Chemistry
Understand and change the world at the molecular level.
Chemistry
Contact
Aubert Hall, Room 154
Orono, ME 04469
About
Chemistry is unique among the sciences because of the emphasis placed on developing a molecular-level understanding of scientific phenomena. The teaching mission of the Chemistry Department is to impart this molecular perspective to its graduate students and to undergraduate students of all disciplines to equip them with the skills required to apply a molecular view to solve problems related to human health, the environment, materials development, and energy production. Through its research mission to create new knowledge in the basic and applied chemical sciences, the department provides enriching research experiences to undergraduates as well MS and PhD students.
The Chemistry Department offers programs of study that provide students with the chemistry content knowledge, laboratory skills, communication skills, and research experiences to prepare them for careers as scientific professionals. The Department offers a wide range of courses for students planning careers in chemistry, teaching, or medicine and other health-related fields, as well as for students who require a basic chemistry background for other majors or to fulfill a general education science requirement.
Undergraduate Studies
Chemistry majors study the core areas of organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and biological chemistry through an American Chemical Society–certified curriculum. Join the only undergraduate chemistry program in the state where students work side-by-side with faculty and graduate students on real, cutting-edge research. From day one, you’ll be part of a collaborative community that values curiosity, hands-on learning, and scientific discovery. Our majors don’t just learn chemistry, they do chemistry.
Our learner centered approach allows you to choose the best pathway for your goals. We offer an ACS-certified B.S. degree, a non-certified B.S degree, a B.A degree, and a minor. Whether you’re preparing for a career in industry, graduate school, teaching, or health professions, our curriculum and individualized mentorship provides the foundation you need to excel.
Graduate Studies
The Department of Chemistry at UMaine provides programs of study and research leading to thesis-based M.S and Ph.D. degrees, as well as a non-thesis M.S. degree. The graduate program offers a broad range of courses in the chemical sciences that prepare students for their research projects and real-world problem-solving. Research comprises most of the work in thesis programs where students publish their research in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences. Many research groups have interdisciplinary research projects that provide opportunities for collaboration with engineers, materials scientists, biological scientists or disciplinary-based education researchers.
Chemistry graduate students benefit from small research groups, individualized degree paths, and a high degree of student-faculty interaction. Students are supported by teaching assistantships in their first year and subsequently on fellowships or research assistantships when available. Whether you’re preparing for a career in industry, academia, or non-traditional career, our faculty and staff will help you obtain the skills that employers demand as the chemistry field evolves and expands.
Research
Our faculty members are highly dedicated, experienced teachers and researchers who are engaged in dynamic and interdisciplinary areas of chemistry research. Faculty lead research teams of postdoctoral researchers, research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students that answer questions about the world at the molecular level and develop new solutions to critical challenges. These research efforts often span multiple research areas and engage with research centers across campus and the world. To learn more about these areas, please follow the links below.
