Chemistry at DU emphasizes hands-on experimental practice in all of the undergraduate laboratories, employing state-of-the-art equipment. Students use many different instruments that are also found in research and/or industrial chemical labs, including IR spectrometers, NMR spectrometers, gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, atomic absorption spectrometers, etc. A special course in instrumental analysis provides extensive training on many of the more important instruments. We believe the best way to learn chemistry is in the laboratory.

Undergraduate research is an important component of our program. Students are encouraged to undertake research projects directed by a faculty member as early in their undergraduate careers as is feasible. In a real sense, our students are apprentices learning a profession, and many of our undergraduates have co-authored papers published in top scientific journals.

We have a number of attractive majors that provide excellent preparation for a variety of careers. Some of our graduates have chosen to obtain a job in the chemical or biotech industries. Environmental chemistry majors are well prepared to work in the environmental area. Many graduates have gone on to graduate school in chemistry or biochemistry. Others have chosen to attend medical school, veterinary school or dental school. There are many other options available, such as pharmacy school, patent law, and so forth.