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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

Alpha Chi Sigma (AXS)

Chemistry of Baking 

NOBCChE Student Chapter: National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers

Cosmetic Chemist Society

Sample curriculum

FALLSPRING
CHEM 111, General Chem. (Majors)CHEM 112, General Chem. (Majors)
CHEM 135, First-Year Majors Chem. Lab. ICHEM 136, First-Year Majors Chem. Lab. II
CHEM 164, Freshman Majors SeminarCHEM 165, Intro. to Chem. Research (optional)
MATH 231, Integrated Calc. IAMATH 232, Integrated Calc. IB
ENGL 110, First-Year WritingGroup A/B/C Elective
UNIV 101, First Year SeminarGroup A/B/C Elective
Group A/B/C ElectiveMulticultural Requirement 
FALLSPRING
CHEM 331, Organic Chem. ICHEM 332, Organic Chem. II
CHEM 333, Organic Chem. Lab. I (2 credits)CHEM 334, Organic Chem. Lab. II
MATH 242, Anal. Geom. and Calc. B CHEM 357, Inorganic Chem. I
PHYS 201 OR PHYS 207, Intro. Physics I PHYS 202 OR PHYS 208, Intro. Physics II 
PHYS 221 OR PHYS 227, Intro. Physics Lab. I PHYS 222 OR PHYS 228, Intro. Physics Lab. II 
Group A/B/C Elective Group A/B/C Elective 
FALLSPRING
CHEM 443, Physical Chem. ICHEM 444, Physical Chem. II
CHEM 445, Physical Chem. Lab. I CHEM 446, Physical Chem. Lab. II 
CHEM 337, Analytical Chem. I CHEM 338, Analytical Chem. Lab. I 
CHEM 527, Intro. Biochem.
OR CHEM 641, Biochemistry 
CHEM 457, Inorganic Chem. II
Group A/B/C Elective CHEM 458, Inorganic Chem. Lab. 
Group A/B/C Elective Second Writing Requirement 
 Elective
FALLSPRING
CHEM 465, Senior Seminar (University Capstone)CHEM 465, Senior Seminar
CHEM 437, Analytical Chem. II CHEM 438, Analytical Chem. Lab. II 
CHEM 6XX, Advanced Chemistry Elective CHEM 468, Undergrad. Research (opt.) or Elective
Discovery Learning Experience (CHEM 468,
Undergrad. Research optional) 
Elective
ElectiveElective
Elective 

Go Global at UD

This major is eligible for the following programs:

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