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Chemistry
Transform matter. Create solutions.
Understand how substances behave and change
How can chemists create cleaner fuels, design stronger materials or detect pollutants in the environment? Chemistry examines the structure and properties of matter, the reactions that transform it and the tools scientists use to create and analyze substances.
As a chemistry major at the University of Delaware, you will study organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. You will explore topics such as chemical synthesis, catalysis, thermodynamics, spectroscopy, materials and energy conversion. Laboratory courses will help you develop practical skills in experimentation, measurement, data analysis and the use of scientific instruments.
Choose a path that fits your goals
The American Chemical Society-certified bachelor of science provides intensive preparation for scientific research, industry and graduate or professional study. The bachelor of arts offers greater flexibility to combine chemistry with interests such as business, policy, communication or another academic field. Students may also pursue a concentration in environmental chemistry.
Graduates apply their skills in research, energy, advanced materials, manufacturing, environmental science, forensics, pharmaceuticals and other STEM fields. The major also provides a foundation for medical school, pharmacy school, law and graduate study.
AREAS OF STUDY
- Catalysis and Reaction Development
- Chemical Synthesis
- Chemistry and Life Sciences
- Materials, Polymers, Surfaces and Interfaces
- Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Spectroscopy
- Forensic and Quantitative Analysis
- Energy Conversion, Storage and Environmental Sustainability
- Chemical Data Analysis and Computing
CAREER OPTIONS
- Career Options
Research Scientist
Chemical Synthesis and Reaction Development
Process Development and Manufacturing
Materials and Polymer Science
Analytical Instrumentation
Quality Control and Regulatory Affairs
Environmental Testing and Sustainability
Forensic Analysis
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
- Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental and Data Science
- Health Professions, including medicine, physician assistant studies, pharmacy, dentistry, nutrition and veterinary science
- Patent Law and Intellectual Property
- Science Education
- Business Administration
What’s special about this program?
At UD, chemistry majors can join faculty research projects as early as their first year. Students may investigate chemical synthesis, catalysis, energy conversion, materials, environmental chemistry or molecules with potential biomedical applications. Departmental programs and alumni-supported fellowships help eligible students pursue funded summer research, and some undergraduate projects lead to presentations or published work.
Eligible students can build on the major through the Chemistry/Materials Science and Engineering 4+1 program or the Chemistry/Secondary STEM Education 4+1 program. .
See how UD chemists create molecules to study and treat disease
Get Involved
American Chemical Society Student Affiliates
American Society for Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chemistry of Baking
NOBCChE Student Chapter: National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers
Sample curriculum
| CHEM111 | General Chemistry I
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| CHEM112 | General Chemistry II
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| CHEM115 | Intro to Chemical Sciences
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| CHEM120 | Quantitative Chemistry
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| ENGL110 | Seminar in Composition
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| MATH241 | Anal. Geom. & Calculus A
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| MATH242 | Anal. Geom. & Calculus B
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Foreign Language Courses
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| University Breadth Courses |
CHEM331
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Organic Chemistry I |
CHEM332
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Organic Chemistry II |
CHEM333
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Organic Chemistry Lab |
CHEM334
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Organic Chemistry Lab |
CHEM357
|
Inorganic Chemistry I, |
MATH243
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Anal. Geom. & Calculus C |
PHYS201
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General Physics I |
PHYS202
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General Physics II |
Elective Courses
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| University Breadth Courses |
| CHEM437 | Instrumental Methods
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| CHEM438 | Instrumental Methods Lab
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| CHEM443 | Physical Chemistry I
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| CHEM444 | Physical Chemistry II
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| CHEM445 | Physical Chemistry Lab I
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| CHEM446 | Physical Chemistry Lab II
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| CHEM457 | Inorganic Chemistry
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| CHEM458 | Inorganic Chemistry Lab
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| CHEM527 | Biochemistry
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University Breadth Courses
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| Elective Courses | |
| CHEM465 | Seminar
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| CHEM468 | Undergraduate Research
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University Breadth Courses
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| Elective Courses |