chemistry research topics for phd

100+ Great Chemistry Research Topics

Table of contents

• 1 5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers
• 2 Chemical Engineering Research Topics
• 3 Organic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 4 Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics
• 5 Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics
• 6 Analytical Chemistry Research Topics
• 7 Computational Chemistry Research Topics
• 8 Physical Chemistry Research Topics
• 9 Innovative Chemistry Research Topics
• 10 Environmental Chemistry Research Topics
• 11 Green Chemistry Research Topics
• 12.1 Conclusion

Do you need a topic for your chemistry research paper? Are you unsure of where to start? Don’t worry – we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll go over a series of the best chemistry research paper topics as well as Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers on different topics. By the time you finish reading this post, you’ll have plenty of ideas to get started on your next research project!

There are many different subfields of chemistry, so it can be tough to find interesting chemistry topics to write about. If you’re struggling to narrow down your topic, we’ll go over lists of topics in multiple fields of study.

Doing research is important to help scientists learn more about the world around us. By researching different compounds and elements, we can learn more about how they interact with one another and how they can be used to create new products or improve existing ones.

There are many different topics that you can choose to research in chemistry. Here are just a few examples:

• The history of chemistry and how it has evolved over time
• How different chemicals react with one another
• How to create new compounds or improve existing ones
• The role of chemistry in the environment
• The health effects of different chemicals

5 Tips for Writing Chemistry Research Papers

Once you have chosen a topic for your research paper , it is important to follow some tips to ensure that your paper is well-written and accurate. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Start by doing some background research on your topic. This will help you understand the basics of the topic and give you a good foundation to build your paper on.
• Make sure to cite all of the sources that you use in your paper. This will help to show where you got your information and will also help to add credibility to your work.
• Be sure to proofread your paper before you submit it. This will ensure that there are no errors and that your paper is clear and concise.
• Get help from a tutor or friend if you are struggling with your paper. They may be able to offer helpful advice or feedback.
• Take your time when writing your research paper. This is not a race, and it is important to make sure that you do a good job on your research.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your chemistry research paper will be a success! So what are you waiting for? Let’s go over some of the best research paper topics out there. Choosing a chemistry research topic is just the first step. The complexity of scientific writing can be daunting. For those who need assistance, a professional research paper writer can help you craft a well-researched and clearly articulated paper.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and application of chemical processes. If you’re wondering how to choose a paper topic, here are some ideas to inspire you:

• How to create new alloy compounds or improve existing ones
• The health effects of the food industry chemicals
• Chemical engineering and sustainable development
• The future of chemical engineering
• Chemical engineering and the food industry
• Chemical engineering and the pharmaceutical industry
• Chemical engineering and the cosmetics industry
• Chemical engineering and the petrochemical industry
• Biocompatible materials for drug delivery systems
• Membrane technology in water treatment
• Development of synthetic fibers for industrial use

These are just a few examples – there are many more possibilities out there! So get started on your research today. Who knows what you might discover!

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Organic Сhemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon-containing molecules. There are many different organic chemistry research topics that a student could choose to focus on and here are just a few examples of possible research projects in organic chemistry:

• Investigating new methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
• Studying the structure and reactivity of carbon nanotubes
• Investigating metal complexes with organometallic ligands
• Designing benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
• Exploring new ways to control the stereochemistry of chemical reactions
• Studying the role of enzymes in organic synthesis
• Investigating new strategies for combating drug resistance
• Developing new methods for detecting explosives residues
• Studying the photochemistry of organic molecules
• Studying the behavior of organometallic compounds in biological systems
• Synthetic routes for biodegradable plastics
• Catalysis in organic synthesis
• Development of non-toxic solvents

Іnorganic Сhemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry is the study of the chemistry of materials that do not contain carbon. Unlike other chemistry research topics, these include elements such as metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. If you are looking for inorganic chemistry research topics on inorganic chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How different metals react with one another
• How to create new alloys or improve existing ones
• The role of inorganic chemistry in the environment
• Rare earth elements and their applications in electronics
• Inorganic polymers in construction materials
• Photoluminescent materials for energy conversion
• Inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of inorganic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry and the food industry
• Inorganic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Atomic structure progressive scale grading
• Inorganiс Сhemistry and the cosmetics industry

Biomolecular Сhemistry Research Topics

Biomolecular chemistry is the study of molecules that are important for life. These molecules can be found in all living things, from tiny bacteria to the largest animals. Researchers who work in this field use a variety of techniques to learn more about how these molecules function and how they interact with each other.

If you are looking for essential biomolecular chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• The structure and function of DNA
• Lipidomics and its applications in disease diagnostics
• The structure and function of proteins
• The role of carbohydrates in the body
• The role of lipids in the body
• How enzymes work
• Protein engineering for therapeutic applications
• The role of biochemistry in heart disease
• Cyanides and their effect on the body
• The role of biochemistry in cancer treatment
• The role of biochemistry in Parkison’s disease treatment
• The role of biochemistry in the immune system
• Carbohydrate-based vaccines

The possibilities are endless for someone willing to dedicate some time to research.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry is a type of chemistry that helps scientists figure out what something is made of. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as spectroscopy or chromatography. If you are looking for research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• How food chemicals react with one another
• Mass spectrometry
• Microplastics detection in marine environments
• Development of sensors for heavy metal detection in water
• Analytical aspects of gas and liquid chromatography
• Analytical chemistry and sustainable development
• Atomic absorption spectroscopy methods and best practices
• Analytical chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry in Ibuprofen consumption
• Analytical chemistry and the cosmetics industry in UV protectors
• High-throughput screening methods in pharmaceutical analysis
• Dispersive X-ray analysis of damaged tissues

Analytical chemistry is considered by many a complex science and there is a lot yet to be discovered in the field.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational chemistry is a way to use computers to help chemists understand chemical reactions. This can be done by simulating reactions or by designing new molecules. If you are looking for essential chemistry research topics in computational chemistry, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Molecular mechanics simulation
• Machine learning applications in predicting molecular properties
• Reaction rates of complex chemical reactions
• Designing new molecules: how can simulation help
• The role of computers in the study of quantum mechanics
• How to use computers to predict chemical reactions
• Using computers to understand organic chemistry
• The future of computational Chemistry in organic reactions
• The impacts of simulation on the development of new medications
• Combustion reaction simulation impact on engine development
• Quantum-chemistry simulation review
• Simulation of protein folding and misfolding in diseases
• Development of algorithms for chemical synthesis planning
• Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks in water sequestration and catalysis

Computers are cutting-edge technology in chemical research and this relatively new field of study has a ton yet to be explored.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves. It looks at the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. If you are looking for physical chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Standardization of pH scales
• Structure of atom on a quantum scale
• Bonding across atoms and molecules
• The effect of temperature on chemical reactions
• The role of light in in-body chemical reactions
• Chemical kinetics
• Molecular dynamics in confined spaces
• Quantum computing for solving chemical problems
• Studies on non-Newtonian fluids in industrial processes
• Surface tension and its effects on mixtures
• The role of pressure in chemical reactions
• Rates of diffusion in gases and liquids
• The role of entropy in chemical reactions

Here are just a few samples, but there are plenty more options! Start your research right now!

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

Innovative chemistry is all about coming up with new ideas and ways to do things. This can be anything from creating new materials to finding new ways to make existing products. If you are looking for ground-breaking chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Amino acids side chain effects in protein folding
• Chemistry in the production of nanomaterials
• The role of enzymes in chemical reactions
• Photocatalysis in 3D printing
• Avoiding pesticides in agriculture
• Combining chemical and biological processes
• Gene modification in medicinal chemistry
• The role of quantum mechanics in chemical reactions
• Astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
• Spectroscopy signatures of pressurized organic components
• Development of smart materials with responsive properties
• Chemistry in space: studying chemical reactions in microgravity
• Utilization of CO2 in chemical synthesis
• Use of black soldier fly carcasses for bioplastic production using extracted chitin
• Bioorthogonal chemistry for molecule synthesis inside living systems

If you need a hand, there are several sites that also offer research papers for sale and can be a great asset as you work to create your own research papers.

Whatever route you decide to take, good luck! And remember – the sky’s the limit when it comes to research! So get started today and see where your studies may take you. Who knows, you might just make a breakthrough discovery!

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry is the study of how chemicals interact with the environment. This can include anything from the air we breathe to the water we drink. If you are looking for environmental chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Plastic effects on ocean life
• Urban ecology
• The role of carbon in climate change
• Air pollution and its effects
• Water pollution and its effects
• Chemicals in food and their effect on the body
• The effect of chemicals on plant life
• Earth temperature prediction models
• Effects of pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments
• Atmospheric chemistry and urban air quality
• Bioremediation techniques for oil spill cleanup
• Regulatory and environmental impact of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFA) substances
• Comparison of chemical regulation impacts like PFA with historical cases such as lead in fuel

A lot of research on the environment is being conducted at the moment because the environment is in danger. There are a lot of environmental problems that need to be solved, and research is the key to solving them.

Green Chemistry Research Topics

Green chemistry is the study of how to make products and processes that are environmentally friendly. This can include anything from finding new ways to recycle materials to developing new products that are biodegradable. If you are looking for green chemistry research topics, here are some ideas to get you started:

• Recycling and reuse of materials
• Developing biodegradable materials
• Improving existing recycling processes
• Green chemistry and sustainable development
• The future of green chemistry
• Green chemistry and the food industry
• Lifecycle assessment of chemical processes
• Green chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry
• Development of catalysts for green chemistry
• Green chemistry and the cosmetics industry
• Alternative energy sources for chemical synthesis

A more environmentally friendly world is something we all aspire for and a lot of research has been conducted on how we can achieve this, making this one of the most promising areas of study. The results have been varied, but there are a few key things we can do to make a difference.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

Controversial chemistry is all about hot-button topics that people are passionate about. This can include anything from the use of chemicals in warfare to the health effects of different chemicals. If you are looking for controversial topics to write about , here are some ideas to get you started:

• The use of chemicals in warfare
• Gene modification in human babies
• Bioengineering
• How fast food chemicals affect the human brain
• The role of the government in regulating chemicals
• Evolution of cigarette chemicals over time
• Chemical effects of CBD oils
• Ethical issues in genetic modification of organisms
• Nuclear energy: risks and benefits
• Use of chemicals in electronic waste recycling
• Antidepressant chemical reactions
• Synthetic molecule replication methods
• Gene analysis

Controversial research papers often appear in the media before it has been peer-reviewed and published in a scientific journal. The reason for this is that the media is interested in stories that are new, exciting, and generate a lot of debate.

Chemistry is an incredibly diverse and interesting field, with many controversial topics to write about. If you are looking for a research topic, consider the examples listed in this article. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

In order to be a good researcher, it is important to be able to think critically and solve problems. However, innovation in chemistry research can be challenging. When thinking about how to innovate, it is important to consider both the practical and theoretical aspects of your research. Additionally, try to build on the work of others in order to create something new and unique. With a little bit of effort, you are sure to be able to find a topic that is both interesting and within your skillset.

Happy writing!

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Home » 300+ Chemistry Research Topics

300+ Chemistry Research Topics

Table of Contents

Chemistry is a fascinating and complex field that explores the composition, properties, and behavior of matter at the molecular and atomic level. As a result, there are numerous chemistry research topics that can be explored, ranging from the development of new materials and drugs to the study of natural compounds and the environment. In this rapidly evolving field, researchers are constantly uncovering new insights and pushing the boundaries of our understanding of chemistry. Whether you are a student, a professional researcher, or simply curious about the world around you, there is always something new to discover in the field of chemistry. In this post, we will explore some of the exciting and important research topics in chemistry today.

Chemistry Research Topics

Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of novel synthetic routes for the production of biologically active natural products
• Investigation of reaction mechanisms and kinetics for organic transformations
• Design and synthesis of new catalysts for asymmetric organic reactions
• Synthesis and characterization of chiral compounds for pharmaceutical applications
• Development of sustainable methods for the synthesis of organic molecules using renewable resources
• Discovery of new reaction pathways for the conversion of biomass into high-value chemicals
• Study of molecular recognition and host-guest interactions for drug design
• Design and synthesis of new materials for energy storage and conversion
• Development of efficient and selective methods for C-H functionalization reactions
• Exploration of the reactivity of reactive intermediates such as radicals and carbenes
• Study of supramolecular chemistry and self-assembly of organic molecules
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds
• Investigation of the biological activities and mechanisms of action of natural products
• Synthesis of polymeric materials with controlled architecture and functionality
• Development of new synthetic methodologies for the preparation of bioconjugates
• Investigation of the mechanisms of enzyme catalysis and the design of enzyme inhibitors
• Synthesis and characterization of novel fluorescent probes for biological imaging
• Development of new synthetic strategies for the preparation of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates
• Study of the properties and reactivity of carbon nanomaterials
• Design and synthesis of novel drugs for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Synthesis and characterization of new metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for gas storage and separation applications
• Development of new catalysts for sustainable chemical synthesis reactions
• Investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes for spintronics applications
• Synthesis and characterization of novel nanomaterials for energy storage applications
• Development of new ligands for metal coordination complexes with potential medical applications
• Investigation of the mechanism of metal-catalyzed reactions using advanced spectroscopic techniques
• Synthesis and characterization of new inorganic materials for photocatalytic water splitting
• Development of new materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reactions
• Investigation of the properties of transition metal oxides for energy storage and conversion applications
• Synthesis and characterization of new metal chalcogenides for optoelectronic applications
• Development of new methods for the preparation of inorganic nanoparticles with controlled size and shape
• Investigation of the reactivity and catalytic properties of metal clusters
• Synthesis and characterization of new metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) for gas storage and separation applications
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles using environmentally friendly reducing agents
• Investigation of the properties of metal-organic frameworks for gas sensing applications
• Synthesis and characterization of new coordination polymers with potential magnetic and electronic properties
• Development of new materials for electrocatalytic water oxidation reactions
• Investigation of the properties of metal-organic frameworks for carbon capture and storage applications
• Synthesis and characterization of new metal-containing polymers with potential applications in electronics and energy storage
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks using green solvents and renewable resources.

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigation of the properties and interactions of ionic liquids in aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
• Development of advanced analytical techniques for the study of protein structure and dynamics.
• Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of supercritical fluids for use in industrial applications.
• Development of novel nanomaterials for energy storage applications.
• Studies of the surface chemistry of catalysts for the optimization of their performance in chemical reactions.
• Development of new methods for the synthesis of complex organic molecules with improved yields and selectivity.
• Investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the catalysis of biochemical reactions.
• Development of new strategies for the controlled release of drugs and other bioactive molecules.
• Studies of the interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems for biomedical applications.
• Investigation of the thermodynamic properties of materials under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure.
• Development of new methods for the characterization of materials at the nanoscale.
• Investigation of the electronic and magnetic properties of materials for use in spintronics.
• Development of new materials for energy conversion and storage.
• Studies of the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption processes on surfaces.
• Investigation of the transport properties of ionic liquids for use in energy storage and conversion devices.
• Development of new materials for the capture and sequestration of greenhouse gases.
• Studies of the structure and properties of biomolecules for use in drug design and development.
• Investigation of the dynamics of chemical reactions in solution using time-resolved spectroscopic techniques.
• Development of new approaches for the synthesis of metallic and semiconductor nanoparticles with controlled size and shape.
• Studies of the structure and properties of materials for use in electrochemical energy storage devices.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development and optimization of analytical techniques for the quantification of trace elements in food and environmental samples.
• Design and synthesis of novel analytical probes for the detection of biomolecules in complex matrices.
• Investigation of the fundamental mechanisms involved in the separation and detection of complex mixtures using chromatographic techniques.
• Development of sensors and biosensors for the detection of chemical and biological species in real-time.
• Investigation of the chemical and structural properties of nanomaterials and their applications in analytical chemistry.
• Development and validation of analytical methods for the quantification of contaminants and pollutants in water, air, and soil.
• Investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying drug metabolism and toxicity using mass spectrometry.
• Development of analytical tools for the identification and quantification of drugs of abuse in biological matrices.
• Investigation of the chemical composition and properties of natural products and their applications in medicine and food science.
• Development of advanced analytical techniques for the characterization of proteins and peptides.
• Investigation of the chemistry and mechanism of action of antioxidants in foods and their impact on human health.
• Development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of microorganisms in food and environmental samples.
• Investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of important biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids.
• Development of analytical methods for the detection and quantification of environmental toxins and their impact on human health.
• Investigation of the structure and properties of biological membranes and their role in drug delivery and disease.
• Development of analytical techniques for the characterization of complex mixtures such as petroleum and crude oil.
• Investigation of the chemistry and mechanism of action of natural and synthetic dyes.
• Development of analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water and wastewater.
• Investigation of the chemical composition and properties of biopolymers and their applications in biomedicine and biomaterials.
• Development of analytical methods for the identification and quantification of essential nutrients and vitamins in food and dietary supplements.

