Welcome to the web site of the department of chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since 1818, our department has been a major force in research and teaching in the chemical sciences.

Our faculty of 45 includes 6 members of the National Academy of Sciences, one member of the National Academy of Engineering, a past President of the American Chemical Society, a Priestley Medal recipient, and numerous winners of other national awards in Chemistry.

This year, our facilities have expanded to include the new Caudill Laboratories, which now houses almost half of our research groups. Very soon, construction will begin on yet another new building on the site of current Venable Hall.

Our graduate program is consistently ranked in the top 15, with some individual disciplines ranked in the top ten. The research activities of the department span a broad definition of chemistry, and our faculty attract over $21 million in external funding annually. Chemistry is also a focus for interdisciplinary efforts on campus in biological sciences and materials sciences. At present, we have over 250 graduate students and more than 70 postdoctoral research associates. The culture at Carolina involves smaller research groups than at many comparable institutions, allowing for greater mentoring and interaction with faculty. Collaboration between research groups is pervasive, and many students carry out joint projects with two faculty mentors. Carolina PhD’s have carried this tradition to faculty positions at major research universities and small colleges and throughout the chemical industry.

Our department is one of the top producers of undergraduate chemists in the nation, and at present, we have 400 undergraduate majors. Our department is committed to providing undergraduates with opportunities in research, and over 70 undergraduates are working in Carolina’s research groups. Our undergraduate alumni include distinguished chemistry faculty members, leaders in the chemical industry, a Nobel Prize winner, and many others who have used the knowledge and discipline of a rigorous chemical education to benefit society.

The links above will provide details about teaching and research activities underway in the department of chemistry. If you need any further information, please contact us.

Sincerely,

Michael T. Crimmins
Mary Ann Smith Professor and Chair