Studying chemistry at UCF provides a foundation in all five disciplines of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. Students receiving this degree, which is certified by the American Chemical Society, are prepared to pursue careers in industry or continue their education in graduate school.
By the Numbers
Three undergraduate degrees:
Chemistry BS Biochemistry BS Chemistry BAThree graduate degrees:
Chemistry MS Forensic Science MS Chemistry PhDSpring 2023:
Undergraduate students: 683
Graduate students: 87
Faculty: 37
What Kind of Classes Will I Take?
Undergraduate Classes:
Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Who is it designed for?
This class is designed for anyone who is studying chemistry, or a chemistry-adjacent topic (with appropriate prerequisites) and is curious to learn more about what the term sustainable really means within the context of chemistry and the chemical industry.
What will I learn?
In this class students learn about the philosophy of green and sustainable chemistry, through the lens of the “12 Principles of Green Chemistry.” Students learn assessment of green chemistry metrics, cutting-edge advances in sustainable chemistry, important fundamental concepts such as chemical catalysis and emerging topics of societal impact such as microplastics in the environment.
When is it offered?
The course is offered every Spring semester.
forensic crime scene investigation
Who is it designed for?
The course is designed for forensic science majors.
What will I learn?
Students will develop the knowledge and skills that are necessary to make informed decisions regarding the collection, packaging, preservation, and processing of forensic evidence gathered from crime scenes.
When is it offered?
Fall
Graduate Classes:
Bioconjugate Chemistry
Who is it designed for?
The Bioconjugate Chemistry course is designed for students majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biomedical and Health Sciences, as well as for other majors who are interested to learn more about traditional and recent approaches to modify biomolecules for biotechnology and medicinal applications.
What will I learn?
Students will learn about the strategies for coupling biomolecules to a solid support, modifying biological macromolecules to introduce different functionalities, crosslinking biopolymers to study their interactions, as well as applications of bioconjugates in assays, for in vivo imaging, disease diagnostics, therapeutic drug targeting, immune modulation and vaccine development.
When is it offered?
The course is offered in the Fall semester of even years.
The Fundamentals of Discipline Based Education Research (DBER) in STEM
Who is it designed for?
The class is designed for students who are interested in the history, practices and impact of education research in higher education science, technology and engineering and math (STEM) disciplines.
What will I learn?
This class prepares students for the fundamentals of solid research, beginning with how to develop topics and theoretical frameworks. It also walks them through common lab instruments and how to use them. Finally, students gain a background in how to analyze literature and perform in-depth reviews.
When is it offered?
It is offered once a year, traditionally in the Spring.
Who are some of my professors?
Meet Dr. Jonathan Caranto
Chemistry faculty introduce UCF students to the fundamental building blocks of our world. Students will learn from faculty like Dr. Jonathan Caranto not only how to observe but, ultimately, control these chemical interactions.
Student Profiles
Undergraduate Student
Wilfredo Rivera Rodriguez
Hometown
Clermont, FL
Expected Year of Graduation
2025
Career Goal
My career goal is to go into the research field of nuclear chemistry within academic institutions. It will allow me to teach a subject I am passionate about to upper-level students while allowing me to perform research that can be used to expand our knowledge of nuclear chemistry and its applications.
Why I Love My Major
I love my major because it allows me to develop a good foundation from key concepts and ideas that are essential to my research related to nuclear chemistry. In return, it will allow for a better understanding of radioactive materials and their behaviors.
Doctoral Candidate
Ilana Szlamkowicz
Hometown
Boca Raton, FL
Expected Year of Graduation
2025
Career Goal
My career goal is to get a job within the Department of Energy National Labs and participate in their research on nuclear chemistry, either in environmental or nuclear forensics disciplines.
Why I Love My Major
I love my major because it allows me to investigate the interactions and pathways of radioactive elements in the environment, which is an ever-present concern when considering the safety of nuclear energy.