Biochemistry Research Topics

Biochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• The role of enzymes in metabolic pathways
• The biochemistry of DNA replication and repair
• Protein folding and misfolding diseases
• Lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis
• The role of vitamins and minerals in human metabolism
• Biochemistry of cancer and the development of targeted therapies
• The biochemistry of signal transduction pathways and their regulation
• The mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
• The biochemistry of neurotransmitters and their roles in behavior and disease
• The role of oxidative stress in aging and age-related diseases
• The biochemistry of microbial fermentation and its applications in industry
• The biochemistry of the immune system and its response to pathogens
• The biochemistry of plant metabolism and its regulation
• The molecular basis of genetic diseases and gene therapy
• The biochemistry of membrane transport and its role in cell function
• The biochemistry of muscle contraction and its regulation
• The role of lipids in membrane structure and function
• The biochemistry of photosynthesis and its regulation
• The biochemistry of RNA splicing and alternative splicing events
• The biochemistry of epigenetics and its regulation in gene expression.

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics

Environmental Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the effects of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems and their potential impact on human health.
• Examining the impact of climate change on soil quality and nutrient availability in agricultural systems.
• Developing methods to improve the removal of heavy metals from contaminated soils and waterways.
• Assessing the effectiveness of natural and synthetic antioxidants in mitigating the effects of air pollution on human health.
• Investigating the potential for using algae and other microorganisms to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Studying the role of biodegradable plastics in reducing plastic waste and their impact on the environment.
• Examining the impact of pesticides and other agricultural chemicals on water quality and the health of aquatic organisms.
• Investigating the effects of ocean acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems.
• Developing new materials and technologies to reduce carbon emissions from industrial processes.
• Evaluating the effectiveness of phytoremediation in cleaning up contaminated soils and waterways.
• Studying the impact of microplastics on terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to enter the food chain.
• Developing sustainable methods for managing and recycling electronic waste.
• Investigating the role of natural processes, such as weathering and erosion, in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
• Assessing the impact of urbanization on air quality and developing strategies to mitigate pollution in cities.
• Examining the effects of climate change on the distribution and abundance of species in different ecosystems.
• Investigating the impact of ocean currents on the distribution of pollutants and other environmental contaminants.
• Developing new materials and technologies for renewable energy generation and storage.
• Studying the effects of deforestation on soil quality, water availability, and biodiversity.
• Assessing the potential for using waste materials, such as agricultural residues and municipal solid waste, as sources of renewable energy.
• Investigating the role of natural and synthetic chemicals in regulating ecosystem functions, such as nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration.

Polymer Chemistry Research Topics

Polymer Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of new monomers for high-performance polymers
• Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable polymers for sustainable packaging
• Design of stimuli-responsive polymers for drug delivery applications
• Investigation of the properties and applications of conductive polymers
• Development of new catalysts for controlled/living polymerization
• Synthesis of polymers with tailored mechanical properties
• Characterization of the structure-property relationship in polymer nanocomposites
• Study of the impact of polymer architecture on material properties
• Design and synthesis of new polymeric materials for energy storage
• Development of high-throughput methods for polymer synthesis and characterization
• Exploration of new strategies for polymer recycling and upcycling
• Synthesis and characterization of responsive polymer networks for smart textiles
• Design of advanced polymer coatings with self-healing properties
• Investigation of the impact of processing conditions on the morphology and properties of polymer materials
• Study of the interactions between polymers and biological systems
• Development of biocompatible polymers for tissue engineering applications
• Synthesis and characterization of block copolymers for advanced membrane applications
• Exploration of the potential of polymer-based sensors and actuators
• Design of novel polymer electrolytes for advanced batteries and fuel cells
• Study of the behavior of polymers under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or temperature.

Materials Chemistry Research Topics

Materials Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of new advanced materials for energy storage and conversion
• Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for environmental remediation
• Design and fabrication of stimuli-responsive materials for drug delivery
• Investigation of electrocatalytic materials for fuel cells and electrolysis
• Fabrication of flexible and stretchable electronic materials for wearable devices
• Development of novel materials for high-performance electronic devices
• Exploration of organic-inorganic hybrid materials for optoelectronic applications
• Study of corrosion-resistant coatings for metallic materials
• Investigation of biomaterials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
• Synthesis and characterization of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
• Design and fabrication of new materials for water purification
• Investigation of carbon-based materials for supercapacitors and batteries
• Synthesis and characterization of self-healing materials for structural applications
• Development of new materials for catalysis and chemical reactions
• Exploration of magnetic materials for spintronic devices
• Investigation of thermoelectric materials for energy conversion
• Study of 2D materials for electronic and optoelectronic applications
• Development of sustainable and eco-friendly materials for packaging
• Fabrication of advanced materials for sensors and actuators
• Investigation of materials for high-temperature applications such as aerospace and nuclear industries.

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Nuclear fission and fusion reactions
• Nuclear power plant safety and radiation protection
• Radioactive waste management and disposal
• Nuclear fuel cycle and waste reprocessing
• Nuclear energy and its impact on climate change
• Radiation therapy for cancer treatment
• Radiopharmaceuticals for medical imaging
• Nuclear medicine and its role in diagnostics
• Nuclear forensics and nuclear security
• Isotopic analysis in environmental monitoring and pollution control
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy
• Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Radiation damage in materials and radiation effects on electronic devices
• Nuclear data evaluation and validation
• Nuclear reactors design and optimization
• Nuclear fuel performance and irradiation behavior
• Nuclear energy systems integration and optimization
• Neutron and gamma-ray detection and measurement techniques
• Nuclear astrophysics and cosmology
• Nuclear weapons proliferation and disarmament.

Medicinal Chemistry Research Topics

Medicinal Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Drug discovery and development
• Design and synthesis of novel drugs
• Medicinal chemistry of natural products
• Structure-activity relationships (SAR) of drugs
• Rational drug design using computational methods
• Target identification and validation
• Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK)
• Drug delivery systems
• Development of new antibiotics
• Design of drugs for the treatment of cancer
• Development of drugs for the treatment of neurological disorders
• Medicinal chemistry of peptides and proteins
• Development of drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases
• Discovery of new antiviral agents
• Design of drugs for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases
• Medicinal chemistry of enzyme inhibitors
• Development of drugs for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
• Design of drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders
• Medicinal chemistry of anti-cancer agents
• Development of drugs for the treatment of rare diseases.

Food Chemistry Research Topics

Food Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the effect of cooking methods on the nutritional value of food.
• Analyzing the role of antioxidants in preventing food spoilage and degradation.
• Examining the effect of food processing techniques on the nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
• Studying the chemistry of food additives and their impact on human health.
• Evaluating the role of enzymes in food digestion and processing.
• Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food proteins.
• Analyzing the effect of food packaging materials on the quality and safety of food products.
• Examining the chemistry of food flavorings and the impact of flavor on consumer acceptance.
• Studying the role of carbohydrates in food texture and structure.
• Investigating the chemistry of food lipids and their impact on human health.
• Analyzing the chemical properties and functional uses of food gums and emulsifiers.
• Examining the effect of processing on the flavor and aroma of food products.
• Studying the chemistry of food preservatives and their impact on food safety.
• Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food fibers.
• Analyzing the effect of food processing on the bioavailability of nutrients.
• Examining the chemistry of food colorants and their impact on consumer acceptance.
• Studying the role of vitamins and minerals in food and their impact on human health.
• Investigating the chemical properties and functional uses of food hydrocolloids.
• Analyzing the effect of food processing on the allergenicity of food products.
• Examining the chemistry of food sweeteners and their impact on human health.

Industrial Chemistry Research Topics

Industrial Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of catalysts for selective hydrogenation reactions in the petrochemical industry.
• Green chemistry approaches for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers from renewable sources.
• Optimization of solvent extraction processes for the separation of rare earth elements from ores.
• Development of novel materials for energy storage applications, such as lithium-ion batteries.
• Production of biofuels from non-food sources, such as algae or waste biomass.
• Application of computational chemistry to optimize the design of new catalysts and materials.
• Design and optimization of continuous flow processes for large-scale chemical production.
• Development of new synthetic routes for the production of pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Investigation of the environmental impact of industrial processes and development of sustainable alternatives.
• Development of innovative water treatment technologies for industrial wastewater.
• Synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles for use in drug delivery and other biomedical applications.
• Optimization of processes for the production of high-performance polymers, such as polyamides or polyesters.
• Design and optimization of process control strategies for efficient and safe chemical production.
• Development of new methods for the detection and removal of heavy metal ions from industrial effluents.
• Investigation of the behavior of surfactants in complex mixtures, such as crude oil or food products.
• Development of new materials for catalytic oxidation reactions, such as the removal of volatile organic compounds from air.
• Investigation of the properties and behavior of materials under extreme conditions, such as high pressure or high temperature.
• Development of new processes for the production of chemicals from renewable resources, such as bio-based building blocks.
• Study of the kinetics and mechanism of chemical reactions in complex systems, such as multi-phase reactors.
• Optimization of the production of fine chemicals, such as flavors and fragrances, using biocatalytic processes.

Computational Chemistry Research Topics

Computational Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development and application of machine learning algorithms for predicting chemical reactions and properties.
• Investigation of the role of solvents in chemical reactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Modeling and simulation of protein-ligand interactions to aid drug design.
• Study of the electronic structure and reactivity of catalysts for sustainable energy production.
• Analysis of the thermodynamics and kinetics of complex chemical reactions using quantum chemistry methods.
• Exploration of the mechanism and kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Investigation of the properties and behavior of nanoparticles using computational modeling.
• Development of computational tools for the prediction of chemical toxicity and environmental impact.
• Study of the electronic properties of graphene and other 2D materials for applications in electronics and energy storage.
• Investigation of the mechanisms of protein folding and aggregation using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Development and optimization of computational methods for calculating thermodynamic properties of liquids and solids.
• Study of the properties of supercritical fluids for applications in separation and extraction processes.
• Development of new methods for the calculation of electron transfer rates in complex systems.
• Investigation of the electronic and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes for applications in nanoelectronics and nanocomposites.
• Development of new approaches for modeling the interaction of biomolecules with biological membranes.
• Study of the mechanisms of charge transfer in molecular and hybrid solar cells.
• Analysis of the structural and mechanical properties of materials under extreme conditions using molecular dynamics simulations.
• Development of new approaches for the calculation of free energy differences in complex systems.
• Investigation of the reaction mechanisms of metalloenzymes using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) methods.
• Study of the properties of ionic liquids for applications in catalysis and energy storage.

Theoretical Chemistry Research Topics

Theoretical Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Quantum Chemical Studies of Excited State Processes in Organic Molecules
• Theoretical Investigation of Structure and Reactivity of Metal-Organic Frameworks
• Computational Modeling of Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics in Enzyme Catalysis
• Theoretical Investigation of Non-Covalent Interactions in Supramolecular Chemistry
• Quantum Chemical Studies of Photochemical Processes in Organic Molecules
• Theoretical Analysis of Charge Transport in Organic and Inorganic Materials
• Computational Modeling of Protein Folding and Dynamics
• Quantum Chemical Investigations of Electron Transfer Processes in Complex Systems
• Theoretical Studies of Surface Chemistry and Catalysis
• Computational Design of Novel Materials for Energy Storage Applications
• Theoretical Analysis of Chemical Bonding and Molecular Orbital Theory
• Quantum Chemical Investigations of Magnetic Properties of Complex Systems
• Computational Modeling of Biological Membranes and Transport Processes
• Theoretical Studies of Nonlinear Optical Properties of Molecules and Materials
• Quantum Chemical Studies of Spectroscopic Properties of Molecules
• Theoretical Investigations of Reaction Mechanisms in Organometallic Chemistry
• Computational Modeling of Heterogeneous Catalysis
• Quantum Chemical Studies of Excited State Dynamics in Photosynthesis
• Theoretical Analysis of Chemical Reaction Networks
• Computational Design of Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications

Astrochemistry Research Topics

Astrochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the chemical composition of protoplanetary disks and its implications for planet formation
• Examining the role of magnetic fields in the formation of complex organic molecules in space
• Studying the effects of interstellar radiation on the chemical evolution of molecular clouds
• Exploring the chemistry of comets and asteroids to better understand the early solar system
• Investigating the origin and evolution of interstellar dust and its relationship to organic molecules
• Examining the formation and destruction of interstellar molecules in shocked gas
• Studying the chemical processes that occur in the atmospheres of planets and moons in our solar system
• Exploring the possibility of life on other planets through astrobiology and astrochemistry
• Investigating the chemistry of planetary nebulae and their role in the evolution of stars
• Studying the chemical properties of exoplanets and their potential habitability
• Examining the chemical reactions that occur in the interstellar medium
• Investigating the chemical composition of supernova remnants and their impact on the evolution of galaxies
• Studying the chemical composition of interstellar grains and their role in the formation of stars and planets
• Exploring the chemistry of astrocytes and their role in the evolution of galaxies
• Investigating the formation of interstellar ice and its implications for the origin of life
• Examining the chemistry of molecular clouds and its relationship to star formation
• Studying the chemical composition of the interstellar medium in different galaxies and how it varies
• Investigating the role of cosmic rays in the formation of complex organic molecules in space
• Exploring the chemical properties of interstellar filaments and their relationship to star formation
• Studying the chemistry of protostars and the role of turbulence in the formation of stars.

Geochemistry Research Topics

Geochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Understanding the role of mineralogical and geochemical factors on metal mobility in contaminated soils
• Investigating the sources and fate of dissolved organic matter in aquatic systems
• Exploring the geochemical signatures of ancient sedimentary rocks to reconstruct Earth’s past atmospheric conditions
• Studying the impacts of land-use change on soil organic matter content and quality
• Investigating the impact of acid mine drainage on water quality and ecosystem health
• Examining the processes controlling the behavior and fate of emerging contaminants in the environment
• Characterizing the organic matter composition of shale gas formations to better understand hydrocarbon storage and migration
• Evaluating the potential for carbon capture and storage in geologic formations
• Investigating the geochemical processes controlling the formation and evolution of ore deposits
• Studying the geochemistry of geothermal systems to better understand energy production potential and environmental impacts
• Exploring the impacts of climate change on the biogeochemistry of terrestrial ecosystems
• Investigating the geochemical cycling of nutrients in coastal marine environments
• Characterizing the isotopic composition of minerals and fluids to understand Earth’s evolution
• Developing new analytical techniques to better understand the chemistry of natural waters
• Studying the impact of anthropogenic activities on the geochemistry of urban soils
• Investigating the role of microbial processes in geochemical cycling of elements in soils and sediments
• Examining the impact of wildfires on soil and water chemistry
• Characterizing the geochemistry of mineral dust and its impact on climate and biogeochemical cycles
• Investigating the geochemical factors controlling the release and transport of contaminants from mine tailings
• Exploring the biogeochemistry of wetlands and their role in carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.

Electrochemistry Research Topics

Electrochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Development of high-performance electrocatalysts for efficient electrochemical conversion of CO2 to fuels and chemicals
• Investigation of electrode-electrolyte interfaces in lithium-ion batteries for enhanced battery performance and durability
• Design and synthesis of novel electrolytes for high-energy-density and stable lithium-sulfur batteries
• Development of advanced electrochemical sensors for the detection of trace-levels of analytes in biological and environmental samples
• Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of new materials and their electrocatalytic properties in fuel cells
• Study of the kinetics of electrochemical reactions and their effect on the efficiency and selectivity of electrochemical processes
• Development of novel strategies for the electrochemical synthesis of value-added chemicals from biomass and waste materials
• Analysis of the electrochemical properties of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy storage and conversion applications
• Investigation of the electrochemical degradation mechanisms of polymer electrolyte membranes in fuel cells
• Study of the electrochemical properties of 2D materials and their applications in energy storage and conversion devices
• Development of efficient electrochemical systems for desalination and water treatment applications
• Investigation of the electrochemical properties of metal-oxide nanoparticles for energy storage and conversion applications
• Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of redox-active organic molecules and their application in energy storage and conversion devices
• Study of the electrochemical behavior of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for the catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals
• Development of novel electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors with high energy density and fast charge/discharge rates
• Investigation of the electrochemical properties of perovskite materials for energy storage and conversion applications
• Study of the electrochemical behavior of enzymes and their application in bioelectrochemical systems
• Development of advanced electrochemical techniques for the characterization of interfacial processes in electrochemical systems
• Analysis of the electrochemical behavior of nanocarbons and their application in electrochemical energy storage devices
• Investigation of the electrochemical properties of ionic liquids for energy storage and conversion applications.

