<p>I am looking to find out how good the chemistry department is at UA. I have a junior D who is looking to get her PHD in chemistry. Is the chemistry dept. good enough to give her a good chance at getting into a top chemistry grad program.
She is looking at UA because of the merit money. She will be a NMSF and should become a NMF. Thank you for any help you can give me.</p>
<p>Congrats on your D’s PSAT score!</p>
<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I think the Chem dept is strong enough for an undergrad to get into a top grad program elsewhere. Bama pre-med students don’t have any trouble getting into med schools.</p>
<p>My older son is majoring in math (he was also NMF), and we fully expect him to get accepted to a top 20 grad school next year. This is his 3rd year at Bama.</p>
<p>We don’t yet have a lot of experience with the Chem dept since both my kids came into UA with AP Chem credits (chem 101 & 102). My younger son has taken Organic I and is currently taking the Organic II. He has a dual-major of Chem Engineering and Biology as a pre-med student. This is his first year at Bama.</p>
<p>Looking at where the Chem Profs got their PhDs…this is what I see…</p>
<p>Georgia Tech
Wisconsin
Tex A&M
Purdue
Harvard
Stanford
CalTech
Mich St
Case Western
Alabama
Stanford
Cal Tech
Michigan</p>
<p>So, it looks like the profs are well-educated. :)</p>
<p>Since I have 2 students at UA, if you have any questions about UA, feel free to PM me about anything. :)</p>
<p>Your D should also look into the Computer-Based Honors Program. My older son is in that and LOVES it. :)</p>
<p>Forgot to add…</p>
<p>Have you looked at Bama’s new Science and Engineering Complex? </p>
<p>Phase I was completed a few years ago; it’s called Shelby Hall - It is the home of the Department of Chemistry</p>
<p>Phase II was completed last summer. Right now, it’s just called Science and Engineering Complex, but I think when all phases are complete, the entire complex will be called the Shelby Science and Engineering complex.</p>
<p>At this point the complex is HUGE, when it is fully complete it will be immense. </p>
<p>Here are the pics of Phase I Shelby Hall (5 buildings that create a Pentagon)</p>
<p>[Shelby</a> Tour](<a href=“http://www.bama.ua.edu/~chem/facilities/buildings/shelbytour/tour.html]Shelby”>http://www.bama.ua.edu/~chem/facilities/buildings/shelbytour/tour.html)</p>
<p>click on smaller pics to get more pics</p>
<p>Here are pics of Phase II [Home</a> | TuscaloosaNews.com | Tuscaloosa News](<a href=“http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=TL&Date=20090720&Category=FRONTPAGE&ArtNo=720009998&Ref=PH&Profile=1007&Params=Itemnr=1]Home”>http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=TL&Date=20090720&Category=FRONTPAGE&ArtNo=720009998&Ref=PH&Profile=1007&Params=Itemnr=1)</p>
<p>click on numbers to see more pics</p>
<p>here’s a link to the aerial view of the complex (phase I and phase II) Scroll down for the pic. Phase III is in process now and it will be located in the area above those buildings.</p>
<p>Thanks mom2collekids for the reply. I have looked at the photos of Shelby and it looks impressive. It seems as if UA is putting a lot of money into it’s science and engineering programs.
If you don’t mind me asking, How did it go for your younger son skipping both intro chemistry classes and starting out with organic I? Looking at chemistry dept. website they seem to discourage that. I have thought about D starting with Organic as she is taking AP Chem this year and doing very well and will do independent study of Organic next year.</p>
<p>My younger son (who started Bama in the fall) got an A+ in Organic. He didn’t have any problems, but his high school was pretty strong in Chemistry.</p>
<p>One of the top reasons to choose UA for science and engineering majors is the sheer amount of money that is currently being put into both the facilities and programs. A top grad school would definitely be in reach. </p>
<p>Along with mom2collegekids, I’d be glad to answer any questions you have. I’m a current business major here at UA, but I’m familiar with the various majors and programs offered here.</p>