Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Exterior shot of the Chemistry Building, 2021. Courtesy of Steve Maylone
Exterior shot of the Chemistry Building, 2021. Courtesy of Steve Maylone

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the departments that make up the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University. The department is located in the Chemistry Building between the Jim Jarrett Athletic Administration Building and the Oceanography and Physical Sciences Building. Prior to 2021, the department was located in the Alfriend Building.

History

The Department of Chemistry was originally housed in the School of Arts and Sciences when the school was established in 1964. In 1966, the department was housed under the School of Sciences, and was again reorganized in 1975 into the School of Sciences and Health Professions. In 1967, the department moved from the Science Building into the newly constructed Alfriend Chemistry Building, located next to the Pretlow Planetarium. Chemistry and Biochemistry has been a part of the College of Sciences since the college was established in 1986.

The first known biochemistry course appeared in the 1956 catalog under the Department of Biology. The M.S. in Chemistry was offered sometime between 1968 and 1970, with several areas of specialty including Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry. The B.S. in Biochemistry was established in the fall of 1979 as a second B.S. degree in addition to the B.S. in Chemistry. Prior to the fall of 1979, the department offered a B.S. with concentrations in chemistry; pre-medical and pre-dental studies (including veterinary studies); pre-pharmacy; and a B.S. in secondary education with a concentration in chemistry with the Darden School of Education. In 1990, the department was renamed the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to emphasize its strengths in both areas of study.

Resources

  1. Old Dominion University Catalogs, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
  2. Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Website, Old Dominion University.

References

  1. Old Dominion University Catalogs, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
  2. Office of the President. Alfred B. Rollins, Jr. Records, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
  3. Board of Visitors Records, Special Collections and University Archives, Old Dominion University Libraries.
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