Chemistry: Materials Chemistry

Major

Why This Program & What You'll Learn

As a materials scientist, your job is based on understanding the chemical properties of different materials. Then you'll use that knowledge to improve existing materials, or create brand new ones. In this concentration, you'll learn to create nanostructures, explore the development of pharmaceuticals, and push the frontiers of the possible with biomimetics.

Like all chemistry majors, you'll begin your studies with the same core courses in science and math. You'll also engage in hands-on research and work one-on-one with recognized experts. For 50 years, our capstone program has paired students and faculty on meaningful research. It's the only program of its kind among Michigan's public universities. Since its inception, hundreds of students have completed capstones. Many have gone on to publish their findings in peer-reviewed publications and present their research at national meetings.

While the capstone is a reflection of your own passion and interests, you won't be on your own. You'll be guided in the process by a faculty mentor who will steer you toward success. You'll also present a research poster, write a thesis and have the chance to present your research. 

Employers will tell you that this kind of independent research builds the analytical skills they're looking for. You'll find that no matter what you study, our faculty are focused on your real-world success. The things you learn will have a practical use, whether you pursue an advanced degree or a career right out of college.

Program Highlights

As a student in the chemistry: materials chemistry program, you will:

• Work alongside faculty on groundbreaking research. In the past, joint projects have resulted in a method to capture and process mercury from coal-fired power plants, and developing a chemical compound that filters cancer-causing perchlorates from water.
• Join a group of fellow science lovers. The student chapter of the American Chemical Society has been recognized for excellence for eight years in a row.
  
• Learn the latest techniques in our four-story, 60,000-square-foot Dow Science Complex. It supports NMR spectrometry, radioactive materials research, and mass spectrometry and spectroscopy.