Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Earn Your Chemistry Degree on the Coast of Maine

If you’re excited at the prospect of studying chemistry at a major research university but want the personal attention offered at a small college, UNE’s Bachelor of Science in Chemistry gives you the best of both worlds. You’ll learn important chemical principles of analytical, biological, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry, integrating theory with experimentation through labs and an uncommon breadth of undergraduate research opportunities. Our hands-on emphasis builds confidence in classic and state-of-the-art instrumental techniques while developing the problem-solving and communications skills you’ll need in the workplace.

A chemistry student squeezes liquid into a small test tube from a bottle

Why UNE for your B.S. in Chemistry

The first institution in Northern New England to adopt the Green Chemistry Commitment, UNE integrates green chemistry theory and practice into our Chemistry curriculum. We provide hands-on laboratory experiments, lectures from experts, and an emphasis on mentored chemical research – all in an effort to prepare our students for a 21st century workforce that will be focused on chemical solutions to societal problems.

We offer:

  • Suite of modern instrumentation
  • Large and active Chemistry Club, an award-winning chapter of the American Chemical Society
  • Teaching assistantships
  • Abundant local internship opportunities
Headshot of U N E student Peter Swanson

Peter Swanson ’24

Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biophysics

Why UNE

I enjoy how there is such an emphasis on teaching and research in my math and science classes. The department is smaller than a larger state school, so you get to know all of [your professors] on a personal level. They are here to mentor you. A lot of [my professors] stress the importance of guided gradual learning instead of just aiming for that perfect GPA. This is the thing that has helped me the most.

I’ve been able to get out of my comfort zone by presenting posters on research that [I’ve done] with my professors. The encouragement from faculty has better prepared me for graduate school and boosted my resume.

My favorite thing about UNE is the accessibility to such high-quality research labs. I have done research under two different mentors. One project studies protein biomaterials [and] the other looks into computational modeling of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Beautiful Locations

I like how [UNE’s campus] is small and quaint. It’s a little secluded outside of the city and right on the water. We have many things to do outside here. There is access to go hiking nearby, and you have the beach right here. A friend and I started back up the rowing team [after it was inactive for a few years] where we can practice here [on the Saco River].

My favorite thing about UNE is the accessibility to such high-quality research labs. I have done research under two different mentors. One project studies protein biomaterials [and] the other looks into computational modeling of supercritical carbon dioxide.

Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Biophysics

What will you study? Chemistry Degree Curriculum Overview

Your core courses will cover the foundations of chemistry and all of its subfields, while you can select areas of modern chemistry to study intensively as elective courses and through research. You’ll also cover lab techniques, experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, scientific literacy, and scientific communication.

B.S. in Chemistry Courses

  • Medicinal Chemistry
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Computational Chemistry
  • Qualitative Analysis
  • Advanced Laboratory

Chemistry with Secondary Education Certification

If you are interested in using your Chemistry degree to teach high school Physical Science, you can complete a double major with Secondary Education or a major in Secondary Education and a concentration in Chemistry.

Honors Program

We offer qualified students the option of graduating with Honors. This includes significant research, scholarship or creative activity under the direction of a faculty member. Interested students should consult with their major advisor. 

Career Paths for Chemistry Majors

Our students have landed jobs with Shell Oil, IDEXX, and the U.S. Office of Naval Research. With a solid foundation in all chemistry sub-fields, knowledge of laboratory techniques, the critical thinking skills you develop as a researcher, and the interpersonal skills you gain through internships and collaborative work with peers and faculty, you too will be poised to begin your successful career in a number of professions, including:

  • Industrial Chemist
  • Environmental Consultant
  • Pharmaceutical Researcher
  • Clinical Chemist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Scientific Laboratory Technician
  • Science Writer
  • Science Teacher

Career Advising for B.S. in Chemistry Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Green Chemistry Commitment

UNE is the first institution in Northern New England to adopt the Green Chemistry Commitment (GCC) — joining a consortium of approximately 40 other institutions of higher education nationwide which will share resources toward meeting common student learning objectives that are endorsed by leaders in the chemical industry.

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry Program

Many Chemistry majors at UNE consider their close work with faculty on research projects to be the highlight of their college education. Beyond the lab, we provide opportunities for hands-on learning through internships as well as Chemistry Club events and demonstrations — because at UNE, we believe in learning by doing.

Research

From synthesizing small molecule drugs and designing catalysts for chemical reactions to imaging biomaterials and exploring environmental toxicology the ability to work closely with a faculty member on a research project is one of the highlights of our undergraduate program.

Listed below you will find descriptions of the research being carried out by our faculty.

Internships for Chemistry Majors 

You may intern at sites including hospitals, private or government labs, educational institutions, or science centers. We partner with several prestigious employers that provide internships, including:

  • IDEXX
  • Shell Oil
  • Katahdin Laboratories
  • State of New Hampshire Pubic Health – Water Analysis Lab

For more information visit the Academic and Career Advising Center.

Chemistry Program Facilities

Our Chemistry program is housed in Peter and Cecile Morgane Hall, with additional teaching and research laboratories in the Harold Alfond Center for Health Sciences and biochemistry research laboratories in the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research. All of the facilities are located on our beautiful seaside campus in Biddeford.

Morgane Hall houses the general chemistry, general physics, and biochemistry teaching labs as well as some small research labs. The advanced chemistry teaching and research labs are located on the third floor of the Alfond Center and the first floor of the Pickus Center. Pickus has flexible biochemistry research space, where you work with faculty using a wide range of modern chemical and biochemical instrumentation in facilities designed to be conducive to learning and research productivity.

Major Instrumentation

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry FAQ