Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ACS/Pre-Medicine/Pre-Dentistry)
The FAMU Department of Chemistry is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to offer the BS Chemistry degree with ACS certification. ACS is one of the largest scientific organizations in the world and it is the standard for chemical education. Our curriculum is designed to equip graduates with a thorough knowledge of the chemical sciences. Our Student Academic and Professional Development (SAPD) series provides a comprehensive and cumulative assessment of the curriculum with verbal reasoning and standardized exam (MCAT, PA-CAT, DAT) preparation integrated in the four years. Majors are equipped with the academic and professional skills needed for success after receiving their degree, whether it be immediate employment, graduate school or professional school.
What is Chemistry/Pre-Medicine & Pre-Dentistry?
- Our Chemistry/Pre-Medicine & Pre-Dentistry program prepares majors for admission to
medical school, physician assistant school and dental school. These schools prepare
students to become physicians, physician assistants, medical scientists and dentists.
- Physicians diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses and address health maintenance.
- Physician assistants examine, diagnose, and treat patients under the supervision of
a physician.
Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. - Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health.
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine & Pre-Dentistry Careers
Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They often counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.
Physician assistants work in a variety of healthcare specialties, including primary
care and family medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. Medical scientists often
use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings. They
typically work in offices and laboratories.
Some dentists have their own business and work alone or with a small staff. Other dentists have partners in their practice. Still others work as associate dentists for established dental practices.
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine & Pre-Dentistry Employment Expectations
- Employment of physicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as
fast as the average for all occupations. About 23,600 openings for physicians are
projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- Employment of physician assistants is projected to grow 20 percent from 2024 to 2034,
much faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,000 openings for physician
assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- Employment of medical scientists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034,
much faster than the average for all occupations. About 9,600 openings for medical
scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
- Employment of dentists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 4,500 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Chemistry/Pre-Medicine & Pre-Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the median salary for physicians?
A: Wages for physicians are among the highest of all occupations, with a median wage
equal to or greater than $239,200 per year.
Q: What is the median salary for physician assistants?
A: The median annual wage for physician assistants was $133,260 in May 2024. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $95,240, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $182,200.
Q: What is the median salary for medical scientists?
A: The median annual wage for medical scientists was $100,590 in May 2024. The lowest
10 percent earned less than $61,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $168,210.
Q: What is the median salary for dentists?
A: The median annual wage for dentists was $179,210 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent
earned less than $84,740, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $239,200.
Department of Chemistry Faculty
| Name | Phone | |
| Dr. Mohamed Abdel Salam Instructor |
mohamed.salam@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Natalie Arnett Associate Professor |
natalie.arnett@famu.edu | 850-412-5329 |
| Dr. James Bouyer Associate Professor/Department Chair |
james.bouyer@famu.edu | 850-599-3638 |
| Dr. Beni B. Dangi Associate Professor |
beni.dangi@famu.edu | 850-599-8419 |
| Dr. Suresh Eyunni Instructor |
suresh.eyunni@famu.edu | |
| Mr. Casanova Jackson Associate Instructor |
casanova.jackson@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Margaret Lyles Associate Instructor |
margaret.lyles@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Nelly Mateeva Professor |
nelly.mateeva@famu.edu | 850-412-5662 |
| Dr. Bereket Mochona Associate Professor |
bereket.mochona@famu.edu | 850-599-3638 |
| Dr. Musiliyu Musa Professor |
musiliyu.musa@famu.edu | 850-599-3509 |
| Dr. Edith Ndubuaku Onyeozili Professor |
edith.onyeozili@famu.edu | 850-412-5328 |
| Dr. Sanuja Pitigalaarachchige Associate Instructor |
sanuja.pitigalaarachchige@famu.edu | |
| Dr. Bishnu Regmi Associate Professor |
bishnu.regmi@famu.edu | 850-599-8424 |
| Dr. Keerthi Senevirathne Associate Professor |
keerthi.senevirathne@famu.edu | 850-599-3638 |
| Dr. Ngozi Ugochukwu Professor/Associate Dean |
ngozi.ugochukwu@famu.edu | 850-412-7124 |