Surface Chemistry Research Topics

Surface Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Surface modification of nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic activity
• Investigating the effect of surface roughness on the wetting behavior of materials
• Development of new materials for solar cell applications through surface chemistry techniques
• Surface chemistry of graphene and its applications in electronic devices
• Surface functionalization of biomaterials for biomedical applications
• Characterization of surface defects and their effect on material properties
• Surface modification of carbon nanotubes for energy storage applications
• Developing surface coatings for corrosion protection of metals
• Synthesis of self-assembled monolayers on surfaces for sensor applications
• Surface chemistry of metal-organic frameworks for gas storage and separation
• Investigating the role of surface charge in protein adsorption
• Developing surfaces with superhydrophobic or superoleophobic properties for self-cleaning applications
• Surface functionalization of nanoparticles for drug delivery applications
• Surface chemistry of semiconductors and its effect on photovoltaic properties
• Development of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for trace analyte detection
• Surface functionalization of graphene oxide for water purification applications
• Investigating the role of surface tension in emulsion formation and stabilization
• Surface modification of membranes for water desalination and purification
• Synthesis and characterization of metal nanoparticles for catalytic applications
• Development of surfaces with controlled wettability for microfluidic applications.

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Topics

Atmospheric Chemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• The impact of wildfires on atmospheric chemistry
• The role of aerosols in atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry and physics of ozone depletion in the stratosphere
• The chemistry and dynamics of the upper atmosphere
• The impact of anthropogenic emissions on atmospheric chemistry
• The role of clouds in atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry of atmospheric particulate matter
• The impact of nitrogen oxides on atmospheric chemistry and air quality
• The effects of climate change on atmospheric chemistry
• The impact of atmospheric chemistry on climate change
• The chemistry and physics of atmospheric mercury cycling
• The impact of volcanic eruptions on atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry and physics of acid rain formation and effects
• The role of halogen chemistry in the atmosphere
• The chemistry of atmospheric radicals and their impact on air quality and health
• The impact of urbanization on atmospheric chemistry
• The chemistry and physics of stratospheric polar vortex dynamics
• The role of natural sources (e.g. ocean, plants) in atmospheric chemistry
• The impact of atmospheric chemistry on the biosphere
• The chemistry and dynamics of the ozone hole over Antarctica.

Photochemistry Research Topics

Photochemistry Research Topics are as follows:

• Investigating the mechanisms of photoinduced electron transfer reactions in organic photovoltaic materials.
• Developing novel photoredox catalysts for photochemical reactions.
• Understanding the effects of light on DNA and RNA stability and replication.
• Studying the photochemistry of atmospheric pollutants and their impact on air quality.
• Designing new photoresponsive materials for advanced photonic and electronic devices.
• Exploring the photochemistry of metalloporphyrins for potential applications in catalysis.
• Investigating the photochemistry of transition metal complexes and their use as photodynamic therapy agents.
• Developing new photocatalytic systems for sustainable energy production.
• Studying the photochemistry of natural products and their potential pharmaceutical applications.
• Investigating the role of light in the formation and degradation of environmental contaminants.
• Designing new photochromic materials for smart windows and displays.
• Exploring the photochemistry of carbon nanomaterials for energy storage and conversion.
• Developing new light-driven molecular machines for nanotechnology applications.
• Investigating the photochemistry of organic dyes for potential applications in dye-sensitized solar cells.
• Studying the effects of light on the behavior of biological macromolecules.
• Designing new photoresponsive hydrogels for drug delivery applications.
• Exploring the photochemistry of semiconductor nanoparticles for potential applications in quantum computing.
• Investigating the mechanisms of photochemical reactions in ionic liquids.
• Developing new photonic sensors for chemical and biological detection.
• Studying the photochemistry of transition metal complexes for potential applications in water splitting and hydrogen production.

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Chemistry - research topics.

The following Research Topics are led by experts in their field and contribute to the scientific understanding of chemistry. These Research topics are published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Chemistry , as open access articles .

Polymer Functional Composite

This Research Topic provides a good platform for communication and better reflects the current development status and future trends of polymer functional composite materials.

Exploring Novel Approaches to Small Molecule Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Treatment

This Research Topic focuses on novel, small molecules targeting protein kinases in cancer treatment.

Nanochemistry in Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine and Controlled Drug Release

Research Topic aims to highlight the importance of integrating nanochemistry principles to achieve precise control over material properties and drug interactions, resulting in improved therapeutic outcomes.

Diversifying Chemical Synthesis with Cascade Catalysis

The goal of this Research Topic is to provide a comprehensive overview and stimulate increased efforts in cascade catalysis, combining electro-, photo-, thermo-, and biocatalysis to create a chemical synthesis library and innovate synthetic pathways...

Photosensitizers: Synthesis and Biomedical Applications

This Research Topic encompasses the design, synthesis, and characterization of photosensitizing molecules and their biophotonics applications.

Sustainable Hydrogen Production and Utilization

This Research Topic aims to collect the latest technological advancements in the hydrogen production and utilization to provide cost-effective CO2 mitigation and low-cost energy.

Functional Nanomaterials for the Therapeutic Regulation of Tissue Redox Microenvironment- Volume II

In this Research Topic the aim is to cover the latest research on functional nanoparticles with unique capabilities for redox-related disease therapy.

Theory and Simulations of Liquid Electrolytes on Charged Interfaces and Under Nanoconfinement: Thermodynamic Equilibrium and Beyond

This Research Topic aims to demonstrate the practical applications of computational methods and algorithms, including molecular dynamics simulations, classical density functional theory (DFT), mean-field theory, machine learning, & artificial intelligence.

Sustainable Design and Fabrication of Nanomaterials and Micro-Devices

This research topic seeks original and innovative contributions to solve the problems of sustainable design, preparation and use of energy, materials and devices.

Lignin-based Micro- and Nano-entities: Functionalities and Applications

This Research Topic aims at providing state-of-the-art knowledge, technologies and highlight advances on lignin chemistry, behavior and performance at nanoscale.

Frontiers in Chemistry: Rising Stars in China

This collection showcases the high-quality work of Chinese recognized researchers in the early stages of their independent careers.

Quinoline as Lead Structures for the Development of Leishmanicidal Agents

This Research Topic seeks manuscripts dealing with novel approaches of identification of key pharmacophores for the design and development of new leishmanicidal agents based-on quinoline structure, either for models of Cutaneous or Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Design of Extended Networks for Tuning Functionality of Materials

The goal of this Research Topic is to cover promising, recent, and novel research trends in the design of extended networks for tuning functionality of materials.

Renewable Chemistry

This Research Topic will address the growing interest in and increasing need for renewable chemistry – both chemical reactions and processes that are based on renewable resources, and on products made from such resources.

Recent Applications of Polymers in Solar Cells

Background: Organic photovoltaics has drawn immense attraction in recent years due to advancements in development of new materials.

PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

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• PhD Program

Chemistry PhD Program

The University of Pennsylvania is an internationally renowned research institution that attracts the best students from the United States and around the globe. The Graduate Program is designed for students who wish to earn a Ph.D. in Chemistry while undertaking cutting edge research. The program provides students with the necessary theoretical background and hands-on training to become independent and highly successful scientists.  Graduate students achieve mastery of advanced chemistry topics through courses in different subdisciplines. Broad exposure to current research also occurs via four weekly departmental seminar programs and many interdisciplinary, university-wide lecture series.

Currently, faculty, students, and postdoctoral associates in Chemistry work in the fields of bioinorganic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, chemical biology, biophysical chemistry, bioinformatics, materials science, laser chemistry, health related chemistry, structural and dynamical studies of biological systems, X-ray scattering/diffraction, NMR spectroscopy, applications of computing and computer graphics, as well as investigations of chemical communication and hormone-receptor interactions. Many research groups combine different techniques to explore frontier areas, such as nanomaterials applied to biology, photoactive biomolecules, and single-molecule imaging. Novel synthetic procedures are under constant development for targets ranging from super-emissive nanoparticles to highly specialized drug molecules and giant dendrimers, which are being explored, for example, as drug-delivery systems. The Research Facilities in the Department of Chemistry provide a strong technology base to enable the highest level of innovation. Graduate students are a driving, integral force at Penn Chemistry.

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Chemistry, Ph.D.

• Learning Outcomes
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Saint Louis University’s Chemistry Ph.D. program offers specializations, including traditional areas of analytical, physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as cross-disciplinary areas of materials and biological chemistry. Students must complete intensive research culminating in a dissertation.

Program Highlights

The SLU chemistry program offers students:

• Close mentoring relationships
• Small research group size
• Opportunities to participate in interdisciplinary research

Graduate students in SLU's  Department of Chemistry  have access to a number of research tools, including:

• Bruker 400 and 700 MHz NMR spectrometers
• Bruker-EMX EPR, UV-Vis and FTIR spectrometers
• Research-grade spectrofluorometers
• GC-MS and LC-MS
• Electrochemical analyzers
• Gas chromatographs
• A scanning electron micrograph
• Computational facilities with modern molecular software
• A Bruker CCD X-ray diffractometer facility

Curriculum Overview

SLU's Ph.D. in chemistry requires a minimum of 39 post-baccalaureate credits, with at least 27 credits of coursework and 12 credits of dissertation research.

Graduate Handbook

Fieldwork and Research Opportunities

Our graduate students are active in the research areas of analytical, organic, physical, synthetic, materials, environmental and biological chemistry. Our research groups regularly publish in top-ranked journals and present at national and international conferences.

Research is externally supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Petroleum Research Fund and American Heart Association, among others.

Doctoral graduates pursue different paths, including teaching, postdoctoral studies or careers in industry or with government agencies, such as the FDA.

Past students from SLU's chemistry Ph.D. program have gone on to careers as research scientists, teachers, university faculty and in various capacities in pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should possess sufficient GPA and TOEFL (if applicable) scores and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Bachelor's degrees usually are in chemistry or biochemistry, although other science majors will be considered.

Admission typically requires a minimum of 18 semester credits (minimum 2.8 GPA) of upper-division undergraduate chemistry courses, including organic chemistry (two semesters), quantitative analysis (one semester) and physical chemistry (two semesters). Students who do not meet these criteria may complete these prerequisites as part of their graduate program, though not for graduate credit.

Students who have not completed equivalent coursework in upper-level undergraduate inorganic chemistry and instrumental analysis will also be required to complete these courses, but they can be taken for departmental graduate credit.

Application Requirements

• Application form 
• Three letters of recommendation
• Goal statement
• Interview (desired)

Requirements for International Students

All admission policies and requirements for domestic students apply to international students, along with the following:

• Demonstrate  English Language Proficiency
• A letter of financial support from the person(s) or sponsoring agency funding the time at Saint Louis University
• A letter from the sponsor's bank verifying that the funds are available and will be so for the duration of study at the University
• Academic records, in English translation, of students who have undertaken postsecondary studies outside the United States must include the courses taken and/or lectures attended, practical laboratory work, the maximum and minimum grades attainable, the grades earned or the results of all end-of-term examinations, and any honors or degrees received. WES and ECE transcripts are accepted.

Application Deadlines

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with priority review given to applications received by Dec. 15 for the fall semester and by Sept. 1 for the spring semester.

Review Process

The Chemistry Graduate Committee votes on whether to admit, deny or waitlist applicants. Applicants on the waitlist may be offered admission in a future semester.

Additional charges may apply. Other resources are listed below:

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Information on Summer Tuition

Scholarships, Assistantships and Financial Aid

For priority consideration for a graduate assistantship, apply by the program admission deadlines listed. Fellowships and assistantships provide a stipend and may include health insurance and a tuition scholarship for the duration of the award. 

Explore Scholarships and Financial Aid Options

• synthesis and materials chemistry and
• analytical and physical chemistry methods, with a higher level of knowledge expected in the student’s area of research.
• Graduates will be able to use standard search tools and retrieval methods to obtain information about a topic, substance, technique or issue relating to chemistry and assess relevant studies from the chemical literature.
• Graduates will be able to communicate scientific findings from literature and original findings from the student's own independent research in written publications and oral presentations.
• Graduates will be able to acquire the basic tools, including chemical practices and theories, needed to conduct advanced chemical research. Students will become proficient in their specialized area of chemistry and complete an advanced, independent research project resulting in peer-reviewed publications.
• Graduates will be able to adhere to accepted ethical and professional standards in chemistry.

Non-Course Requirements

• Completion of research progress exam
• Completion of written comprehensive exam
• Completion of oral defense of research proposal
• A public oral presentation and a private oral examination

Continuation Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in all graduate/professional courses.

Roadmaps are recommended semester-by-semester plans of study for programs and assume full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted.  

Courses and milestones designated as critical (marked with !) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation. Transfer credit may change the roadmap.

This roadmap should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. All students are encouraged to meet with their advisor/mentor each semester. Requirements, course availability and sequencing are subject to change.

Students are required to complete a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation research. The number of credits can vary each semester, but a student cannot register for zero credits of research until the 12 credits have been completed.

For additional information about our program, please contact:

Marvin Meyers, Ph.D. Chemistry graduate program coordinator [email protected]

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50 Research Ideas in Organic Chemistry

Unlocking the Potential: 50 Intriguing Organic Chemistry Research Ideas

In the world of science, organic chemistry is like the hidden language of life. It’s the study of carbon and its dance with other elements to create everything from medicines that heal to materials that make our world. Today, iLovePhD delves into 50 intriguing research ideas in this fascinating field, uncovering the secrets and innovations that drive progress in science.

50 Intriguing Organic Chemistry Research Ideas

• Green Synthesis of Organic Compounds : Explore eco-friendly methods for synthesizing organic molecules.
• Applications of Organometallic Chemistry : Discuss the use of organometallic compounds in catalysis and materials science.
• Designing Sustainable Polymers : Investigate the development of biodegradable and recyclable polymers.
• Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis : Examine recent advances in creating chiral organic compounds.
• Supramolecular Chemistry in Drug Design : Discuss how non-covalent interactions can be harnessed for drug discovery.
• Functionalization of C-H Bonds : Explore methods for selectively functionalizing carbon-hydrogen bonds.
• Natural Product Synthesis : Highlight recent total syntheses of complex natural products.
• Electroorganic Chemistry : Discuss the use of electricity as a reagent in organic reactions.
• Molecular Machines : Explore the design and applications of synthetic molecular machines.
• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) : Investigate the use of MOFs in gas storage and separation.
• Enzyme Mimicry in Catalysis : Discuss synthetic catalysts that mimic enzyme behavior.
• Chemical Biology : Explore the interface between chemistry and biology for drug discovery.
• Organic Photovoltaics : Discuss the development of organic materials for solar cells.
• Peptide Chemistry : Investigate the synthesis and applications of peptides in drug design.
• Click Chemistry : Highlight the versatility of click reactions in organic synthesis.
• Chemoinformatics : Discuss the use of computational methods in organic chemistry.
• Bioorthogonal Chemistry : Explore reactions that are compatible with living systems.
• Green Solvents in Organic Synthesis : Examine environmentally friendly solvents for organic reactions.
• Nanocatalysis : Discuss the role of nanoparticles in catalytic processes.
• Fluorine Chemistry : Investigate the unique properties of fluorinated organic compounds.
• Carbohydrate Chemistry : Explore the synthesis and functions of carbohydrates.
• Chemical Sensors : Discuss the design of organic sensors for detecting analytes.
• Synthetic Biology : Explore the engineering of biological systems for chemical production.
• Organic Chemistry in Medicine : Highlight the role of organic chemistry in drug development.
• Heterocyclic Chemistry : Investigate the synthesis and reactivity of heterocycles.
• Chemistry of Aromatics : Discuss reactions and applications of aromatic compounds.
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) : Explore the environmental and health impact of PAHs.
• Green Extraction Methods : Investigate eco-friendly techniques for extracting natural products.
• Organic Chemistry in Food : Discuss the chemistry behind food flavor and preservation.
• Chemistry of Natural Dyes : Explore the use of organic compounds as dyes.
• Artificial Sweeteners : Investigate the chemistry of sugar substitutes.
• Chemistry of Medicinal Plants : Highlight the organic compounds found in medicinal plants.
• Organic Synthesis with Flow Chemistry : Discuss continuous-flow methods in organic synthesis.
• Stereochemistry : Explore the importance of stereochemistry in organic reactions.
• Chirality in Pharmaceuticals : Discuss the role of chirality in drug design.
• Green Chemistry Metrics : Investigate metrics for assessing the sustainability of organic reactions.
• Photochemistry : Explore the use of light in driving organic reactions.
• Chemistry of Natural Toxins : Highlight the structures and effects of natural toxins.
• Chemistry of Pharmaceuticals : Discuss the synthesis and mechanisms of action of common drugs.
• Organic Chemistry in Cosmetics : Explore the chemistry of cosmetic products.
• Organic Chemistry in Art Conservation : Investigate the role of organic chemistry in preserving artworks.
• Radical Chemistry : Discuss the use of radicals in organic synthesis.
• Chemistry of Terpenes : Explore the diverse structures and functions of terpenes.
• Organic Chemistry of Vitamins : Highlight the organic compounds essential for health.
• Biocatalysis : Discuss the use of enzymes in organic synthesis.
• Chemistry of Lipids : Investigate the structure and functions of lipids.
• Chemistry of Amino Acids : Explore the building blocks of proteins.
• Chemistry of DNA : Discuss the structure and chemical properties of DNA.
• Nucleic Acid Chemistry : Investigate the synthesis and modification of nucleic acids.
• Organic Chemistry in Environmental Remediation : Highlight the use of organic compounds for cleaning up pollutants.

