Chemistry & Biochemistry
The Catalyst for Your Success Starts with a Chemistry & Biochemistry Degree at UNC Asheville
By earning your bachelor’s degree in chemistry & biochemistry at the University of North Carolina Asheville, you’ll build the knowledge and skills to thrive in science and beyond. Here, you’ll learn in a collaborative environment that combines in-depth coursework, hands-on lab experience, and faculty-mentored research—all designed to help you achieve your goals and prepare for a future in graduate study, professional schools, or careers across industry and healthcare.
High-Impact Courses
Students can build upon our foundation courses in general, inorganic, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry, and biochemistry by customizing their studies to their interests. By choosing a focus area in either chemistry or biochemistry, chemistry majors can delve deeper into topics they’re curious about and that prepare them for their career or graduate school. In these classes and more, students solve problems they are passionate about, ranging from those at the atomic level to the Earth’s environment.
Career Paths
Alongside a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences, chemistry and biochemistry majors at UNC Asheville gain the ability to analyze molecular structures and reactions, interpret complex data, and approach problems through an interdisciplinary lens. This preparation opens doors to graduate study and careers in medicine, veterinary science, teaching, government, and a wide range of scientific fields. Our graduates have gone on to thrive in these areas and earn admission to prestigious, highly competitive graduate and professional programs.
High Impact Research
Research is one of the best educational tools to transform students into chemists, which is why all chemistry & biochemistry majors complete at least four semesters of undergraduate research. Further supporting this transformation is UNC Asheville’s Undergraduate Research Program (URP). In the URP, students complete a scholarly or creative project that may be published or presented at events both on and off campus, providing valuable experience for their résumé or graduate school application.
At the Core of Matter and Innovation
Chemistry Majors Explore the Building Blocks of the Universe, Transforming Curiosity Into Discovery One Reaction at a Time.
There are so many times where I’m working in the lab and reactions don’t turn out the way I wanted them to and I have no idea why. However, it’s so rewarding to look back at everything I’ve done and see all that I’ve accomplished at the end.
A Hands-On Education
Chemistry majors at UNC Asheville gain extensive hands-on experience in the lab, working closely with faculty on projects that span organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry. Students have opportunities to collaborate on grant-funded research, present findings at regional and national conferences, and contribute to real-world scientific discovery. These experiences prepare graduates for diverse pathways: approximately 30% pursue Ph.D. programs at research-intensive universities, about 35% continue into healthcare-related professional programs (M.D., M.P.H., Pharm.D.), and the remaining 35% launch careers in the chemical industry or government research programs, including opportunities with the National Institutes of Health Post-baccalaureate program.
University Scientists Receive NIH Grant To Develop Antibiotic
Professors Amanda Wolfe and Brian Steed have been working with undergraduate research students to develop an antibiotic that treats Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a currently antibiotic-resistant bacteria transmitted through water or soil and from person to person via contaminated surfaces
Alumna and Product Design Engineer: Meagan Spencer
Mentorship and Exploration: Learn how Meagan Spencer found confidence with dedicated professors.
Grace Volk
Student-athlete Grace Volk received the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2021.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
The Chemistry Scholars program provides comprehensive support services for chemistry majors from their freshman year until graduation, including scholarships for eligible students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. These scholarships, awarded based on both academic merit and financial need, can fund up to 100% of students’ demonstrated financial need and are renewable for four years. The program also provides the best possible undergraduate education, with funding from the National Science Foundation.
Laboratory Experience
Laboratory Experience
Faculty Research Labs
UNC Asheville chemistry students gain exceptional access to faculty research laboratories housed in Zeis Hall, a modern $32 million science facility designed for discovery and innovation. Within these labs, undergraduates collaborate on real-world projects—whether synthesizing antivirulence molecules to combat antibiotic resistance in the McMahon Lab, probing the molecular mechanics of ATP synthase in the Steed Lab, developing new antibiotic screening methods in the Wolfe Lab, Making new solar cell materials in the Rech Lab, or Designing better catalytic systems for converting solar energy to high-value chemicals in the Lyu lab
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Clubs and Organizations
Chemistry & Biochemistry students at UNC Asheville can enrich their experience beyond the classroom by joining active and vibrant student organizations. Options include the ACS Student Chapter of the American Chemical Society—where members participate in events like National Chemistry Week and Chemists Celebrate Earth Day—and the Aspiring Health Care Professionals group, which fosters pre-health engagement through community service and networking. Interested students may also connect through the Neuroscience Club or find a supportive network in Women in STEM, which promotes outreach, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and advocacy for women in science.
Outside the Classroom
Outside the Classroom
Dexter Squibb Distinguished Lecture Series
This celebrated annual event in UNC Asheville’s Chemistry & Biochemistry department brings nationally renowned chemists to campus to inspire students, faculty, alumni, and community members with groundbreaking science and engaging dialogue. Past lectures have covered a wide array of topics—from quantum information science to environmental chemistry—delivered by leading experts, including Theodore Goodson III and Michelle Buchanan. For students, the Squibb Lectures offer a unique opportunity to connect with trailblazing scientists and explore cutting-edge advancements in the field.
Meet the Faculty
Meet the Faculty
Dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and scientific exploration, UNC Asheville Chemistry & Biochemistry faculty are active researchers, passionate teachers, and mentors who guide students in and beyond the lab. From organic synthesis to biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and materials science, our faculty lead projects that engage students in meaningful research and problem-solving. With a commitment to inclusive learning and discovery, we prepare students to think critically, experiment boldly, and contribute to the chemical sciences in impactful ways.
Related Programs
Ready for What's Next?
UNC Asheville’s chemistry bachelor’s degree program ignites your path to success by offering a dynamic learning environment where you can reach your full potential. Through in-depth coursework you can tailor to your interests and collaborative research projects, you are empowered to push the boundaries of science and forge a brilliant future.