Chemistry and geochemistry
Chemistry is the field of science associated with atoms and molecules. It focuses on the behavior and properties of matter, the relationship of energy with bond-forming and bond-breaking reactions that dictate chemical processes, and the creation of new substances. Chemistry provides fundamental knowledge critical to satisfying many of society's needs: feeding, clothing and housing the world's people, finding and using sources of energy, improving health care, ensuring national security, and protecting the environment. The emphasis of the Chemistry and Geochemistry Department is on education and research focused toward solving problems of national and global interest.
The programs of the Chemistry and Geochemistry Department are designed to educate professionals for the varied career opportunities this central scientific discipline affords. At the undergraduate level we offer a B.S. degree program in chemistry that is approved by the American Chemical Society. In addition, we offer specific curricular tracks emphasizing biochemistry or environmental chemistry along with a more flexible chemistry track that can be tailored to optimize the preparation of students to achieve their specific career goals. At the graduate level, the department offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, and Geochemistry. In addition, M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are also offered in Materials Science, Hydrological Sciences and Engineering through interdisciplinary graduate programs.
The Chemistry and Geochemistry Department maintains a high quality, well-funded research program (> $3 million in research awards in 2011) with participation of students at both the graduate and undergraduate level. The research program in the Department emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to solving real world problems in areas including sustainability, alternative energy, materials, bio-detection, nanomedicines and water quality assessment, to name a few.
Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, Colorado along the foothills of the beautiful Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, with over 300 days per year of sunshine. The School is within easy driving distance of Rocky Mountain National Park as well as some of the world's finest ski slopes, hiking, backpacking, mountain and road biking, and classic rock climbing crags. Located only 20 minutes away is metropolitan Denver, a social, cultural, and business hub which offers all the attractions of a major city.