In closing, organic chemistry isn’t just about molecules; it’s about endless possibilities. These 50 research ideas showcase the diverse avenues researchers explore , from green synthesis to life-saving drugs. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of carbon, we can look forward to a future where science and innovation walk hand in hand, shaping a brighter world for us all.

• Aromatic chemistry
• Biocatalysis
• Bioorthogonal reactions
• Carbon compounds
• Catalysis Sustainable polymers
• Chiral compounds Chemical biology
• Click chemistry Computational chemistry
• DNA chemistry
• Drug discovery
• Environmental remediation
• Flow chemistry Stereochemistry
• Green metrics
• Green solvents
• Green synthesis
• Nanocatalysis Heterocyclic compounds
• Organic Chemistry
• Organic photovoltaics
• Peptide synthesis
• Photochemistry
• Research Ideas
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Terpenes Vitamins

List of Research Topics in Environmental Engineering

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PhD in Chemistry

The PhD in chemistry is primarily a research degree. It is awarded to students who have displayed competence in planning and conducting original research in the field of chemistry, demonstrated a broad familiarity with the science of chemistry, understanding in the application of the scientific method, and gained a thorough knowledge of their field of specialization.

Students build a solid foundation in all four core areas of chemistry (analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical), and a thorough knowledge of their chosen field of specialization. In the first part of the PhD program, students take at least one formal classroom course in each the core areas of chemistry as outlined in the course requirements below. The courses must be completed successfully (B- or better) by the end of the third semester.

Since original research is the primary requirement for the PhD degree, a student selects a research supervisor and begins research before the end the first year. The student and research supervisor then select two faculty members to serve as the student's Doctoral Research Committee. The Committee, in conjunction with the student's research adviser, take over the advisory function from the graduate committee and guides the student's work to promote development as an independent investigator.

Thus, in addition to research each student must complete the following requirements:

• Service as a teaching assistant
• Regular progress updates with a faculty Research Committee
• A departmental seminar
• Defense of an original research proposal.
• Completion of a dissertation reporting significant work of publishable quality

Course Requirements

At least one of the following analytical chemistry courses:

• Chem 141: Instrumental Analysis
• Chem 142: Advanced Analytical Methods
• Chem 144: Spectroscopic Methods of Analysis
• Chem 145: Separation Science
• Chem 146: Electroanalytical Chemistry

At least one of the following inorganic chemistry courses: 

• Chem 161: Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Chem 162: Chemistry of Transition Elements
• Chem 164: Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Chem 165: Physical Methods In Inorganic Chemistry

At least one of the following organic chemistry courses:

• Chem 150: Intermediate Organic Chemistry
• Chem 151: Physical Organic Chemistry
• Chem 152: Advanced Organic Synthesis

At least one of the following physical chemistry courses: 

• Chem 131: Statistical Thermodynamics
• Chem 132: Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics
• Chem 133: Quantum Mechanics
• Chem 134: Biophysical Chemistry
• Chem 136: Spectroscopy and Molecular Structure
• Chem 138: Atomic Scale Structure and Properties of Surfaces  
• Two additional classroom courses, exclusive of research, must be completed satisfactorily by the end of the fourth semester

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Chemistry articles from across Nature Portfolio

Chemistry is a branch of science that involves the study of the composition, structure and properties of matter. Often known as the central science, it is a creative discipline chiefly concerned with atomic and molecular structure and its change, for instance through chemical reactions.

Harnessing electron-rich arenes in nickel photoredox catalysis

Nickel photoredox catalysis is often limited to electron-deficient and neutral arenes. Arylthianthrenium salts can now be used as redox-active reagents to afford general reactivity with electron-rich arenes.

• Sneha Nayak
• Laura K. G. Ackerman-Biegasiewicz

Radical control for enantioselective C sp 3 –C sp 3 cross-coupling

The enantioselective formation of C sp 3 –C sp 3 bonds is still a substantial challenge in the synthesis of complex molecules. Now, a photocatalytic system has been developed for the enantioselective alkylation of α-amino C sp 3 −H bonds that promotes the generation of two different alkyl radicals, followed by their cross-coupling at a chiral nickel centre.

• Ju Byeong Chae
• Annika R. Holm
• Liviu M. Mirica

A structured catalyst for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis

A heterogeneous nucleation strategy is used to synthesize a NiFe oxygen evolution reaction catalyst for anion exchange membrane water electrolysis. The resulting catalyst has high electrochemical activity and achieves a stable performance for over 21 months owing to a dense interlayer, which anchors the catalytic layer to the metal substrate.

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Latest Research and Reviews

An improved dataset of force fields, electronic and physicochemical descriptors of metabolic substrates

• Alessio Macorano
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• Silvia Gervasoni

Monitoring the formation of infinite-layer transition metal oxides through in situ atomic-resolution electron microscopy

Understanding the structural rearrangements of infinite-layer transition metal oxides at the atomic level remains challenging. Now in situ electron microscopy has been used to monitor the formation of infinite-layer SrFeO 2 through an oxygen deintercalation process; lattice flexibility of the FeO x polyhedral layers facilitates the phase transformation.

• Yaolong Xing

Rigid covalent organic frameworks with thiazole linkage to boost oxygen activation for photocatalytic water purification

Linking COFs by rigid thiazole linkages can simultaneously enhance the stability, charge separation efficiency, and oxygen activation capability of COFs, resulting in the excellent photocatalytic degradation performance towards micropollutants in water.

• Yanghui Hou
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Unlocking multi-photon excited luminescence in pyrazolate trinuclear gold clusters for dynamic cell imaging

Coinage-metal-based cyclic trinuclear complexes have potential in diverse applications, but their use in biochemical applications has been limited due to particle size and hydrophobicity. Here, the authors report the development of such complexes with multi-photon luminescent properties for use in cell imaging.

• Yu-Xin Chen
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Enantiospecificity in NMR enabled by chirality-induced spin selectivity

The authors present a theoretical treatment demonstrating that NMR experiments on chiral molecules can reveal enantioselective nuclear J-couplings due to bond polarization and spin-orbit interaction. This also aids in understanding chirality-induced phenomena more generally and their applications.

• T. Georgiou
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Plasmon-driven chemical transformation of a secondary amide probed by surface enhanced Raman scattering

Photocatalysis driven by surface plasmons is a promising approach for light-driven chemical conversions of molecules under mild conditions. Here, the authors study the reactivity of N-methyl-4-sulfanylbenzamide (NMSB) at the nanocavities of gold and silver nanoparticle aggregates under plasmonic excitation and propose a hot electron-mediated conversion of NMSB to p-mercaptobenzamide and p-mercaptobenzonitrile.

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Binning out-of-date chemicals somebody think about the carbon.

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Organocatalytic acylation of remote arene C–H bonds

Site-selective acylation of remote arene C( sp 2 )−H bonds is achieved through N-heterocyclic carbene organocatalysis. This catalytic transformation proceeds through a nitrogen radical-mediated pathway and enables the late-stage modification of drugs, amino acids and peptides under mild conditions.

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Do you find identifying suitable chemistry research topics difficult? You are not alone! Many students consider it challenging and time-consuming to choose an interesting chemistry topic for a research paper. In this blog post, we will discuss various research topics in chemistry to help simplify your research process. Continue reading to familiarize yourself with ideas from different fields and academic levels. Apart from defining research topics and discussing how to select one, we have provided examples to help kick-start your research project or assignments. Got a deadline approaching fast? Entrust your chemistry research paper to professional writers. Our academic service proceeds all ‘ write my paper for me ’ inquiries quickly and efficiently. Get your paper written now by an expert!

What Are Chemistry Research Topics?

Chemistry is a field of science that covers the structure, composition, and properties of elements and compounds. As a student taking this subject, you will encounter multiple experiments, chemical reactions, and analytical study methods. This branch of science can be subdivided into multiple areas, including organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical, analytical, and nuclear science, among others. Chemistry research paper topics are talking points related to the branches of science outlined above. To ensure that all learning objectives are met, instructors may require students to work on various topics in chemistry. You would be expected to source your chemistry research topics ideas from all possible branches. In one instance, your topic could be associated with analytical science, in another - with practical discussions, which is an entirely different thing despite both areas being categorized as chemistry subfields.

Characteristics of Good Chemistry Research Topics

Selecting a good research topic for chemistry plays a vital role in determining the probability of success when writing your paper. It is, therefore, important to know the characteristics of good chemistry topics for a research paper. Although you can derive discussions from many sub-areas, these research topic ideas share many common characteristics. A great research topic should be:

• Precise, meaningful, clear, and straightforward
• Analytical and researchable using logical methodologies
• Of theoretical or practical significance
• Supported by numerous academic evidence and sources.

How to Choose a Chemistry Research Topic?

Chemistry is a broad subject with multiple research areas. If you are not keen enough, you may easily get lost in its variety and fail to select a congenial title. So, how do you deal with this issue? In a nutshell, the process comes down to two aspects – your passion and competence. Below are step-by-step guidelines that you can follow to determine interesting topics about chemistry:

• Pick chemistry research topics with your knowledge capabilities in mind. Do not choose a topic that is beyond your academic level.
• Choose something that is interesting to you. If you are fascinated with the selected topic, you will find responding to the research questions to be much simpler.
• Select a research title that is convenient to work on due to the sufficient amount and availability of existing evidence and references.
• Ensure that the chosen chemistry topics for research paper are within the subfield you are majoring in and that it meets your instructor’s requirements.

Once you select the most appropriate title, see how to write a research paper like an expert.

Chemistry Research Paper Topics List

There are many research topics for chemistry to choose from. In this section, we have compiled examples of the best topics from various sub-areas. Below is a list of chemistry research topics for papers:

• Latest developments in DNA technology.
• Negative effects of using pesticides in food production.
• Importance and potential drawbacks of using fertilizer in commercial agriculture.
• Acids and bases: composition, properties, and applications.
• Industrial chemicals and environmental pollution.
• Dangers and side effects of using ibuprofen.
• Acid-base neutralization process.
• Air pollution implication on global warming and climate change.
• Ageing and the brain.
• Catalytic reaction mechanisms.

The chemistry research topics list above is created by drawing ideas from different sub-areas, thus covering a significant part of scholars’ inquiries.

Interesting Topics in Chemistry

In some instances, one may select a research topic because it is just fascinating. There are interesting chemistry topics that can explain intriguing phenomena in your day-to-day life. Alternatively, you can also opt for something related to essential issues in the current society. Here are sample chemistry interesting topics you can research into:

• Composition and effects of e-cigarettes.
• Food dye composition.
• Measuring electrical conductivity in a salt solution.
• How to change a penny’s color to gold.
• The scientific explanation of foam formation.
• Silicon usage in cosmetic surgery.
• Evidence and application of surface tension in day-to-day life.
• Examining pesticide residue in farm products from different grocery stores.
• How does molecule composition affect the physical appearance of things?
• Sodium metal reaction on water surfaces.
• How to separate dissolved sugar from water.
• How to clean up oil spills at sea.
• Rust formation on metal surfaces.
• How to chemically remove rust from stainless steel.
• The science behind turning boiling water into “snow” in a cold winter.

Easy Chemistry Research Topics

The science studied in high schools is way simpler compared to postgraduate one. You can find easy chemistry topics to research if you focus on certain academic levels and sub-areas. For example, physical chemistry has easy chemistry topics to do research paper on. On the other side, inorganic or analytical sub-areas tend to offer scientific research research topics that are more technical. The list below outlines easy topic examples you can pick from:

• Determining the percentage composition of oxygen in the air.
• Patterns in the periodic table.
• Atomic theory: primary principles and applications.
• Chemical and physical properties of starch.
• Determining the pH level of various liquids.
• Properties of acids and bases.
• Why is glass the preferred material in laboratories?
• Balancing chemical equations.
• Analyzing different chemical bonds.
• Alkali metals and their properties.
• General characteristics of metals.
• Noble gasses: properties and reaction characteristics.
• Water purification methods.
• The periodic table: its historical background.
• Alkaline earth metals: properties and reactivity.

Innovative Research Topics in Chemistry

Innovative chemistry topics for research paper relate to new ideas and ways to go about things. Using these ground-breaking topics related to chemistry, you can discuss new materials or methodologies. If you are interested in innovative research topics, here are some examples you can borrow from:

• Gene modification in medical chemistry .
• Improved cancer treatment using bacteria-based biohybrid microrobots.
• New methods used to detect explosive residues.
• Studying the molecular makeup of particles in space.
• Substitute for pesticides in farming.
• Nanophotonics in aeronautics.
• Nanomaterials production process and techniques.
• Clean energy alternatives for fossil fuels.
• Photocatalysis usage in 3D printing technology.
• Biodegradable polymers as alternatives for plastics.
• Silicon dioxide usage in solar cells.
• Chemical reactions in lithium-ion batteries.
• Self-healing concrete: basic principles.
• New materials for lightweight planes and vehicles.
• Polymer analysis in a restricted environment.

Cool Chemistry Research Topics

Sometimes, our title selection might be guided by how cool and fun the study results will be. If you are looking for cool chemistry topics to research on, you are in the right place. We have compiled some cool chemistry topics for you to choose from.

• How World War II influenced computational chemistry.
• How do chemicals in our brains create different moods?
• Composition and properties of laughing gas.
• European alchemy: historical background and its impact on modern science.
• Developing a film at home: chemicals required and process.
• Why lemon juice stops apples from browning.
• Different flame colors and their scientific explanation.
• Using a potato to light a bulb.
• Principles of chromatography.
• Utilizing cloud seeding in alleviating drought conditions.
• Finding iron in a mixture of metals.
• Gas chromatography: how it works and its applications.
• Application of vibrational spectroscopy.
• Surface tension and the dish soap experiment.
• How to make a homemade water filter.

Have you spotted any ideas but can’t get the research process started? Contact our professional writing service where you can pay for research paper and be sure that you will get outstanding results within your deadline. 

Intriguing Chemistry Topics for Research

There are many chemistry topics to write about. However, not all topics are intriguing (and frankly, most are the other way around). Below are topic examples that can instantly draw readers’ attention:

• Non-existing chemical compounds.
• Molecular structure of artificial honey as compared to natural honey.
• Stem cell studies: ethical implications.
• Principles of polymerase chain reaction and DNA replication.
• Organic chemistry applications in our daily living.
• Chemicals as weapons of mass destruction.
• How does adding sugar to a soft drink affect its density?
• Synthetic molecules in the pharmaceutical industry .
• Aerosol formation and its application in body spray manufacture.
• Analyzing the gasoline production process.
• Benzene molecular structure and its use in the cosmetic industry.
• Why are 96,000,000 black balls dumped into the LA reservoir?
• Water recycling methods.
• The discovery of oxygen.
• Importance of esters in our day-to-day living.

If you closely review the research topics for chemistry paper above, you will find them arousing your curiosity much more than the ones in other sections. These topics will challenge your initial line of thinking or introduce you to the concepts that just stand out.

Unique Chemistry Research Topics

There are some chemistry paper topics that are rarely worked on by students. People ignore these topics because they are either complex or lack adequate conclusive information from previous studies. If you are brave enough and wish to have a unique presentation, you can consider the research topics in chemistry below:

• Organosilicon compounds and their use.
• Nucleophiles and electrophiles.
• Molecular structure of Teflon and its industrial application.
• Sodium azide usage in automobile airbags.
• Dangers of COVID-19 tests that use sodium azide as the reaction reagent.
• Chemical composition of steroids and their effects on human beings.
• Artificial diamond production process.
• Insulin production biotechnology.
• Evolution of lethal injection.
• Effects of chiral class drugs on human health.
• Chemical residues in livestock.
• Artificial organs and their potential implication on transplantation.
• Role of nanoreactors in nanotechnology and biotechnology.
• Dangers of phosgene to human health.
• Production of dry ice.

