About
Message from the Department Head
Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UNCG! Chemistry and Biochemistry involves the study of compounds and their reactivity at a molecular level. To accomplish this feat, researchers must learn about the properties of compounds (General Chemistry), structure and reactivity of molecules (Organic and Inorganic Chemistry), characterization of structures (analytical chemistry), fundamental components of molecules (Physical Chemistry), and the role that these play in biological systems (Biochemistry). Courses in our Department include lecture courses, laboratory courses, and research courses. Collectively, these courses provide foundational understanding in Chemistry and Biochemistry. With regards to majors, our Department has Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The department offers an American Chemical Society certified B.S. in Chemistry with Concentrations in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Research, a B.S. in Biochemistry, as well as a B.A. degree in Chemistry. Research training has always been an important aspect of our undergraduate program. In recognition of this strength, the department offers a B.S. in Chemistry with Concentration in Research which allows undergrads to begin their research training in their freshman year under the direction of research faculty, culminating with the preparation of a research thesis in the senior year. We also offer a B.A. in Chemistry with Secondary Teaching Licensure, in which students complete a B.A. degree in Chemistry as well as the requirements necessary to receive licensure for high school chemistry teaching, with student teaching in the last semester of senior year.
The Department has a well-established Master’s level program, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2017, that offers an M.S. in Chemistry or an M.S. in Chemistry with a Concentration in Biochemistry. In addition to course-work in core areas of Chemistry or Biochemistry, each program emphasizes training in research by requiring a significant research project with a Master’s thesis under the supervision of a professor. Students also receive experience in professional presentation through the seminar program and attendance at professional meetings to present research results.
Our Ph.D. program in Chemistry and Biochemistry began in 2008 and offers students an innovative curriculum and research environment that emphasizes fundamental biochemical interactions and mechanisms guiding drug design and development. Students who complete the program will have a strong perspective on drug design and function and will have specialization in one of the following disciplines which connect biochemical interactions with pharmaceutical development: biophysical chemistry, natural products, computational chemistry, bioanalytical chemistry or pharmaceutical drug synthesis.
Students that graduate from our programs have gone into academic positions (high school to universities), industrial positions, and government positions or furthered their education in graduate school, dental school, medical school, nursing school, and pharmacy school. Many graduates are in North Carolina, and we also have international UNCG graduates including Germany, Jordan, and the Philippines. We are proud of our graduates and hope that they keep in touch with us on our LinkedIn page, Twitter account, Facebook page, and read our latest newsletter. Another way to keep in touch is to send your updated contact information to chembio@uncg.edu.
I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our students, faculty, staff, and programs. If you have questions or want more information, please feel free to contact us.
Take care,
Mitchell P. Croatt
Department Head
(336)334-5402
