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Chemistry

Chemistry student working in the lab.

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

 

CHEM112

General Chemistry II

 

CHEM115

Intro to Chemical Sciences

 

CHEM120

Quantitative Chemistry

 

ENGL110

Seminar in Composition

 

MATH241

Anal. Geom. & Calculus A

 

MATH242

Anal. Geom. & Calculus B

 

   

Foreign Language Courses

 

  University Breadth Courses

CHEM331

 

Organic Chemistry I

CHEM332

 

Organic Chemistry II

CHEM333

 

Organic Chemistry Lab

CHEM334

 

Organic Chemistry Lab

CHEM357

 

Inorganic Chemistry I,

MATH243

 

Anal. Geom. & Calculus C

PHYS201

 

General Physics I

PHYS202

 

General Physics II
 

Elective Courses

 

  University Breadth Courses
CHEM437

Instrumental Methods

 

CHEM438

Instrumental Methods Lab

 

CHEM443

Physical Chemistry I

 

CHEM444

Physical Chemistry II

 

CHEM445

Physical Chemistry Lab I

 

CHEM446

Physical Chemistry Lab II

 

CHEM457

Inorganic Chemistry

 

CHEM458

Inorganic Chemistry Lab

 

CHEM527

Biochemistry

 

 

University Breadth Courses

 

  Elective Courses
   
   
CHEM465

Seminar

 

CHEM468

Undergraduate Research

 

 

University Breadth Courses

 

  Elective Courses

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following programs:

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