Popular Chemistry Research Paper Topics

Unlike the unique study subjects discussed in the previous section, popular topics relating to chemistry are widely researched. Students favor these topics due to reasons like their simplicity, availability of adequate evidence, and their relevance to current issues. You can pick a hot topic in chemistry from the list below:

• Metal oxide usage in electronics.
• Importance of nitrogen to human survival.
• How do temperature changes affect chemical reactions?
• Lewis structure for ionic compounds.
• Analysis of the hydrophobic effect.
• Hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuel.
• Application of thermodynamics law in our lives.
• pH level calculations and analysis.
• Gas laws and their application.
• Why is Earth viewed as a closed thermodynamic system?
• Redox reactions and their industrial applications.
• Decomposition process of polymers.
• The anomalous expansion of water.
• Impact of fluoride ion on dental health .
• The use of lithium, magnesium, and calcium compounds in clinical medicine.

>> View more: Medical Research Paper Topics

Controversial Chemistry Topics for Papers

Just like in any other subject, there exist chemistry project topics that are controversial in nature. People are understandably more passionate about some subject matters compared to others. Discussions related to, for instance, chemical usage in battlefields and the health effects of using certain chemicals tend to attract heated debates. Below are some controversial topics in chemistry that you can write about:

• Biochemicals usage in warfare.
• Impact of fast-food chemicals on the human brain.
• Gene modification in human embryos.
• Bioconjugation techniques and how they are used in drug delivery.
• Synthetic molecules replication techniques.
• Use of lethal injection in execution of criminals.
• Ethical justification for euthanasia.
• Manufacture of chemical poisons.
• Fritz Haber’s controversial inventions.
• Artificial organs and their role in healthcare.
• Electromagnetic energy conversion to chemical energy.
• Dangers of using fertilizer in farming.
• Analyzing the water memory effect.
• Synthesis of food from non-edible items.
• Bio-inspired molecular machines and their applications.

Chemistry Research Ideas for Students

Students are often required to work on some chemistry project ideas to successfully complete their course. Depending on the sub-area one specializes in, and the academic level, research matters will vary significantly. For instance, chemistry undergraduate research project ideas are incomparable to highschool research titles. Some subject matters are only suitable for professional research. This section sorts the research ideas into their respective academic levels.

Chemistry Research Topics for High School

Chemistry research project ideas for highschool students are relatively easy compared to higher academic levels. The tasks are not very demanding in terms of the research methodologies used and the time required to complete them. At this level, students are introduced to the basic concepts of the subject. Common chemistry topics for high school are outlined in the list below.

• Acids and bases in the reduction-oxidation reaction.
• Importance of studying chemicals and chemical processes in high school.
• Ionization techniques for the mass spectrometry process.
• Avogadro’s Law: analysis, formulae, and application.
• Thermochemistry lab experiments.
• Laboratory safety rules.
• The hydrolysis analysis.
• Acids: structural composition, properties, and use.
• Noble gasses configuration.
• States of matter and their characteristics.
• Optimizing indoor plants life through chemistry.
• Role of enzymes in chemical and biological reactions.
• Thermal effects of chemical reactions.
• The law of multiple proportions in chemical reactions.
• Constant and changing variables in Boyle’s law .

Chemistry Research Topics for College Students

Chemistry project ideas for college often require students to dive deep into a subject. Rather than explaining the basic concepts, you may be instructed to apply them in addressing problems. A college chemistry project will require you to dedicate more time and conduct more research. Below are some of the title ideas for college students and undergraduates:

• How much energy is produced from burning nuts and chips?
• Dangers of using radon in construction and potential solutions.
• Chemical composition of aspirin and its effect on human physiology.
• Green chemistry application in the food industry.
• Phosphorescence versus fluorescence.
• Dihydroxyacetone phosphate conversion.
• Big data and biocomputing in chemical studies.
• Thermoelectric properties of materials.
• Artificial organic tissue development in laboratories.
• Nuclear fusion: primary concepts and applications.
• Power production process in lithium nickel batteries.
• Medico-biological importance of group 3B and 4B elements.
• Global cycle of biologically active elements.
• Importance of chemical knowledge in cancer treatment.
• Inorganic materials usage in the military.

Chemistry Research Topics in Different Fields

Chemistry can be divided into many sub-areas. Each subfield has interesting chemistry topics to research into. To choose a research topic in chemistry, you need to first determine a sub-area you would wish to specialize in. However, even within these fields, there are still many title options to choose from. To help reduce the confusion and simplify the selection process, we have categorized potential research discussions into their respective sub-areas.

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry mainly involves studying the structure, composition, properties, and reaction of carbon-based compounds. It is among the most commercially applied subfields, which makes organic chemistry research paper topics very common. I am sure you must have encountered products manufactured using organic chemistry principles within your surroundings. If you wish to learn more about these products, you can explore these latest research topics in organic chemistry:

• Pain relief medicine: chemical structure and composition.
• Composition, use, and effects of polymers.
• Retin-A usage in acne treatment.
• Organic chemistry usage and application in daily life.
• Types of organic compounds isomerism.
• Aromatic hydrocarbons as industrial raw materials.
• Alcohol hydrophilicity in aqueous solutions.
• Physical and chemical properties of polyhydric alcohols.
• Synthetic polymer applications: synthetic fiber, Teflon, and isoprene rubber.
• Fetal alcohol syndrome: types and symptoms.
• Structure and properties of phenols.
• The application of organic chemistry in birth control.
• Nucleic acid stability.
• Parameters affecting proton chemical shifts.
• Structure and properties of lipids.

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

This branch deals with the study of structure, composition, and properties of materials that do not contain carbon. Research paper topics for inorganic chemistry focus on metals, minerals, and inorganic compounds. The list below compiles chemistry projects topics and ideas related to inorganic chemistry.

• How to create new and improve existing alloys.
• Implication of inorganic chemistry on the environment.
• Application of inorganic chemistry in the cosmetic industry.
• Interaction between sulfuric acid and organic materials.
• Lattice energy and enthalpy for different ionic bonds.
• Characteristics of different types of nucleosyntheses.
• Uniqueness of hydrogen bonds and polarity.
• Hard and soft acids and bases ( HSAB ) theory.
• Dalton’s Law: principles and applications.
• Structure of a gemstone and how it impacts its appearance.
• Relationship between inorganic and biochemistry.
• Parameters affecting Bronsted-Lowry acidity.
• Crystal field theory: analysis and disadvantages.
• Application of angular overlap model.
• Primary laws of photochemistry.

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

The determination of the objects’ primary makeup of objects is the main interest of this branch. Various analytical methods, including spectroscopy, chromatography, and electroanalytical techniques, are often discussed in the subfield. As such, many analytical chemistry research paper topics focus on these or other analysis techniques. Below is a list of research topics on analytical chemistry:

• Analytical techniques used in forensic science.
• Examining the electroanalytical techniques.
• Importance of analytical chemistry to the environment.
• Miniaturization and its use in analyzing pharmaceutical substances.
• Evaluating the working principles of activation analysis.
• Gravimetric analysis principles.
• GMOs usage and their potential hazards to human health.
• Potentiometric measurement methods.
• Liquid and gas chromatography.
• Spectroscopy methods and their use in detecting and quantifying molecular and structural composition of samples.
• Dispersive X-ray analysis of tissues.
• Analytical methods for determining the side effects of ibuprofen usage.
• Benefits of the isomerism framework.
• Acid-base titration as a quantitative analysis technique.
• Application of spectroscopy in medicine.

Environment Chemistry Topics for Research

The apparent global warming and climate change threats have led to the development of a new area of study. This sub-area has project topics in chemistry that explore the impact of human activity on the environment and the potential solutions for slowing down and reversing the climate change process. Common environmental chemistry related topics include:

• Negative effects of deep-sea mining.
• Ground water contamination: causes, dangers, and potential solutions.
• Oil spillage and its effect on marine life.
• Effect of heat engines on the environment.
• Safe disposal of toxic waste.
• Global warming: causes and potential remedies.
• Potential alternatives to fossil fuels.
• Innovative methods to minimize pesticide usage in agriculture.
• Cultivated meat as an alternative to livestock farming.
• How efficient is artificial photosynthesis.
• The Chernobyl ecological disaster.
• Analysis of life-cycle assessment (LCA).
• Environmental benefits of using energy-saving lamps.
• Environmental pollution by nano toxins.
• Potential solutions for global warming.

Need more ideas on the environment? Check our list of the best environmental research topics for students. 

Physical Chemistry Research Topics

Physical chemistry is the study of the behavior of matter. Physical chemistry topics for research papers focus on analyzing the physical and chemical properties of atoms and molecules and how they interact with each other. You can use a project topic on chemistry from the list below:

• Surface tension and its impact on mixtures.
• Diffusion of liquid and gasses.
• Reaction of bromine under UV rays.
• Pressure effect in chemical reactions.
• Bonding between atoms and molecules.
• Analyzing Schrodinger’s equation.
• Hess’s laws: principles and application.
• Effects of intermolecular forces on the melting point of a material.
• Entropy law of thermodynamics.
• Relationship between quantum mechanics and atomic orbitals.
• Chemical kinetics in pharmacy.
• Analyzing the physical and chemical indicators of milk.
• How to determine atoms’ electron configuration.
• Why isotopes exist.
• Determining the group based on its successive ionization energies.

Chemical Engineering Research Topics

In this section, we will discuss research topics of chemistry related to the design and application of chemical processes. Here are some of the chemical research project ideas that will impress your instructor:

• Chemical engineering concepts in the food production industry.
• Analyzing wastewater treatment techniques.
• Conversion of rocket fuel to energy.
• Analyzing different mixture separation techniques.
• Industrial application of chemical engineering concepts.
• Non-reactive mass balances and mass balance with reaction.
• Binary distillation and its application.
• Gas absorption usage in the chemical industry.
• Reaction kinetics in a plug flow reactor.
• Water splitting for hydrogen production.
• The application of MIMO theory in the control of chemical process operation.
• Chemical engineering applications in the healthcare sector.
• Nanofiltration member usages in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
• General overview of microfluidics.
• Production of high-quality foam.

Nuclear Chemistry Research Topics

A nuclear chemistry research project deals with radioactivity-related processes. You may encounter this branch of science in nuclear energy production, military applications, and even in the hospital. Some of the researchable topics in chemistry of nuclei transformation include:

• Computation of an element’s half-life.
• Radioactive elements in real life and how they are being used.
• Nuclear fusion: the process and its function.
• Types of radioactive decay.
• Effects of radiation on biological systems.
• Safe radioactive waste disposal.
• Application of nuclear science in the healthcare sector.
• Analyzing the three types of radiation.
• How to destroy toxic organic compounds using irradiation.
• Is there a possibility of cold fusion ever happening?
• Biological application of radiochemistry.
• Dangerous consequences of ionizing versus non-ionizing radiation.
• Optical chemo sensors: principles and applications.
• Interaction between water and radioactive materials.
• Radiation accident cases in human history.

There is a vast assortment of research ideas for your study on our platform. Be it biology research topics or nursing research paper topics , we have all of them here.

Bottom Line on Chemistry Research Topics

In sum, chemistry is a broad subject with multiple sub-areas. Depending on your preference, you can choose interesting chemistry research topics for papers from the many subfields. Apart from selecting a good research subject, also remember that is always mandatory to adhere to proper writing procedures! Besides, select chemistry essay topics that will keep you excited till the end of research, as you wouldn’t want to quit in the middle and switch to another topic. If you combine all provided tips together, you will definitely find it easy to select and work on research in chemistry topics.

Our academic writing service is always happy to help. Our platform was created by students who also struggled. So the writers deliver excellent papers focusing on fast and high-quality writing. 

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Undergraduate Research in Chemistry Guide

Research is the pursuit of new knowledge through the process of discovery. Scientific research involves diligent inquiry and systematic observation of phenomena. Most scientific research projects involve experimentation, often requiring testing the effect of changing conditions on the results. The conditions under which specific observations are made must be carefully controlled, and records must be meticulously maintained. This ensures that observations and results can be are reproduced. Scientific research can be basic (fundamental) or applied. What is the difference? The National Science Foundation uses the following definitions in its resource surveys:

• Basic research The objective of basic research is to gain more comprehensive knowledge or understanding of the subject under study, without specific applications in mind. In industry, basic research is defined as research that advances scientific knowledge but does not have specific immediate commercial objectives, although it may be in fields of present or potential commercial interest.
• Applied research Applied research is aimed at gaining knowledge or understanding to determine the means by which a specific, recognized need may be met. In industry, applied research includes investigations oriented to discovering new scientific knowledge that has specific commercial objectives with respect to products, processes, or services.

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What is research at the undergraduate level?

At the undergraduate level, research is self-directed work under the guidance and supervision of a mentor/advisor ― usually a university professor. A gradual transition towards independence is encouraged as a student gains confidence and is able to work with minor supervision. Students normally participate in an ongoing research project and investigate phenomena of interest to them and their advisor. In the chemical sciences, the range of research areas is quite broad. A few groups maintain their research area within a single classical field of analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, chemical education or theoretical chemistry. More commonly, research groups today are interdisciplinary, crossing boundaries across fields and across other disciplines, such as physics, biology, materials science, engineering and medicine.

What are the benefits of being involved in undergraduate research?

There are many benefits to undergraduate research, but the most important are:

• Learning, learning, learning. Most chemists learn by working in a laboratory setting. Information learned in the classroom is more clearly understood and it is more easily remembered once it has been put into practice. This knowledge expands through experience and further reading. From the learning standpoint, research is an extremely productive cycle.
• Experiencing chemistry in a real world setting. The equipment, instrumentation and materials used in research labs are generally more sophisticated, advanced, and of far better quality than those used in lab courses
• Getting the excitement of discovery. If science is truly your vocation, regardless of any negative results, the moment of discovery will be truly exhilarating. Your results are exclusive. No one has ever seen them before.
• Preparing for graduate school. A graduate degree in a chemistry-related science is mostly a research degree. Undergraduate research will not only give you an excellent foundation, but working alongside graduate students and post-doctorates will provide you with a unique opportunity to learn what it will be like.

Is undergraduate research required for graduation?

Many chemistry programs now require undergraduate research for graduation. There are plenty of opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research, either during the academic year, summer, or both. If your home institution is not research intensive, you may find opportunities at other institutions, government labs, and industries.

What will I learn by participating in an undergraduate research program?

Conducting a research project involves a series of steps that start at the inquiry level and end in a report. In the process, you learn to:

• Conduct scientific literature searches
• Read, interpret and extract information from journal articles relevant to the project
• Design experimental procedures to obtain data and/or products of interest
• Operate instruments and implement laboratory techniques not usually available in laboratories associated with course work
• Interpret results, reach conclusions, and generate new ideas based on results
• Interact professionally (and socially) with students and professors within the research group, department and school as well as others from different schools, countries, cultures and backgrounds
• Communicate results orally and in writing to other peers, mentors, faculty advisors, and members of the scientific community at large via the following informal group meeting presentations, reports to mentor/advisor, poster presentations at college-wide, regional, national or international meetings; formal oral presentations at scientific meetings; or journal articles prepared for publication

When should I get involved in undergraduate research?

Chemistry is an experimental science. We recommended that you get involved in research as early in your college life as possible. Ample undergraduate research experience gives you an edge in the eyes of potential employers and graduate programs.

While most mentors prefer to accept students in their research labs once they have developed some basic lab skills through general and organic lab courses, some institutions have programs that involve students in research projects the summer prior to their freshman year. Others even involve senior high school students in summer research programs. Ask your academic/departmental advisor about the options available to you.

How much time should I allocate to research?

The quick answer is as much as possible without jeopardizing your course work. The rule of thumb is to spend 3 to 4 hours working in the lab for every credit hour in which you enroll. However, depending on the project, some progress can be achieved in just 3-4 hours of research/week. Most advisors would recommend 8-10 hours/week.

Depending on your project, a few of those hours may be of intense work and the rest may be spent simply monitoring the progress of a reaction or an instrumental analysis. Many research groups work on weekends. Saturdays are excellent days for long, uninterrupted periods of lab work.

How do I select an advisor?

This is probably the most important step in getting involved in undergraduate research. The best approach is multifaceted. Get informed about research areas and projects available in your department, which are usually posted on your departmental website under each professor’s name.

