Chemistry/Biochemistry

Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What programs of study are available through the chemistry department to FIU students?

A: The Chemistry & Biochemistry Department has a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs available. At the undergraduate level the department offers a B.S. in Chemistry for students interested in careers as a chemist, a B.A. in Chemistry for pre-professional students including premed majors. FIU also has a Forensic Science Certificate Program which is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in a career in the forensic sciences. And at the graduate level the department offers an M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemistry and participates in an interdisciplinary M.S. in Forensic Science.

Q: To whom do I speak about getting into a closed lab course?

A: There are no waiting lists. You must go to the lab you are interested in taking on the first day of class and let the coordinator know that you are there hoping to obtain an override. Students who are late or miss their first lab session will be dropped from that lab thus allowing these seats to be given to the waiting students. We make every effort to accommodate all waiting students but please consider alternate lab sections as a backup. For additional assistance with introductory chemistry labs please speak to Dr. Graves, CP326, 305-348-3496. For assistance with organic chemistry labs please speak to Dr. Keller, CP 325, 305-348-3081.

Q: To whom do I speak about getting into a closed lecture course?

A: The instructor of the course you wish to enroll in. See departmental office staff for instructor information or call 305-348-2606.

Q: What do I need to do for chemistry advising?

A: You should see an advisor each semester. Call 305-348-2606 for an advising appointment or speak to the Undergraduate Program Director, Dr. Joens, CP 331, Call 305-348-3121. Be sure to bring an up-to-date SASS report with you to your advising appointment.

Q: To whom do I speak about Pre-health professions advising?

A: The Coordinator of Pre-medical Advising, Dr. Roller, 305-348-7289, ECS 476.

Q: To whom do I speak about my Chemistry B.A./B.S. status including being reinstated and approved for graduation?

A: The Undergraduate Program Director, Dr. Joens, CP 331, Call 305-348-3121 for an appointment.

Q: To whom do I speak about my Chemistry M.S. or Ph.D. status including approval for graduation?

A: The Chemistry Graduate Program Director, Dr. Cai, CP 315, 305-348-6210.

Q: To whom do I speak about the undergraduate Forensic Science Program including certificate admission and completion?

A: Dr. Jose R. Almirall. Interested students should also see an undergraduate advisor and follow the B.S. curriculum in their primary department. Please see www.fiu.edu/~ifri for details.

Q: To whom do I speak about my Forensic Science M.S. status including approval for graduation?

A: The Forensic Science Graduate Program Director, Dr. Almirall, CP307, 305-348-3917.

Q: To whom do I speak about course offerings at the North Campus?

A: Dr. Delgado, ACI382A, 305-919-5966.

Q: Who do I talk to if I can’t resolve my problems speaking with the contacts listed above?

A: The Department Chair, Dr. Stanislaw Wnuk, CP-307, 305-348-6195.

Please call the departmental office at 305-348-2606 or visit the departmental undergraduate office in CP 304 or graduate office in CP338 or visit our departmental web page at www.fiu.edu/orgs/chemistry for office hours and additional information.