Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program in chemistry and biochemistry engages students in robust coursework and stimulating research under the guidance of award-winning faculty. Students learn the chemical and biochemical principles needed to discover, develop, and design new approaches to fundamental challenges related to health, education, the environment, and energy. 

Several areas of research emphasis are open to students in the program, including bioanalytical, biophysical, inorganic and bioinorganic chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, natural products, integrative medicine, and chemical education research. 

PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• With a strong emphasis on teaching, active chemistry faculty include two UNCG Alumni Teaching Excellence Award winners, four College of Arts and Sciences Teaching Excellence award winners, and one UNC Board of Governors Teaching Excellence Award winner.
• Faculty research is funded by National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, the N.C. Biotechnology Center, and the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund.
• The program is accredited by the American Chemical Society.

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• The program offers a great deal of flexibility in specific areas of specialization for students, and specific research projects are chosen based on student interest, available funding, and likelihood to lead to high impact publications. 
• Students are accepted into the graduate program without assignment to a particular mentor, and select a research advisor within their first semester. Pairings between student and research advisor are made based on mutually agreed upon shared research interests and availability of space in the advisor’s laboratory.

AFTER GRADUATION

• A Ph.D. in chemistry and biochemistry provides tools for a range of careers in academia, industry and government, spanning from scientific research and development in areas related to health, energy, and technology to education, environmental consulting, quality control, and manufacturing support. 
• Graduates from our program are employed in both the academic and private sectors, as teachers, researchers, and facility managers.

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