Talk to other students who are already involved in research. If your school has an ACS Student Chapter , make a point to talk to the chapter’s members. Ask your current chemistry professor and lab instructor for advice. They can usually guide you in the right direction. If a particular research area catches your interest, make an appointment with the corresponding professor.

Let the professor know that you are considering getting involved in research, you have read a bit about her/his research program, and that you would like to find out more. Professors understand that students are not experts in the field, and they will explain their research at a level that you will be able to follow. Here are some recommended questions to ask when you meet with this advisor:

• Is there a project(s) within her/his research program suitable for an undergraduate student?
• Does she/he have a position/space in the lab for you?
• If you were to work in her/his lab, would you be supervised directly by her/him or by a graduate student? If it is a graduate student, make a point of meeting with the student and other members of the research group. Determine if their schedule matches yours. A night owl may not be able to work effectively with a morning person.
• Does she/he have funding to support the project? Unfunded projects may indicate that there may not be enough resources in the lab to carry out the project to completion. It may also be an indication that funding agencies/peers do not consider this work sufficiently important enough for funding support. Of course there are exceptions. For example, a newly hired assistant professor may not have external funding yet, but he/she may have received “start-up funds” from the university and certainly has the vote of confidence of the rest of the faculty. Otherwise he/she would not have been hired. Another classical exception is computational chemistry research, for which mostly fast computers are necessary and therefore external funding is needed to support research assistants and computer equipment only. No chemicals, glassware, or instrumentation will be found in a computational chemistry lab.
• How many of his/her articles got published in the last two or three years? When prior work has been published, it is a good indicator that the research is considered worthwhile by the scientific community that reviews articles for publication. Ask for printed references. Number of publications in reputable refereed journals (for example ACS journals) is an excellent indicator of the reputation of the researcher and the quality of his/her work.

Here is one last piece of advice: If the project really excites you and you get satisfactory answers to all your questions, make sure that you and the advisor will get along and that you will enjoy working with him/her and other members of the research group.

Remember that this advisor may be writing recommendation letters on your behalf to future employers, graduate schools, etc., so you want to leave a good impression. To do this, you should understand that the research must move forward and that if you become part of a research team, you should do your best to achieve this goal. At the same time, your advisor should understand your obligations to your course work and provide you with a degree of flexibility.

Ultimately, it is your responsibility to do your best on both course work and research. Make sure that the advisor is committed to supervising you as much as you are committed to doing the required work and putting in the necessary/agreed upon hours.

What are some potential challenges?

• Time management . Each project is unique, and it will be up to you and your supervisor to decide when to be in the lab and how to best utilize the time available to move the project forward.
• Different approaches and styles . Not everyone is as clean and respectful of the equipment of others as you are. Not everyone is as punctual as you are. Not everyone follows safety procedures as diligently as you do. Some groups have established protocols for keeping the lab and equipment clean, for borrowing equipment from other members, for handling common equipment, for research meetings, for specific safety procedures, etc. Part of learning to work in a team is to avoid unnecessary conflict while establishing your ground to doing your work efficiently.
• “The project does not work.” This is a statement that advisors commonly hear from students. Although projects are generally very well conceived, and it is people that make projects work, the nature of research is such that it requires patience, perseverance, critical thinking, and on many occasions, a change in direction. Thoroughness, attention to detail, and comprehensive notes are crucial when reporting the progress of a project.

Be informed, attentive, analytical, and objective. Read all the background information. Read user manuals for instruments and equipment. In many instances the reason for failure may be related to dirty equipment, contaminated reagents, improperly set instruments, poorly chosen conditions, lack of thoroughness, and/or lack of resourcefulness. Repeating a procedure while changing one parameter may work sometimes, while repeating the procedure multiple times without systematic changes and observations probably will not.

When reporting failures or problems, make sure that you have all details at hand. Be thorough in you assessment. Then ask questions. Advisors usually have sufficient experience to detect errors in procedures and are able to lead you in the right direction when the student is able to provide all the necessary details. They also have enough experience to know when to change directions. Many times one result may be unexpected, but it may be interesting enough to lead the investigation into a totally different avenue. Communicate with your advisor/mentor often.

Are there places other than my institution where I can conduct research?

Absolutely! Your school may be close to other universities, government labs and/or industries that offer part-time research opportunities during the academic year. There may also be summer opportunities in these institutions as well as in REU sites (see next question).

Contact your chemistry department advisor first. He/she may have some information readily available for you. You can also contact nearby universities, local industries and government labs directly or through the career center at your school. You can also find listings through ACS resources:

• Research Opportunities (US only)
• International Research Opportunities
• Internships and Summer Jobs

What are Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) sites? When should I apply for a position in one of them?

REU is a program established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support active research participation by undergraduate students at host institutions in the United States or abroad. An REU site may offer projects within a single department/discipline or it may have projects that are inter-departmental and interdisciplinary. There are currently over 70 domestic and approximately 5 international REU sites with a chemistry theme. Sites consist of 10-12 students each, although there are larger sites that supplement NSF funding with other sources. Students receive stipends and, in most cases, assistance with housing and travel.

Most REU sites invite rising juniors and rising seniors to participate in research during the summer. Experience in research is not required to apply, except for international sites where at least one semester or summer of prior research experience is recommended. Applications usually open around November or December for participation during the following summer. Undergraduate students supported with NSF funds must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States or its possessions. Some REU sites with supplementary funds from other sources may accept international students that are enrolled at US institutions.

• Get more information about REU sites

How do I prepare a scientific research poster?

Here are some links to sites with very useful information and samples.

• How to Prepare a Proper Scientific Paper or Poster
• Creating Effective Poster Presentations
• Designing Effective Poster Presentations

Research and Internship Opportunities

• Internships and Fellowships Find internships, fellowships, and cooperative education opportunities.
• SCI Scholars Internship Program Industrial internships for chemistry and chemical engineering undergraduates.
• ACS International Center Fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities around the globe

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232 Chemistry Research Topics To Make Your Neurochemicals Dance

Speaking from experience, science can be fun. The only thing that matters is that you should always choose the theme/field that fascinates you the most. Chemistry, if done right, can give you more dopamine rush than riding a racing bike. The trick is to choose a chemistry research paper topic that moves your quarks when you’re writing about it. 

Table of Contents

Chemistry Research Topics: Biochemistry, Chemical, Organic, and more

Our chemistry research writers are not regular researchers but people who actually study and love chemistry. They have spent a lot of time unearthing some of the cool topics that could pump any chemistry geeks with an adrenaline rush. They have years of experience offering chemistry research paper writing services, so you can trust their work.  (Many people around the world already do and you can find that in testimonials on our  PhD Research Paper Writing Services  page.)

Physical chemistry research topics

• Laws of Thermodynamics
• Energy Balance
• Gases: Gas Law
• harles and Gay Lussac’s law
• General Ideal Gas Law
• The mass of a chemical compound
• The moles of an atomic species
• The flow of Fluids in Closed Ducts
• Impact of gravity on the fluids
• Strength effect of elasticity of fluid actions
• Surface tension in fluids
• Statistical Analysis Of Thermodynamic Properties
• Determination of the ideal gas constant
• pH determination
• Distillation of an azeotropic mixture
• Cubic equations of state
• Redox titrations
• Ideal solutions (liquids)
• Laboratory on the States of Matter
• Laboratory on the construction of an atom
• Research on molecular geometry
• Research on the density of bodies
• Kinetic studies of pyrolysis, combustion and gasification of various materials (organic and inorganic)
• Physicochemical Processes of Interaction of Metals with Biomaterials
• Photochemistry of Compounds of Environmental Interest
• Study of the kinetic, thermodynamic and catalytic activity of compounds
• Organic and inorganic academic and environmental interest
• Determination of heat of combustion of acetamidophenols
• Experimental determination of thermochemical properties of chemical compounds
• Experimental evaluation of thermal properties of dangerous organic liquids
• Synthesis and characterization of hydrogels based on acrylic acid
• Incorporation of salts and other chemical substances in acrylic acid/acrylamide hydrogels
• Physical chemistry of polymers and macromolecules
• Pharmaceutical physical chemistry
• Physical chemistry and material sciences
• Biomimetic chemistry
• Petrochemical and related sciences
• Physical chemistry of semiconductors
• Physical chemistry of extractive processes
• Physical chemistry of surfaces

We bet these chemistry essay topics have blown you away. Don’t worry we have more useful topics coming your way.

Read More:  Accounting Research Topics

Electrochemistry research topics

Below are some of the best topics for research paper about chemistry and its affiliate subjects. Check them out:

• Calibration of carbon paste electrodes modified with iron particles
• Effect of ionic strength on electrochemical detection
• Oxygenated groups present in graphite powder
• Electrochemical analysis
• Potentiometric titrations of functional groups
• Physical and chemical characterization of the modified and unmodified material 
• Electrochemical recovery of toxic metals
• Carbon paste electrodes
• Biological and bioelectrochemical reactors with an optimization approach based on computational methods
• Electrogeneration of oxidizing species
• Electroremediation of contaminated water and water soils
• Electrochemistry: Importance in Robotics and Nanotechnology
• Electrochemistry in Ecology and Environmental Processes
• How electrochemistry plays an important role in energy generation
• Photovoltaic cells and hybrid energy systems
• Nanostructured materials for fuel cells
• Solar Systems and Electrochemistry
• Biomolecular interactions and electroanalysis
• Chemical and electrochemical methods in disease diagnosis
• Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Hexacyanoferrate-Doped Polypyrrole
• Energy Storage in Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Materials
• Conducting Organic Polymers with Electroactive Dopants
• Electrochemistry for bioprocess engineering applications
• Electrochemical enhancement of microbial product formation
• Electron transfer of electrode-bound enzymes
• Transport mechanism and interfacial reactions within the oxide layer
• Oxide layer modelling
• Preparative electrochemistry or electrosynthesis
• Electrochemical methods in analytical chemistry
• Electrochemical synthesis methods
• Fuel cell technology in Technical Chemistry 
• Electrochemical reactions
• Phase boundary electrode-electrolyte
• Phase boundary between an electronic conductor (electrode) and an ionic conductor (electrolyte)
• Applications of electrochemistry
• Reduction of metal salts for the production of base metals, mainly by electrolysis
• Use of electrolytic metal deposition in electroplating
• Provision of an electrical voltage, especially for mobile applications
• History of Electrochemistry

We know your chemistry research projects are incomplete without these eyecatching topics. Read them and wisely write on these subject to amaze your professor.

Read More:  Business Research Topics

Organic Chemistry research topics

• A novel process for the production of sophisticated molecules
• Addition of amino sugars to acetylenic compounds
• Environmental remediation and as a reaction containment medium
• Intermolecular interactions for the molecular recognition of peptides and proteins
• Synthesis of glycosylamines from disaccharides and lipooligosaccharides
• Catalysis with metal and organocatalysts, photocatalysis, natural product synthesis, unnatural amino acids and peptide foldamers
• Development and modification of gels based on polymers for use in drug delivery
• Reusable catalyst makes oxidation of CH bonds with oxygen easier and more efficient
• Structural analysis of nodulation factors produced by bacteria of the genus Rhizobium
• Imidazopyridines as new materials
• Effects of Ultra-Violet Light on Activation of Oxygen
• Synthesis of large unsymmetrical imines by a palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction
• Improved pharmaceuticals thanks to fluorine
• Application of the hydroxy-ketone reductive grouping in obtaining trans-fused polyethers
• Role of Biochemistry in the creation of Antibiotics
• Application of the olefin metathesis (RCM) reaction in the synthesis of Orthocondensated polyoxepanes
• Sugars in green olives
• Synthetic applications of d-glucose derivatives
• Synthesis, structure, coordination and applications in asymmetric catalysis
• Natural product synthesis and convergent technologies
• Activation of growth factors for fibroblasts by glycosaminoglycans effect
• Thiols, preparation and handling
• Biotransformations of industrial interest catalyzed by fungal peroxygenases
• Carbohydrate multivalent systems functionalize proteins and surfaces
• Fused n-heterocyclic carbenes in biaryl systems
• Hair structure
• Biochemistry for bioremediation
• Chemical and structural characterization of lignin and lipids of lignocellulosic materials of industrial interest
• Physicochemical characterization of citronella, soapstone, and eucalyptus essential oil
• Electrophilic Substitution Reactions: Synthesis of Nitrobenzene
• Essential oils: uses and properties
• Activation of growth factors for fibroblasts by glycosaminoglycans

Read More:  Finance Research Topics

Inorganic Chemistry research topics

• Soil and water contamination by inorganic compounds
• Synthesis and characterization of Coordination Compounds and their use as homogeneous catalysts
• Free Radicals and Antioxidants
• Analytical Chemistry associated with the study of inorganic compounds
• Quantum molecular modeling and mechanics
• Inorganic Materials
• Hydrogen reactivity with inorganic compounds
• Bond theory analysis
• Chemistry of some transition elements
• Boric Acid Preparation
• Types of inorganic chemical reactions
• Introduction to inorganic chemistry
• Study of the atomic spectrum
• Crystal defects in inorganic chemistry
• Explosives and violent reactions in inorganic compounds
• Objective characterization of wines through aroma components
• Microstructural characterization of nanoparticles and magnetic “nano-composites” of iron
• Chemical, morphological, mineralogical, and genesis characters of the salt mines
• Physical and chemical characteristics of the soils occupied by olive groves
• Theoretical analysis and development of instrumentation to apply the new technique of thermal analysis at a constant rate of reaction
• Alteration of rocks and soil formation in Utah
• The catalytic activity of 4f metal oxides in the decomposition of various carboxylic acids and alcohols
• Activation of ethylene and carbon dioxide by molybdenum complexes
• Platinum promoting action on nickel catalysts supported on activated Bentonite
• Homogeneous catalysis (with an organometallic, transition metal, lanthanide and representative compounds)
• Methods of synthesis of organometallic compounds assisted by microwaves.
• Design of molecular precursors with relevance in materials chemistry.
• Chemistry of inorganic heterocycles.
• Immobilization of organometallic and coordination compounds in polypropylene membranes.

Read More: High School Research Topics

Biochemistry research topics

• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Cell differentiation and metabolism
• Biochemistry of Individual Molecules
• Enterobacteriaceae envelopes: modulation of their structure in response to environmental cues and impact on pathogenicity
• Neuroplasticidad y Neurogenética
• Environmental biotechnology applied to water decontamination.
• Reproductive Aging
• Neurobiochemistry
• Regulatory proteins of iron metabolism
• Iron deficiency anaemia and cardiovascular disease
• Iron deficiency anaemia and oxidative stress
• Nutritional anaemias independent workers
• Food incompatibilities for iron absorption
• Evaluation of anaemia and iron deficiency in schoolchildren
• Iron deficiency anaemia and evaluation of school performance
• Iron deficiency anaemia in students of Educational Centers
• Copper Levels and Oxidative Stress in the Elderly
• Iron Levels and Oxidative Stress in the Elderly
• Evaluation of transcription factors (surgical samples)
• Biochemical markers in oxidative stress
• Antioxidant activity in irradiated food products
• Kinetics of the reactivity of antioxidants in food
• Evaluation of oxidative stress in various pathological states
• Iron levels in the Elderly
• Copper Levels in the Elderly
• Evaluation of the synergistic effect in a mixture of antioxidant compounds
• Antioxidant activity in medicinal plants
• Food patterns and evaluation of antioxidant capacity in food
• Markers in Diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease
• Biochemical markers in Diabetes mellitus
• Chemotherapy with redesigned Methotrexate
• The Biosynthesis of triglycerides or triacylglycerides
• Consequences of suffering from coronary disease
• What medications should be administered in patients with osteoporosis?
• Appearances of physiological alterations in older adults
• The impact of the administration of clindamycin, amikacin, and ceftazidime in hospitalized patients
• Pharmaceutical advice to reduce stress
• Dyslipidemia in Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetes mellitus and transcription factors (Cell culture)
• Factors that lead to cholesterol excretion
• Nutritional evaluation of pregnant diabetic mothers
• How do blood alcohol levels influence drivers involved in traffic accidents?
• Pleiotropic effects of oral hypoglycemic drugs
• Importance of eating foods rich in carotenoids
• The biochemical and toxicological impact of lead with environmental contact
• The importance of emotions in the intervention of our digestive system
• Lifestyles and Diabetes mellitus
• Adiposity in Diabetes mellitus
• Diabetological education of the patient with Diabetes mellitus
• The impact of drug administration

