Sample Courses
- General chemistry focuses on atomic and molecular structure, thermodynamics, equilibrium, physical properties, and the chemical reactions of the elements.
- Physiological biochemistry involves the chemistry of organic physiological structures, including protein structure and function as well as enzyme mechanisms. Students explore central metabolism, bioenergetics, the integration and regulation of metabolism, and the intersection of biology, physiology, and chemistry.
- Physical chemistry laboratory incorporates hands-on experiments in thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, and molecular spectroscopy—areas where chemistry intersects with physics.
- Organic chemistry of biological molecules covers the major classes of biomolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids with a focus on biological aspects.
- Advanced organic-inorganic synthesis looks at methods of organic and inorganic synthetic chemistry and solid state chemistry from the perspective of Nobel Prize-winning research.
- Chemical thermodynamics explores the laws of thermodynamics and their applications, including those to nonideal chemical systems.
- Statistical mechanics examines the molecular basis of thermodynamics, as well as the applications to the calculations of the properties of noninteracting and weakly interacting systems.
Hands On Learning
As early as sophomore year, hard-working students interested in a particular faculty member’s research can often join that professor’s research team and assist in research during the academic year.
Undergraduates may choose to take advantage of summer opportunities that include the Research Experience for Undergraduates, a ten-week program in physics and chemistry; CHIP Camp, a week-long introduction to the microelectronics industry; or Poly Camp, a week-long introduction to the fundamental concepts, processes, synthesis, and physical characterization of polymers.
A motivated and academically accomplished undergraduate student might participate in a fifth year internship master’s program. It combines classroom instruction and laboratory work with a six- to nine-month paid industrial internship.
Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Many of the advances in chemical science are now taking place at the boundaries between traditionally defined disciplines, and institutes help facilitate these advances. Chemistry students at the University of Oregon enjoy the advantages of an established institute framework, which provides the strength and flexibility to move into rapidly emerging areas of chemical science. Students and faculty members are free to cross departmental and disciplinary boundaries to follow their curiosity by participating in joint research in the university’s many institutes.
The chemistry department’s biochemistry major unites elements of biology and chemistry. Such an interdisciplinary background is vital for work in medicine, genetics, or pharmaceuticals.
The University of Oregon offers courses that are geared toward students interested in studying both chemistry and physics. Such a background could lead to work in the fields of laser technology and fiber optics.
Complementary minors to chemistry are computer and information science, economics, environmental studies, geological sciences, mathematics, and physics.