About the Department of Chemistry
In the Department of Chemistry at UTC, we empower our students to advance their scientific knowledge of natural sciences, engage in scientific inquiry, and provide service to their communities. Our introductory laboratories are taught by professionals with expertise in the field. We prepare our students for post-graduate success because we prioritize undergraduate research to help our students gain valuable professional skills under the guidance of our dedicated faculty.
Your chemistry degree from UTC prepares you for dynamic and diverse careers in areas ranging from healthcare to science & technology. Our program offers courses in biochemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, as well as a variety of advanced electives. We equip our classrooms and labs with research-quality instrumentation, and we provide one-on-one mentorships with faculty members. In addition to our paid summer research program, our partnerships with local industry and healthcare centers provide you with copious internship opportunities so that you can gain real-world experience while completing your degree. Plus, we offer chemistry-specific scholarships and awards and personalized advising, tutoring, and paid assistantships.
Chemistry graduates find careers as physicians, dentists, pharmacists, forensic investigators, veterinarians, food and flavor chemists, lawyers, scientific writers, and teachers. More than 90% of our alumni successfully launch their careers within one year of graduation.
Offering a molecular perspective, our faculty and staff seek to:
• encourage students to advance their scientific knowledge;
• engage students in scientific inquiry;
• serve our department, university, profession, and communities; and
• prepare our students for the future.
The Department is located in Grote Hall, named after Dr. Irvine Grote. An individual of tremendous scientific curiosity, he worked in both private industry and subsequently as a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Grote served as Scientific Consultant at Chattem, Inc. for more than 40 years, and authored numerous patents, including the original antacid formulations in Rolaids. After his passing in 1973, Dr. Grote and his wife Nita left their entire estate to the UTC Department of Chemistry, an endowment now known as the Grote Chemistry Fund. The endowment is used to fund scholarships, promote student research opportunities, purchase and maintain instruments, support faculty development, and foster the advancement of scientific research.