Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the nature and characteristics of substances and the changes they undergo. Being concerned with the building blocks of all materials-atoms and molecules-chemistry is fundamental to most scientific disciplines and technology. The department has produced several winners of the prestigious national Goldwater Scholarship. Graduates have a high success rate in landing employment and being accepted into recognized graduate and professional schools. The department is nationally known for its excellent undergraduate preparation and state-of-the-art lab facilities. Students can join a math, science, and engineering residence hall and share classes with neighbors, study together, and use the hall's computer lab. <br><br>Materials chemistry, an option within the chemistry major, combines the principles of chemistry, physics, and materials science and emphasizes a molecular understanding of the chemical, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties of materials as well as the application of solid state and thin film materials in modern technology.