as QChem WebMO, and Gamess. These calculations help us visualize and predict the physical, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of various (known and unknown) chemical compounds and their reactions.

SciFinder^n® Scholar

This online software application, allows students and faculty to search the extensive Chemical Abstracts Database (CAS) that has indexed all the articles from thousands of chemistry related journals, many patent authorities, dissertations, books, conference proceedings, chemical suppliers, and reputable Web sources of chemical information.

ChemDraw® (site license)

This desktop software application is essential for communicating/drawing chemical structures for journal articles, lab reports, and other presentations on chemistry. Additionally, there are also tools in the application that allow one to estimate and/or calculate important chemical properties, predict spectral properties (¹H and ¹³C NMR prediction), name structures, and draw biomolecules.

OhioLink

This online consortium of nearly 100 different Ohio colleges and universities provides ready (online) access to an extensive amount of the chemical literature including millions of full-text articles from more than 10,000 academic journals.
WaveNow Potentiostat (Pine Research)

This device can be configured to characterize chemical systems using techniques such as cyclic voltammetry, bulk electrolysis, differential pulse voltammetry, square wave and pulse voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and chronopotentiometry. characterize chemical systems.

Gel electrophoresis

This equipment is used to separate charged biological macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) using an electrical field. The direction of movement will depend on the sign of the electrical charge and the rate of migration will depend on the amount of charge and on the shape or size of the molecule.

Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) (TA Instruments Q20)

This instrument measures how a material’s heat capacity is changed by temperature. The DSC measures the difference in the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of a sample and a reference. In polymer chemistry, the instrument is useful for determining glass transition temperatures (Tg), melting temperatures (Tm), and crystallization temperatures (Tc).

High speed centrifuge (Sorvall Superspeed RC5C Centrifuge)

A centrifuge spins samples in a rotor so that a force that is many times that of gravity is applied to the sample. Under these conditions precipitated proteins, cellular organelles, or nucleic acids, can be separated from a suspension.

Solvent Purification System (Vacuum Atmospheres, 6 solvents)

This system readily provides high purity solvents that we use for reactions where we need solvents free of oxygen and water.

Glove-box (Vacuum Atmospheres, 2 stations)

This device allows two researchers to work side by side with materials that are extremely sensitive to air and water.

–80 °C Freezer (Thermoforma)

This extremely cold freezer is used to store reagents and samples (mostly biological) for long periods of time.

Digital Polarimeter (Index Instruments, AA-5)

This device used passed plane-polarized light through a sample so one can determine the optically purity and/or handedness of a particular sample.

Glass-working bench, torches, and equipment

This area provides a set of tools for making, modifying, and repairing simple scientific glassware.

Discover your passion

Science is about discovery. Here you’ll have ample opportunity to tackle research projects, attend conferences and get published working alongside world-class professors.

Green Chemistry Commitment

"The goal of Green Chemistry is for the term to disappear and it simply becomes how we practice chemistry."

--John C. Warner
Co-author of "Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice
Co-Founder of Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry

Participate in a mentored research project with a faculty member during your junior and/or senior year. You can receive one to two credit hours for your research work each semester, which often consists of between 3-6 hours a week working in the lab doing experiments, analyzing and compiling data, or reading recent technical literature on your research topic.
Apply for a summer undergraduate research experience. Our students have an excellent track record of getting accepted for these highly-competitive, paid positions that only consider top science students. These experiences take place at large academic, industrial or government research institutions across the country.
Join one of our chemistry related student organizations (listed below) for professional development, networking, and social activities.

The ONU Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) sponsors campus outreach activities like a pumpkin carving of the periodic table, ACS Program-in-a-Box™ (interactive live broadcasts with subject matter experts with activities that demonstrate how chemistry is applied in everyday life), and national chemistry week events. Additionally, our chapter sends several ONU students to the American Chemical Society’s National Meeting every year.

