The Chemistry Department at The Ohio State University at Lima is housed in a modern, well equipped building. The teaching laboratory has individual student fume hoods and in-house vacuum lines. Desktop computers are available in the lab region and students enrolled in science courses may use these during open hours to facilitate their learning. The Chemistry Department also makes use of mobile laptop computer carts to enable rapid conversion of any space in the Science Building into a computerized classroom on an as needed basis. Both non-science major and science major courses are offered. The first two years of chemistry curriculum necessary for several science and pre-health profession majors and minors can be completed on campus.
The Central Science
Chemistry is often described as "the central science". A thorough knowledge of chemistry concepts is required for advanced study in many related fields of science and health.
A good mathematics background is a prerequisite for success in general chemistry coursework. Students planning to pursue degrees in almost any science are required to have a minimum of one to two years of chemistry courses. Health professions programs in pre-medicine, pre-chiropractic, pre-dentistry, and pre-pharmacy all demand rigorous study of general and organic chemistry. Allied health programs in pre-dental hygiene, pre-nutrition and pre-nursing all involve some elementary and general chemistry coursework. A major goal of our undergraduate chemistry curriculum is serious preparation for advanced studies.
Chemistry also impacts the daily lives of non-science majors in a myriad of ways. Decisions about health and treatments, our environment, and materials and their uses are undertaken often. Underlying all such decisions is considerable contribution from the field of chemistry. Non-science majors can take the opportunity to extend their knowledge base by selecting elementary chemistry courses to meet general education requirements, or simply to satisfy personal curiosity. A major goal of our undergraduate chemistry curriculum is the generation of intrigued and thoughtful citizens with useful knowledge of this basic science to draw upon.