Read More:  Nursing Research Topics

Nano / Nuclear Chemistry research topics

• Modeling of metallic nanostructures
• Modeling of nanostructures supported on oxides
• Development of advanced nanomaterials with specific
• Nanomaterials in the fight against cancer and spinal cord injuries in laboratory rats for neuronal reconnection
• Study of the effects of radiation on the structure and properties of nanomaterials
• Development of nanostructured substrates for Raman spectroscopy applications
• Implants in neural tissues of the spinal cord to promote lost communication between the brain and the rest of the body
• Design and preparation of theragnostic radiopharmaceuticals
• Research and development of radiopharmaceuticals based on nanosystems for use in molecular nuclear medicine
• Hydrogen storage, the capture of toxic gases, improvement of solar cells
• Geometric optimization of nanostructures using classical methods
• Calculation of energies and molecular properties
• Synthesis of supercapacitors with carbon nanotubes
• Simulation of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images of nanostructures
• Development of bactericidal dressings based on metallic nanoparticles
• Modernization of the ININ X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory
• Thin coatings of transparent materials with high hardness

Read More:  Psychology Research Paper Topics

Green Chemistry research topics

• Green chemistry and environmental sustainability
• Strategies to make organocatalysis “greener”
• The Chemical Knowledge and Environmental Question
• Approach to school green chemistry, through green protocols
• Sustainable Chemistry: Nature, purposes, and scope
• Postgraduate studies in sustainable chemistry
• Didactic knowledge of the content on green chemistry
• Photochemical synthesis by sunlight
• Green Chemistry: A Present and Future Theme for Chemistry Education
• The environmental dimension of experimentation in the teaching of chemistry
• Role of Chemistry and its teaching in the construction of a sustainable future
• A foundation for the incorporation of green chemistry in organic chemistry curricula
• Contribution of green chemistry to the construction of a socially responsible science
• Aspects of the pedagogical knowledge of the content of green chemistry in university professors of chemistry
• Asymmetric organocatalyzed reactions in the absence of a solvent
• Green Chemistry for Postgraduates

Read More:  Social Work Research Topics

Archaeological Chemistry research topics

• Archaeochemistry of the United States
• Archaeochemistry of Egyptian Pyramids
• Archaeochemistry of Mohanjodaro
• Archaeochemistry of Cambodia
• Archaeological dating, characterization, prospecting, and conservation
• The role of bio-deteriorated ceramics in the formation processes of archaeological sites
• Study of biodeterioration in archaeological ceramics from Mayan Ruins
• Deterioration of ceramic fragments due to the action of lichens
• Applicability of preventive conservation to archaeological ceramics impacted by biodeterioration

Our highly skilled professionals have provided you with superb research topics in chemistry. You can choose anyone matching your speciality and start working on making your paper a piece of art.

Conclusion:

Never believe anyone who says you can’t go for a chemistry degree or PhD. Just listen to your heart and it will all make sense. Chemistry is one of the coolest subjects. If you do it right, with a chemistry research topic that inspires you, then no one can stop you from having your chemical breakthrough. Believe in yourself and the world will see your success like a mushroom cloud. 

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Research School of Chemistry ANU College of Science

• Research projects

Below we list current research topics in the Research School of Chemistry with links to relevant researchers and groups. We have a wide range of potential chemistry research projects, ranging from short-term summer research projects to year-long honours and graduate projects to three-year PhD projects. Please contact the listed project supervisor for further discussion and ideas.

3D printing of functional materials for green chemistry

This project is ideal for Honours/Master students interested in the cutting-edge field of 3D printing and sustainable chemistry. You will gain valuable skills and experience in both areas, which will prepare you for a career in materials science, chemistry, or related fields.

• Energy, Environment and Green Chemistry

Student intake

Open for Honours, Master, PhD, Summer scholar students

A new spin on hydrogen: supercharging NMR

Hydrogen is well recognized for its potential as a future energy source – but few people are aware of another remarkable ability of the simple H2 molecule. The challenge is this: how can we incorporate para-hydrogen into molecules?

• Analytical Chemistry and Sensors
• Organic chemistry
• Norcott Group

A Trojan horse to combat malaria

Our goal is to develop an anti-malarial Trojan horse that will deliver a chemical payload to the malaria parasite that it cannot avoid, thus limiting the potential for resistance.

• Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development
• McLeod Group

Accessing Designer Peptides Using Electro-Organic Synthesis

This project will explore additional opportunities for the efficient electrochemical modification of peptides, including through the use of novel “electrochemically-active” amino acids.

• Malins Group

Advanced nanocatalysts for energy conversion

This project offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in materials synthesis, characterization, and catalysis, as well as contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of sustainable energy.

Advanced Optical Spectroscopy of the Chlorophylls

Why does nature strongly favor chlorophyll a? What are the consequences of the differences between the chlorophylls for photosynthetic function? Using our unique optical spectrometer, this project aims to address these key fundamental questions.

• Physical and Biophysical Chemistry

Open for Honours, PhD students

AI and data co-driven materials discovery for advanced energy conversion and wearable systems

This project will provide hands-on experience with some of the most exciting and rapidly evolving technologies in materials science today. Join our team and be at the forefront of the field, making new discoveries and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

• Computational and Theoretical Chemistry

Allosteric inhibitors of an important drug target

This project will involve collaboration with industry partners (Beta Therapeutics) and partners within the Centre of Excellence in Peptide and Protein Science.

• Jackson Group

Anti-doping chemistry and designer steroids

This project will combine analytical and synthetic chemistry to study the metabolic fate and biological activity arising from designer steroids use, with the goal of developing assays to detect the abuse of these agents in sport.

Artificial biomaterials: strong and self-healing polymer materials

This project will develop these materials for biological applications, for example as an artificial skin (below).

• Connal Group

Big and Small Chains of Carbon

We are studying compounds in which a single atom of carbon is held between two metal centres LnM=C=MLn. In most cases the M=C=M spine is linear but we have recently isolated the first examples where the carbon is bent and displays nucleophilic character.

• Functional Materials and Interfaces
• Inorganic Chemistry and Organometallic Chemistry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Biocompatible synthesis of bicyclic peptides

This project will capitalise on these achievements and explore biocompatible synthetic routes to various kinds of bicycles and their applications in drug discovery.

• Nitsche Group

Boronic acids as potential therapeutics for dengue fever

This project will screen numerous boronic acid derivatives available at the Research School of Chemistry (optional: computational screening of data banks). Screening hits will be modified to generate drug-like inhibitors with anti-dengue activity.

Catenanes and/or rotaxanes

This project will involve a reasonable amount of organic synthesis, as well as some host-guest binding studies and potentially some X-ray crystallography.

• White Group

Characterizing defect sites in functional materials and catalysts using Multidimensional Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

Students with an interest in instrumentation development can pursue coupling EPR platform in situ electrochemistry, in situ gas exchange and in situ light (Solar, UV, LED, laser) excitation, allowing operando characterization of defects and their evolution.

• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Advanced) (Honours)
• Honours in Chemistry
• Master of Science in Materials Science
• PhD & MPhil
• Bridging course
• Chemistry Ambassador program
• Majors, minors & specialisations
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• Battery lab
• Compounds ANU
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• Chemistry Future Fund
• Environmental Sustainability Research Grants
• Australian Drug Observatory
• How to give
• Inclusion, diversity, equity and access
• The Arthur Birch lecture
• David Craig visiting professorship
• Rita Cornforth Fellowship
• Future students enquiries
• General enquiries
• Current students enquiries
• Current students
• HDR students

Chemistry Research Topics: A List of 150 Winning Ideas

A chemistry science student conducts research works that are associated with their interests and seeks to study different chemical phenomena or reactions within their fields.

A top-notch research topic is an essential foundation of a good research paper. A good research paper carries the potential to boost your academic grades. On the contrary, a poorly written research paper can severely affect your grades. Most chemistry students often end up making the same mistake of choosing the wrong chemistry research topics for their papers. It significantly affects the quality of their academic grades.

Read our blog to dig deeper to get the best research topics for chemistry. We are sure this article will be helpful for you. We have prepared lists of more than 150 exciting chemistry research topics. These topics will help you attain the highest grades and enjoy your research process simultaneously.

Table of Contents

Organic Versus In- Organic Chemistry

Chemistry is an old age of science for which human knowledge has enhanced over the past decades. It was in the 17 th century when scientists discovered that there are in total two branches of chemistry: organic chemistry and in- organic chemistry.

Now, for a better understanding let us explore the differences between these two branches of chemistry.

Both of these fields include analytical laboratory techniques to analyze the behavior of different compounds within their disciplines.

Before moving forward to the topics selection, we suggest you to have a look at this guide for creating or choosing the ideal chemistry research topic.

Noteworthy Guidance for Selecting a Successful Chemistry Research Topic:

Indeed selecting chemistry research topics is not easy, but it’s not impossible, is it? Well, obviously, no. All you need is some expert help with chemistry research topics. But first, whilst you are in your selection phase, narrow down the chemistry research topics and select the topics that are:

• Interesting to you : Interesting research topics are your way to a successful research paper. Avoid selecting tedious, dull and difficult topics; choose a chemistry topic for which you have good knowledge and understanding.
• Analytical:  Before selecting your topic, make sure it’s analytical. Read previous scholarly articles to understand the thought process of renowned scientists. Thinking about analytical chemistry research topics would improve the credibility of your research paper.
• Researchable : conduct background research for your chemistry topics. It will help you to structure a strong foundation for your research paper. Popular topics are always helpful for making a successful paper. You can get numerous authorized content regarding popular topics. However, to draft a unique research paper, include some new studies and hypotheses on that topic.
• Supporting references and materials:  Make sure your research topic has enough reliable sources. Before selecting your research topic, see if it consist well- trusted books, article or journals.
• Following university guidelines:  Before choosing your chemistry research topics, you must analyze whether your topic follows the university writing requirements or not. An impactful research paper includes all the essential norms acknowledged by the scientific community.

List of 150 Enticing Chemistry Research Topics

Here we go! In this section, we have created the best chemistry research topics in a nutshell.

Let’s have a look at some of the best chemistry research topics. Select the one that’s best for you and get started with your research work. For a better understanding, we want you to read every topic thoroughly and then decide what works best for you.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

Organic Chemistry Research Topics

Organic chemistry is a vast study area that studies carbon-containing molecules. This field contains various organic chemistry research topics to write and study about in this area. To draft an impressive chemistry research topic, invest your time and energy in conducting the prerequisite research first.

Here are just a few of the best organic chemistry science research topics for you to consider:

• Investigation of the recent advancements in the methods for synthesizing chiral molecules
• Studying the electronic structure and chemical reactivity of carbon nanotubes
• Define and explain the oil in a nutshell
• Chlorination of phenol
• Exploring the preparations and properties of metal complexes with organometallic ligands
• Towards rational crafting of benzene derivatives with improved thermal stability
• Exploring the new ways of molecular reaction dynamics
• Learning stereochemistry in organic compounds
• A handbook on learning the isomerism types in organic compounds
• Nucleophiles: reactions of nucleophiles with ethylenic substrates
• Conceptive research on nucleophiles
• Discovery of aniline dyes
• The ups and downs of nucleic acids stability
• Process modelling for hydrocarbon fuel conversion
• Exploring the new C-O electrophiles in cross-coupling reactions
• New directions toward structure formation and stability
• Regulations of nitrogen compounds in water
• A review of the effect of alcohols on micro-organisms
• Snow pollution management in urban areas
• Exploring the effects of cell-surface sugars on health, illness, and aging

Inorganic Chemistry Research Topics

Inorganic chemistry deals with in-organic compounds which consist of ionic bases into them. Excluding carbon, all the other elements mentioned in the periodic table are included in inorganic chemistry. It includes inorganic compounds such as minerals, metals, etc. But let us not dive into the details and leave that part to your research paper.

Here are some interesting inorganic chemistry research topics for you:

• A detailed study on how metals react with each other
• Needs trends and new alloys of inorganic chemicals
• Inorganic chemistry and its relationship with the pharmaceutical industry
• Effects of different chemicals and their reactions on the human body
• Past, present, and future of inorganic chemicals
• A conceptive study on inorganic chemistry and its role in the environment
• The future of inorganic chemistry and sustainable development
• The method of creating new alloys and how to improve the existing ones
• Inorganic chemistry and its relationship with the food industry
• The relationship between inorganic chemistry and the cosmetic industry
• Principals of inorganic chemistry: theory, practice, and applications
• Modifications of NaCI structure: why is it salty?
• A detailed study on the formation of sapphires
• The law of multiple proportions
• Different states of matter: on Earth and in the Cosmos
• Hydrodynamics of soft active matter handbook on the effects of sulfuric acid on organic materials
• A comparative study of the difference between organic and inorganic compounds
• Importance of inorganic chemistry
• Explanation of Lewis structures and Electron Dot models

Advanced Physical Topics in Chemistry

These topics are widely focused on advanced physical topics in chemistry. If you are still confused about your chemistry-related research topics, we hope these topic ideas might interest you:

• A concise study on the relationship between chemical reactions and heat
• Introduction and progress in the fields of spectroscopy
• Introduction to quantum chemistry in the age of quantum computing
• Ideas and variations of methods in quantum chemistry
• Recent advancements in mechanistic organic photochemistry
• Definition and standardization of pH measures
• A handbook on the structure of atoms on a quantum scale
• The chemical bonding across atoms and molecules
• The relationship between temperature and chemical reactions
• Introductions and principles of chemical kinetics
• Recent advancements in the role of light in in-body chemical reactions
• The influence of surface tension and its effects on mixtures
• An overview of interfacing of advanced computing in the electron microscope
• Advanced technology paths towards a science of global climate stability
• Catalytic reaction: structure sensitivity and nanoplasmonic probes
• A detailed study on the nanoelectrodes and Sensors

Easy Research Topics in Chemistry

These are a few chemistry research topics that are important and easy simultaneously. So here are some essential chemistry topics which may interest you:

• Introduction to modern liquid chromatography
• Rational molecular design for achieving persistence and reducing toxicity
• Properties of mesoscopic structure at ultrafast time scales
• Climate chemistry: role of chemistry for preserving climate issues
• The chemistry of allergy
• Host-Guest Interactions of Fullerene Fragments
• Lewis structure study

General Chemistry Topics for Research

If you are looking for general chemistry research topics, this section is specifically made for you. Have a look at this section before selecting your chemistry topics. This section comprises various general chemistry topics that are important simultaneously.

