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Chemistry & Physics Department

Overview

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at Manchester University strives to equip students with the conceptual knowledge, laboratory proficiency, data analysis skills, critical thinking ability, and scientific communication competency that enable them to use chemistry and physics to enrich their workplaces and communities in principled, productive, and compassionate ways.

Chemistry isn’t called “the central science” for nothing! In fact, because chemical concepts appear in many other fields, chemistry courses are required preparation for many careers, including laboratory work, research, nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, medicine or dentistry. Manchester chemistry majors enjoy an outstanding placement rate for their post-graduate goals, including bachelor’s level jobs and professional schools.

Manchester chemistry faculty will guide you through a hands-on chemistry education that fuses with our outstanding liberal arts curriculum. We graduate students who are effective scientists, communicators and problem solvers, ready to build successful careers in a rapidly changing world.

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Program Success

Excellent graduate success rates:

  • 92 percent of Chemistry majors graduating in 2011-2020 immediately went on to post-graduate positions.
  • 60 percent enrolled in PhD programs in chemistry or physics, pharmacy school, medical school, accelerated nursing programs or dental school
  • 32 percent began bachelor’s-level jobs in laboratories or high school teaching
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Hands-On Lab Experience

Manchester’s chemistry program emphasizes applied learning through advanced laboratory work. Students engage in chemical synthesis, analytical methods, and instrumentation in modern lab facilities that support their academic and professional development.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Chemistry majors collaborate with faculty on real-world research projects. These experiences deepen understanding of chemical principles and can lead to conference presentations, publications, or graduate school preparation.

Student Groups

The American Chemical Society (ACS)
ACS is a vibrant organization for students pursuing chemistry or biology-chemistry majors. Each year, ACS hosts monthly social events such as film nights, guest speakers, and science-themed field trips. The group also participates in student summer research programs, community outreach, and signature events like a fall picnic and holiday celebration. The chapter is well known for demonstrations at events like Walk Into My Future, where students inspire curiosity in visiting elementary school students through hands-on chemistry presentations.

Sigma Pi Sigma (Physics Honor Society)
 While focused on physics, Sigma Pi Sigma welcomes students in related fields who demonstrate academic excellence. Manchester’s Beta chapter recognizes undergraduate and graduate students for outstanding achievement and scholarship in physics and closely aligned disciplines. Membership is a prestigious academic honor and provides leadership and networking opportunities in the broader scientific community.

Learn more about student organizations at Spartan Life.

January Sessions

Manchester’s distinctive 3-week study away January term in Chemistry offers intensive, experiential learning. Chemistry faculty lead specialized courses such as:

  • Development of Modern Scientific Thought in Great Britain, involving museum visits and historical tours
  • Making of the Modern Mind, a European trip exploring philosophical shifts in science and society
  • Forensic Science, a hands-on course held on campus that includes crime lab simulations like fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and arson investigation.

  • Medical Practicum, where students join U.S. healthcare teams serving rural communities in Central America More than a course, the Medical Practicum is a transformational journey that sends students to remote areas of Central America to deliver medical, dental, and veterinary care. Since its founding in 1981 by Dr. Ed Miller, this practicum has involved 468 students and served more than 50,000 patients across Nicaragua, Guatemala, Panama, and more. Students travel by bus, jeep, or canoe to reach villages without electricity or clean water, gaining an unfiltered view of global health needs. The experience often helps shape students’ career paths in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and public health.

Summer Research & Internships

Manchester encourages chemistry and biology-chemistry majors to explore summer research and internship opportunities. Students frequently participate in prestigious programs such as:

  • The National Science Foundation – REU program
    The largest program and with the most possibilities.
  • The National Institutes of Health
    The largest Biomedical research institution in the U.S.
  • The Department of Education
    A number of students have had positions in this program in recent years.
  • The National Science Foundation Centers for Technology
    An additional research program of the NSF
  • The Environmental Protection Agency
  • The US Department of Agriculture
  • Manchester University Office of Career and Professional Development
  • American Chemical Society Internship, Co-op, and Research Listings

Resources

Meet the Faculty