Gamma Sigma Epsilon (GSE), a national honor society for chemistry, sponsors several of the same activities as the SMACS but also hosts a root beer float social (because we’re chemists, we make our own root beer with dry ice and our own ice cream with liquid) and an induction ceremony for new members.
The Kritzler Lectureship in Chemistry gives you access to major new developments in chemistry presented by scientists who are recognized as a masterful communicators of ideas. The Kritzler Lectureship in Chemistry was established in 1996 as a means of highlighting fundamental new developments in the science of chemistry and biochemistry. Speakers are selected annually on the basis of distinguished contributions to chemical sciences and outstanding communication skills in the interpretation of their work for the public.

The Sound of Science

Listen to the sounds you can make in a science-related field of study at ONU.

National Goldwater Scholars

Since 2005, nine students from our program have been selected to be National Goldwater Scholars. These students are selected by the trustees of Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation. This is the premier undergraduate award of its type in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering. For example, the foundation awarded 496 scholarships for the 2019-20 academic year to undergraduate sophomores and juniors from the United States. The 2019-20 Goldwater Scholars were selected on the basis of academic merit from a field of 1,223 students nominated by the faculties of colleges and universities nationwide.

Dan Waddell

Former Goldwater scholar credits ONU with leadership skill development and guiding his path toward a career in academia

Chris Lemon

Goldwater scholarship, undergraduate research experience and faculty support at ONU helped this brilliant young scientist reach his full potential as a postdoctoral fellow

Courtney Olson

Her time at ONU gave her the confidence and capabilities to become a Goldwater Scholar and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow

End game: a fulfilling chemistry career

Our graduates go on to do amazing things. Most pursue one of three different paths immediately after graduation: a career in industry, graduate school or medical school. Check out where our graduates have ended up.

Careers in Chemistry:
- Chemist
- Biochemist
- Physician
- Forensic lab analyst
- Food and drug analyst
- Geochemist
- Optometrist
- Laboratory technician
- Consumer protection specialist
- Water quality analyst
- Methods development chemist
- Chemical information specialist
- Quality assurance chemist

Frequently Asked Questions

At ONU, you aren’t just a number in a 300-person lecture hall. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, our professors will know your name and your career goals. Most importantly, our advanced instrumentation—like the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer—is reserved exclusively for undergraduate use. You’ll receive hands-on training on this equipment as early as your sophomore year.
Yes, our program is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This is a "gold standard" in the industry. It ensures our curriculum meet high national standards for faculty, facilities, and course content. Graduating from an ACS-certified program tells employers and graduate schools that you have completed a rigorous, high-quality path of study.
Absolutely—in fact, 95% of our chemistry students participate in research projects. Unlike many schools where research is reserved for graduate students, you can start working side-by-side with PhD-holding faculty as early as your first year. You may even have the opportunity to co-author a paper or present your findings at a national ACS conference.
The results are clear: ONU consistently has a high rate of employment into full-time employment or graduate/medical school within six months of graduation. Our alumni are currently working in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and materials science, or pursuing advanced degrees at some of the top-ranked medical and graduate schools in the country.
Beyond our standard merit scholarships (which range from $22,000 to $31,000+ per year), chemistry majors may qualify for the Choose Ohio First Scholarship, which offers up to $8,100 for Ohio residents in STEM fields. We also offer the Mathile Scholarship, a full-tuition award for high-achieving students with strong ACT/SAT scores and GPAs.
Yes! Our students have an excellent track record of landing highly competitive, paid Summer Research Experiences (REUs) at major industrial and government research institutions nationwide. Our faculty and the Polar Career Center work with you to identify and apply for these positions to ensure you have a professional edge before graduation.
Life in Meyer Hall isn't all about the lab! We have a very active Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) chapter. They host everything from "periodic table pumpkin carving" to scientific outreach in local schools. It’s a great way to build a community of friends who share your passion for science.

Take the first step toward living the Polar Bear life

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Chemistry Degree