About our Undergraduate Program

The undergraduate chemistry program at UNM aims to provide a rigorous education in the fundamental areas of chemical knowledge and experimentation. The program is extremely flexible in its electives to provide excellent preparation for careers in many different areas of chemistry and chemical biology. Our chemistry undergraduate program is designed to provide an education based on science for both students planning to graduate study and those intending to pursue professional careers in chemistry immediately or in an allied field where sound knowledge of chemistry is important.

Chemistry occupies a key position in the modern sciences. Ultimately, most phenomena in biology, medicine, geology, and the environmental sciences can be described regarding the chemical and physical behavior of atoms and molecules. Because of the wide appeal and utility of chemistry, UNM offers many lower-division courses, differing in emphasis and style, which meet diverse needs. The chemistry curriculum exposes the student to the principal areas of modern chemistry, including organic, inorganic, biochemistry, and physical chemistry. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who plan to end their formal education with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree, as well as those who wish to go on for an advanced degree.

The undergraduate chemistry program aims to encourage students to become active members of the departmental academic community. Interaction between undergraduates, faculty, and graduate students is strongly promoted through class and laboratory contact. Small classes offer students exciting opportunities to pursue undergraduate research projects under the direction of a faculty mentor. The department strives to provide its students with a friendly, stimulating, and rigorous learning environment.