Chemistry Department

Study chemistry at SUNY Cortland and you get the best of several worlds — a first-rate curriculum, small classes led by an energetic faculty and opportunities to become involved in research as early as your freshman year.

One of the best ways to learn chemistry is by doing chemistry, in a lab, side-by-side with a faculty member, using the same sophisticated tools that professional scientists use. That’s why student research is a signature strength of our chemistry program.

Nanotechnology, polymer chemistry, chemical biology and organic synthesis, groundwater contamination and molecular synthesis are just some of the areas student researchers have explored in recent years.

A Cortland chemistry degree opens many doors to your future. Our chemistry majors are engaged in rewarding careers in research, business and industry. They are readily accepted to medical schools or to graduate programs in chemistry and other fields.

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News

Student researches how microplastic pollution impacts oysters

Sept. 12, 2023
Student scientist Makiah Poli is testing the bivalve’s reaction to plastic pollution in the oceans.

Chemistry by computer

Sept. 1, 2023
A Cortland professor’s federally funded undergraduate research program does virtual biochemistry experiments.

Biochemistry posters on display in Memorial Library

Sept. 27, 2021
Students worked in tandem with faculty and their peers at Cal Poly Pomona.

Student researchers make the most of summer experience

Aug. 17, 2021
Nine high-achieving students earned a summer undergraduate research fellowship in 2021, helping them pursue full-time scholarly work with a faculty member.

Alum doing NASA space-seed research in his kitchen

April 6, 2020
Forced off campus by COVID-19, Alex Meyers ’13 has found a novel way to do research at home.

Clubs/Societies

The Chemistry Department has a student affiliate chapter of the American Chemical Society (Chem Club). This club, which is partially funded by student activity fees, provides a focus for students in all areas of chemistry to study together, to obtain tutoring services and to socialize. A special Chem Club office provides working areas and a place for joining in the clubs activities. Chem Club sponsors visiting speakers and each year takes a major trip to a scientific meeting or to a site of interest to the club members.



Read More About Chemistry Department Clubs