Thalia-Rae Perryman and Geoff Bean can be seen on campus walking hand-in-hand feeling chemistry. Not only are they feeling chemistry, but they are studying, researching and teaching chemistry.

Perryman, a 20-year-old from Brookings, S.D., and Geoff Bean, a 23-year-old from Redmond, Wash. are not only dating each other, but the two are also teaching assistants in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

BYU currently offers degrees in the fields of chemistry, biochemistry and chemistry education.

"[Chemistry] changes your perspective on nature and life in general," Perryman said.

Taking chemistry classes, Perryman said, has caused her to do things like drink more water because she has come to understand the chemistry of the body and the importance of a hydrated body.

"This is the pure and applied science," said Jaron Hansen, a BYU chemistry and biochemistry professor. "Everything distills down to chemistry."

Hansen said chemistry is a part of everything, from the chemical make-up of a bed to the light in a classroom.

Hansen said there are many opportunities for one who chooses to study chemistry. From medicine to dentistry or patent law to teaching, there are many practical options.

"A degree in chemistry or biochemistry should not be thought of as a narrowly-focused preparation for a specific profession," said Steven Goates, a BYU chemistry and biochemistry professor. "But as a solid preparation for a variety of careers."

Goates said that on average one-third of the chemistry majors seek graduate studies in a chemistry-related field, one-third attend medical, dental or pharmacology schools, and one-third seek immediate employment. As well, he said, several students go on to earn MBA's or law degrees.

"The range of industries that employ chemists and biochemists surprises most people," Goates said. "It is hard to think of one that doesn't employ chemists."

"Chemistry is so practical and changes our world," said Roman Kuprov, a graduate student studying analytical science from Russia. "It is the very founding of everything we are doing and using."

Kuprov said not only is studying chemistry fun but it is also intellectually fulfilling and the professors are phenomenal.

"There is great access to the professors," said Nathan Bennett, a 23-year-old chemistry major. "The professors care about the students."

Bennett said he thinks the chemistry program is one of the best programs at BYU. It is very easy to become involved in a research group and other opportunities, he said.

Bennett said as a freshman, many of the lower-level classes seem intimidating because there is so much information presented.

He would counsel those starting the major to not be scared off. The information one learns in lower-level classes will begin to make sense and serve as a foundation for upper division courses, he said.

"I like chemistry, as nerdy as that sounds," said Alicia Mabey, a biochemistry major from Las Vegas. "I took one semester of no chemistry and I missed it. I wanted to be back in the Benson [building]."

Mabey would advise those beginning the chemistry program to not be dissuaded by the difficulty of the program. She said it is hard for everyone but very rewarding.

For more information about becoming a chemistry or biochemistry major, contact the Physical and Mathematical Sciences College Advisement Center located in N-179 of the Eyring Science Center.

Copyright Brigham Young University 16 May 2007