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Chemistry

At °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp, studying chemistry means learning how matter works at every scale. You’ll explore the structure, reactions, and behavior of molecules through hands-on lab work and faculty-led research on the °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp campus in Los Angeles.

Earn Your Chemistry Degree from Oxy

As a chemistry major at °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp, you’ll build a strong foundation in general, organic, analytical, physical, and inorganic chemistry while developing the lab skills needed to understand and solve real chemical problems. You’ll form hypotheses, design experiments, interpret data, and study topics that shape modern science, from reaction mechanisms to chemical energy and biomolecular structure.

Research is central to the °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp chemistry undergraduate program. You’ll conduct original lab work with faculty mentors, join the Summer Research Program, and often publish or present your findings, and peer mentoring and our Academic Mastery Program facilitate learning outside the lab. By the time you graduate, you’ll have the scientific, analytical, and communication skills needed for careers in medicine, research, chemical engineering, biotechnology, or graduate study.

Chemistry program at a glance

What You’ll Learn as a Chemistry Major at °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp

Oxy student working with laboratory equipment

Connecting theory and experimentation

The chemistry major at °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp blends rigorous coursework with intensive lab experience. You’ll study molecular structure, reactivity, spectroscopy, thermodynamics, and chemical analysis while strengthening your problem-solving and communication skills.

  • Chemistry: Build a broad foundation across major subfields while mastering laboratory techniques and chemical theory.
  • Biochemistry: Study the chemical principles that drive biological systems and prepare for health professions or molecular research.
  • Environmental Chemistry: Investigate chemical processes in natural and built environments, including pollution, climate, and sustainability.

Oxy chemistry students conduct research alongside faculty in labs focused on synthesis, catalysis, materials science, analytical chemistry, and chemical biology. You can join ongoing projects, apply for the Summer Research Program, and present at local or national conferences. Many students co-author peer-reviewed publications.

Chemistry connects naturally with biochemistry, biology, physics, public health, and environmental science. Pairing chemistry with these fields expands your scientific training and opens pathways to medicine, research, sustainability, and engineering.

Mario Alvarado headshot

Studying chemistry at Oxy has shown me how the subject connects to real-world needs. Research in the Navarro lab has pushed me beyond the textbook and helped me learn how to design experiments, solve problems, and understand the impact chemistry has on people’s lives. The support and guidance from my professors have played a major role in my growth as a student and future chemist.

Mario Jesus Alvarado
Chemistry major; Redding, CA

Research You Might Take Part In

Working with a surgical team at the University of California-Irvine, the Hill Group is developing non-invasive molecular based surgical modalities to replace the scalpel and sutures for reshaping cartilaginous tissues. They are currently working on electrochemical-based corneal refraction.

Professor Mike Hill

The Cannon Lab is generally interested in developing new methods for the synthesis of carbon-carbon bonds in order to synthesize pharmaceuticals and other important biomolecules. Current projects include the use of blue LED light to promote catalysis and new methods for the synthesis of amino acids, one of the key building blocks of biology.

Professor Jeffrey Cannon

The Despagnet-Ayoub group focuses its efforts on designing organometallic complexes for space applications, including electrolytes for batteries operational on ice planets and catalysts for converting carbon dioxide to oxygen on Mars.

Professor Emmanuelle Despagnet-Ayoub

One of the goals of the Navarro lab is to develop new chemical transformations that facilitate the synthesis of biologically active natural products. It is currently targeting the synthesis of one particular natural product, swerilactone A, which shows promising biological activity against hepatitis B.

Professor Raul Navarro

One team of °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp researchers combines chemical modification with genetic engineering to exploit virus nanoparticles to perturb the coagulation cascade. The technology can be used to reverse heparin-induced anti-coagulation following surgical procedures, or prevent blood clot formation during surgical intervention.

Professor Andrew Udit

Oxy student and professor in a laboratory reviewing documents together

Learning Chemistry in LA

Studying chemistry at °µÍø±¬ÁÏapp places you in the heart of Los Angeles, a global hub for scientific innovation. You’ll gain access to internships and research at biotech firms, hospitals, environmental labs, and research institutions. Faculty help you connect coursework with practical experience that supports your academic and professional goals.

What Our Graduates Are Doing

Ph.D. program in chemistry, Harvard University

Jack Thomas-Colwell
2023

Master's program in chemical engineering, USC

Chester Cahill
2023

Researcher, Janssen Pharmaceuticals

Yuri Lee
2020

Program Specialist, American Chemical Society

Ayanna Lynch
2020

AI Research Associate, DeepLearning.AI

Lynn He
2019

Physical Scientist, US Environmental Protection Agency

Delaney Kilgour
2018

Ph.D. program in educational social work, UT Austin

Katherine Hess
2014

M.D., Emergency Medicine, USC Keck School of Medicine

Nick Saade
2011

Meet Our Faculty

FAQs

You’ll learn by doing. Every major conducts original research while benefiting from close faculty mentorship and advanced lab facilities.

Yes. Nearly all majors participate in faculty-led research and the Summer Research Program. You will work side-by-side with department faculty on high-impact contemporary problems, such as:

  • mapping the complex chemistry of living systems
  • synthesizing novel compounds in drug design
  • engineering biomolecules, guided by genomics and bioinformatics
  • developing new energy sources
  • creating and studying novel nanomaterials

Graduates pursue careers in medicine, chemical research, biotechnology, public health, and engineering, or continue to top graduate programs.

Yes. Students have access to specialized labs, advanced instrumentation, and research spaces that support hands-on scientific discovery.

Contact Chemistry
Norris Hall 302