Undergraduate Program
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Colorado Boulder is internationally recognized for its specialized research and education into the study of matter, energy, and the interaction between them.
As part of its commitment to excellence, the department provides cutting-edge opportunities across a wide range of chemistry branches, resulting in world-class innovation in topics like renewable energy, atmospheric pollution and advanced spectroscopy techniques.
Why study Chemistry at Ƶ Boulder?
The behavior of atoms, molecules, and ions determines the sort of world we live in, our shapes and sizes, and even how we feel on a given day. Chemists who understand these phenomena are well-equipped to tackle problems faced by our modern society.
Chemistry, in particular, is the study of matter and energy and the interaction between them. Sometimes called the “central science,” chemistry connects the other natural sciences together in a way that is both theoretical and applied, and allows for a wide variety of science-related careers.
Within chemistry there are a number of branches, all of which are researched at Ƶ Boulder. These branches include analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. In addition, Ƶ Boulder also has a strong research presence into materials and nanoscience, environmental chemistry and atmospheric chemistry (which is one of only a few analytical groups nationwide that offer the focus).
Biochemistry is also researched at Ƶ Boulder but is located within the Department of Biochemistry.
The Department of Chemistry at Ƶ Boulder is also one of the best in the nation, with our graduate program ranking #30 in the United States according to the most recent US News and World Report rankings, with the Physical Chemistry specialization ranking #14 by the same metrics.
In addition, the department has a number of excellent and award-winning faculty, including, but not limited to, three Distinguished Professors, four members of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and National Academy of Sciences, eight National Science Foundation CAREER winners, a recipient of the Governor's Award for Research Impact, five highly cited researchers as measured by ISI and Thomson Reuters, five Guggenheim fellowship recipients and numerous fellows for the American Geophysical Union, Alfred P. Sloan, American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. As well, the department's faculty are incredibly innovative, resulting in over 150 patents.