• Batteries for vehicular applications: building better batteries
• Conductive polymers as the new established thermoelectric material
• Pesticides use in vegetable production: a survey of American farmers
• The harmful impacts of pesticides on human health
• Explain the fast dynamics of water droplets upon freezing
• What is the reason behind the breakage of freezing rocks
• Formation of cholesterol crystallites
• A meta-analysis of the controversy of steroids
• A meta-analysis on the biological synthesis of cholesterol
• Fritz Haber: as a damned scientist  

Analytical Chemistry Topics for Research

Analytical chemistry studies and identifies matter’s composition, status, determination, and structure. Scientists use analytical chemistry to determine the matter and how much it is helpful in something. So, if you are keen to research analytical chemistry topics, here are some of the great ideas to move forward with your research:

• Introduction to liquid chromatography
• Environmental analytical chemistry
• Identifying chemical reaction hazards in the laboratory
• Introduction to chromatography
• Understanding molecular dynamics and targeted thermostat schemes
• An overview of chiral class drug analysis in forensic laboratories
• Optical enantiomers flaw: symmetry and molecular chirality
• Learning chemical equilibrium with the jigsaw technique
• Application of electrochemical biosensor for toxic detections
• Revisiting qualitative analysis of chemistry
• An overview and an update on the clinical pharmacology of ibuprofen
• Evaluation of Isomerism framework advantages
• Principals and classifications of chromatography
• Exploring multiple time-scale molecular dynamics
• Effects of chemical equilibrium
• The adulteration of drugs
• Rethinking amide bond’s effects in polypeptide field

Innovative Research Topics for Chemistry

Innovative chemistry refers to linking your creative ideas with your chemistry research topics. So, if you were thinking of making a groundbreaking chemistry research paper, here are some chemistry topics to write about:

• Side-chain conformational effects in protein folding
• An overview of thiophene compounds
• Sonochemical synthesis of nanomaterials for green chemistry
• Enzymes and their significance in chemical reactions
• The tragedy with fritz
• The functions of enzymes in maintaining soil health
• Fabrication and application of photocatalysis in 3Dprinting
• Farming with fewer pesticides: health and environmental cost of pesticides
• Cellular transportation of drugs
• The introduction and science of flavonoids
• Black drug intermediates
• Scatter research for chemical and bio-process optimization
• Development of responsive sensors of upconversion nanomaterials
• The philosophy of quantum mechanics: a modern development
• Identifying the significance of astrochemical research on extraterrestrial molecules
• A deep analysis of cellular transport systems in facility logistics
• Evolving medicinal chemistry: fusion of traditional and modern chemistry
• The significance of Meta- organic frameworks
• Monitoring chemical reactions of pressurized organic components
• Deep research on active pharmaceutical ingredients

Controversial Chemistry Topics for Research

Controversial topic includes all those exciting buzzing topics, which make people curious to know more. If you still haven’t found your topic, have a look at these below given controversial chemistry research topics to get started with your research:

• Chemicals in war: the history of chemicals and biological warfare agents
• Interaction between hydrogen and dipole and their functions in protein
• Current concepts of bioengineering
• Association of food chemicals with the human brain
• Production of food flavouring agent
• Modulations of hydrophobic effects
• Hydrophobic interactions
• State’s role in regulating chemicals
• Cigarettes and cigarette smoking: Evolution of chemicals in cigarettes
• The chemical effects and trouble associated with cannabidiol oil
• Bad chemical reactions: the rise and rise of antidepressants
• DNA and decentralization of electrons
• A handbook on
• chemistry and the origin of life
• Chemical warfare ethics
• A structure-based platform for predicting chemical reaction
• Synthetic self-replicating molecules
• The growing danger of bioconjugation chemistry
• Fritz Haber’s experiments in life and death
• Principals and practices of green chemistry

Read Also – Interesting Biology Research Topics

Biochemical Engineering Topics in Chemistry

Biochemical engineering is an important pillar industry of this century. It is the interdisciplinary combining biotechnology and chemical engineering. So, if you are interested in this field but wondering which topic to choose. We are here to provide our help with  research papers . Here are a few exciting chemistry research topics:

• Thermodynamics in biochemical engineering
• Transmembrane transporters
• An ontology of advanced engineering
• Understanding the mathematical modelling of metabolism
• The harmful effects of food industry chemicals
• The future of biochemical engineering
• Perceptions and developments of epigenetic
• Autophagy: process and functions
• An introduction to the mechanisms of apoptosis
• Mechanisms of tetracycline drugs

Biochemistry Research Topics

While this term might sound obscure, it includes critical fields such as environmental protection, rehabilitation, genetics, use of opioids, etc. If you are keen to analyze more about these subjects, we have selected the ten most essential biochemistry topics. Before selecting the topic, we suggest you read each topic thoroughly and conduct primary research on the selected ones:

• Significance of biochemistry for cancer treatment
• The extraordinary mitochondrion citric acid cycle
• The role of biochemistry in building the immune system
• Epigenetic: the science of probiotic research
• Unravelling the cell metabolism process
• Behavioural study of biochemistry
• Significance of
• biochemistry in heart diseases
• The visible history of the visible sheep: the legacy of dolly the sheep
• Industrial applications and utilization of amino acid
• New therapies for treating hemophilia

Final Thoughts

At last, we hope this article has provided help with selecting chemistry science research topics. We agree that choosing science research topics is difficult, especially when you are supposed to write a paper on chemistry topics. The research topic for chemistry consists of various pertinent sub fields under this domain, but you must focus on that one topic that highlights your skills and knowledge in the best way.

The above-given topics will help you to take a step toward a successful academic career. Interesting chemical research topics can create a strong foothold of your entire work in your research proposal . Highlight the importance of the topic in your research proposal. Elaborate how your research work can create a massive difference in your field, etc.

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Chemistry Research Topics That Will Knock You Off Your Feet

Updated 24 Jul 2024

Finding suitable chemistry research topics is not an easy task to accomplish, especially if one struggles with several topic ideas or looks at bordering disciplines. Most Chemistry students in the United States often seek for most popular and easy ideas, which is not always efficient as successful paper should be original. From experiment rules and mole reaction to organic and inorganic fields, topic should be researchable and analytical in order to help undergraduates understand how research basics work. You can fulfill all these requirements with the experienced assistance of our academic research paper writing service .

Offering chemistry help online , EduBirdie expert team can guide you not only in choice of relevant research topic, but will follow initial grading rubric rules, including professional editing to make final assignment custom, accurate, and well-structured. Our mission is to make Chemistry homework interesting, affordable, and plagiarism-free as we take you towards success!

Interesting Chemistry Research Areas

As one sees chemistry topics for research project, it is crucial to choose something that interests you and can fully reveal innovative approach to studies or laboratory work. For example, one can combine biology with genome analysis, which will lead to study of NanoChemistry - innovative and hot topic! Remember that Chemistry is never limited to study of periodic table elements or acids dissolution that most might remember from school lessons. What most students fail to see is that there are many areas of chem fields to discover, including:

• Nanochemistry - fairly modern and cool area that combines chemistry with nanoscience achievements. From synthesis and genome study up to building blocks and models, it is widely used in carbon nanotubes technology and military weapons construction. As one can see from our topics list, we have included several actual examples for brainstorming. If you want to go for something innovative or even controversial, remember to always support information with accurate citing and reliable sources as it helps avoid plagiarism.
• Organic Chemistry - In simple terms, it is scientific approach to study of structure, composition, and diverse properties of organic compounds that contain carbon. From reactions to synthesis, proper study of this area is essential for veterinarians, dentists, chemical engineers, specialists that work with living organisms. Real life examples include plastics, foods, fuels that are constantly used in daily life. Even though this research areas is quite complex, Edubirdie experts may find interesting chemistry topics that are dealing with engineering.
• Biochemistry - while term may sound vague, its power lies in great coverage of such diverse subjects as environmental protection, healthcare, genetics, usage of opioids for rehabilitation. What makes this science field especially relevant is laboratory environment that increases amount of helpful topics as one can turn to simulations or modelling. It is where experiments along with study of reactions are explored with significant link with biology. From painkillers medication to genetically-modified food use, implement strong arguments or assumptions since researches papers always base around interesting thesis.
• Biomolecular Research - also known as high-throughput screening system, which is the most challenging scientific fields that are common in drug discovery, identification of antibodies and active genes that can lead to particular breakthrough solutions. With certain therapeutics involved, topics are usually argumentative with extensive analysis. If this subject is too complex, look for chemistry research paper topics for high school, they are also included in topics list. However, biomolecular studies are not always complex when writer follows clear structure, supports challenging experiments with citation. Ordering research papers online from us, we always ensure that every fact is backed up with reliable academic resources.
• Analytical Chemistry - For those who analyzes diverse compounds and their properties, science field is safe bet. Most American college professors recommend choosing only one chemical property of an object in writing assignment, yet in some cases like volumetric analysis research, it is allowed focusing on more than one equivalence measure points to show neutrality or any other state of an element in question. Likewise, write about thermal analysis properties in lab experiment or journal style, which is popular among undergraduate students and will make a great chemistry research topic. In case something more advanced is required, there is electromagnetic radiation where students should provide structure models and simulations.

5 Tips For Successful Research & Writing

• Complete Outline. Research paper outline should include arguable thesis statement that either makes assumption or speaks of benefits or disadvantages of particular scientific method, as an example. Additionally, outline keeps paper structured and avoid too many ideas in same assignment. Start your chemistry research with outlining main points.
• Limit Use of Personal pronouns & colloquial language. Write in active voice, keep paper structured from Introduction with hook sentence to Conclusion, which should make call to action and an outcome of experiment or study in topic question.
• Use Reliable Sources. Do not use exact phrasing, but paraphrase in own words. If such is impossible, citing should be short and used only when absolutely necessary. Remember that sources like Wikipedia are not considered reliable for serious research paper.
• Use Clear Structure & Transitional Sentences . Each paragraph should start with topic sentence that sums up main idea of chemistry research topic.
• Add Visual Materials & Relevant References . If possible, addition of visual materials or appendix data with similar case studies can make even mediocre chemistry research paper topics original and successful.

Read also: Find experts when you pay for paper .

Choose From 50+ Chemistry Research Topics

Have a look at the best chemistry research topics collection for inspiration and creativity boost. Select the one you like the most, modify it for better research.

Controversial Chemistry Research Topics

• Fritz Haber Personality
• Chemical Warfare Ethics
• Synthetic Biology & Gene Analysis
• Biological Machinery Application
• Synthetic Molecules Replication
• Bioconjugation Chemistry Dangers
• The Ethics of Chemical Warfare and Arms Development.
• Chemicals in Food Production: Safety vs. Efficiency.
• The Role of Chemistry in Climate Change Denial.
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: Revolutionary Healing or Ethical Nightmare?

Innovative Chemistry Research Topics

• Avoiding Pesticides in Agriculture
• Polymers Analysis in Restricted Environment
• Sustainable Elements Synthesis
• Photocatalysis in 3D Printing
• Nanophotonics Use in Aeronautics
• Medicinal Chemistry & BRCA1 Gene Modification
• Development of Biodegradable Plastics from Natural Polymers.
• Application of Quantum Dots in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.
• Chemically Engineered Photosynthesis for Renewable Energy Production.
• Advances in Green Chemistry for Sustainable Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

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Essential Chemistry Research Topics

• Lewis Structure Study
• Stoichiometry & Mole Concept
• Atomic Structure Progressive Scale Grading
• Electrolysis & Low-level Extraction
• Dihydroxyacetone Phosphate Conversion
• Electronegative Atoms & Physical Bonding
• Exploring the Chemical Basis of Memory and Brain Function.
• Advances in Water Purification Techniques Using Nanotechnology.
• The Chemistry of Aging: Understanding the Molecular Changes.
• Chemical Innovations in Renewable Energy Storage Systems.

Hottest Chemistry Research Topics

• DNA & Electrons Delocalized Rings
• Hydrogen & Dipole Interaction
• Hydrophobic Effect Phenomenon
• Organic Chemical Reactivity Functioning
• Molecules Skeletal Representation Model
• Amino Acids Side Chain Effects
• Mysteries of Quantum Chemistry: Current Research and Future Perspectives
• The Role of Green Chemistry in Sustainable Development
• The Critical Role of Atmospheric Chemistry in Global Warming
• The Chemistry of Plastics: Understanding and Mitigating Environmental Impact
• Biochemical Signals in Neurology: A Deeper Look at the Chemistry of the Brain
• The Frontier of Synthetic Chemistry: Current Advances and Implications
• Chemical Safety and Regulation: Assessing the Impact of Emerging Chemicals on Human Health
• The Role of Chemistry in Renewable Energy
• Artificial Photosynthesis: A Breakthrough in the Chemistry of Renewable Energy
• The Chemistry of Food Preservation: Modern Techniques and Innovations
• Medicinal Chemistry: Novel Approaches for Drug Discovery in the Age of Genomics

Analytical Chemistry Research Topics

• Amide Bonds Function in Polypeptide Field
• Isomerism Framework Advantages
• Optical Enantiomers Flaws
• Dangers of Ibuprofen & Chiral Class Drugs
• Why Do Chemical Reactions Work Not As Planned?
• Chemical Equilibrium Effect
• Development of New Spectroscopic Methods for Trace Element Detection.
• Analyzing Environmental Pollutants Using Chromatography Techniques.
• Advances in Forensic Chemistry for Crime Scene Investigation.
• Application of Mass Spectrometry in Proteomics and Genomics.

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Chemistry Research Topics Ideas for High School

• Thermochemistry Experiments
• Dispersions & Suspensions Comparison
• Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures
• How to Calculate pH Level?
• Isotopes Identification
• XYZ Element History (any period table element)
• Chemistry Lesson School Safety Rules
• Hydrolysis Analysis
• Chemical Kinetics Experiments
• How to Conduct Chemical Experiment?
• Substitution Reactions
• Substance Abuse & Chemical Changes in Human Body
• Gas Laws Application
• Laboratory Skills Required for Chemical Equation Experiment
• Practical Implications of Thermodynamics Laws
• Acids & Salts in Oxidation Interaction
• Mole Ratio from Chemical Formulas
• Acid-Base Neutralization Process
• Molecular Polarity Analysis

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > Chemistry > Theses and Dissertations

Chemistry Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2024 2024.

Effects of Diminazene Aceturate on Drosophila melanogaster : A Lipidomic Analysis , Gabriela Suarez

Introductory Chemistry Student Success: Evaluating Peer-Led Team Learning and Describing Sense of Belonging , Jessica D. Young

Explorations on Non-Covalent Interactions: From Supramolecules to Drug-Like Molecules , Zhanpeng Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

aPKCs role in Neuroblastoma cell signaling cascades and Implications of aPKCs inhibitors as potential therapeutics , Sloan Breedy

Protein Folding Kinetics Analysis Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy , Dhanya Dhananjayan

Affordances and Limitations of Molecular Representations in General and Organic Chemistry , Ayesha Farheen

Institutional and Individual Approaches to Change in Undergraduate STEM Education: Two Framework Analyses , Stephanie B. Feola

Applications in Opioid Analysis with FAIMS Through Control of Vapor Phase Solvent Modifiers , Nathan Grimes

Synthesis, Characterization, and Separation of Loaded Liposomes for Drug Delivery , Sandra Khalife

Supramolecular Architectures Generated by Self-assembly of Guanosine and Isoguanosine Derivatives , Mengjia Liu

Syntheses, Photophysics, & Application of Porphyrinic Metal-Organic Frameworks , Zachary L. Magnuson

Integration of Algae and Biomass Processes to Synthesize Renewable Bioproducts for the Circular Economy , Jessica Martin

Considerations for curricular reform in undergraduate chemistry: Cooperative adoption factors, modeling social influence, and focusing on specific populations , Jacob D. McAlpin

Chemical Analysis of Metabolites from Mangrove Endophytic Fungus , Sefat E Munjerin

Synthesis of Small Molecule Modulators of Non-Traditional Drug Targets , Jamie Nunziata

Conformational Dynamics and Free Energy Studies of DNA and Other Biomolecules , Paul B. Orndorff

Synthetic Studies of Potential New Ketogenic Molecules , Mohammad Nazmus Sakib

Coupling Chemical and Genomic Data of Marine Sediment-Associated Bacteria for Metabolite Profiling , Stephanie P. Suarez

Enhanced Methods in Forensic Mass Spectrometry for Targeted and Untargeted Drug Analysis , Dina M. Swanson

Investigation of Challenging Transformations in Gold Catalysis , Qi Tang

Diazirines and Oxaziridines as Nitrogen Transfer Reagents in Drug Discovery , Khalilia C. Tillett

Developing New Strategy toward Ruthenium and Gold Redox Catalysis , Chenhuan Wang

Gold-Catalyzed Diyne-ene Cyclization: Synthesis of Hetero Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and 1,2-Dihydropyridines , Jingwen Wei

Development of Antiviral Peptidomimetics , Songyi Xue

Self-Assembly of Metallo-Supramolecules Based on Terpyridine and its Derivatives , Yu Yan

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Synthesis and Antibacterial Testing of Novel Thiosulfonate Compounds , Lindsay I. Blume

Investigating a Potential STING Modulator , Jaret J. Crews

Development of Lipidated Antimicrobial Polycarbonates , Ruixuan Gao

Exploring the Structure and Activity of Metallo-Tetracyclines , Shahedul Islam

Large Area Projection Sintering of Semicrystalline Polymers and Part Analysis of the Printed Specimens , Taranjot Kaur

Interfacing Computational Techniques with Synthetic and Spectroscopic Methods for Research and Education , Nicole Annette Miller

An Investigation into the Protein Dynamics and Proton Transfer Mechanism of Class-A β-lactamase (CTX-Ms) by NMR Spectroscopy , Radwan Ebna Noor

Effects of acid hydrolyzed chitosan derivatives on MHV infection , Krishna Sharma

Metabolomic Analysis, Identification and Antimicrobial Assay of Two Mangrove Endophytes , Stephen Thompson

Advanced Analytical Method Development: from Highly-Enrolled Classroom to Data-Intensive Proteomics , Laxmi Sinduri Vuppala

Measuring and Improving Student Attitude in College-level Chemistry: A Novel Survey Methodology and Social-psychological Interventions , Ying Wang

Targeting the Side-Chain Convergence of α-Helical Hot Spots to Design Small-Molecule Mimetics Disrupting Protein-Protein Interaction , Zhen Wang

Bioactivity of Suberitenones A and B , Jared G. Waters

Developing Efficient Transition Metal Catalyzed C-C & C-X Bond Construction , Chiyu Wei

Chemical Investigation and Drug Discovery Potential of Terpenoid Secondary Metabolites from Three Deep-Sea Irish Soft Corals , Joshua Thomas Welsch

Measurement in Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics Education: Student Explanations of Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms and Instructional Practices in Introductory Courses , Brandon J. Yik

Study on New Reactivity of Vinyl Gold and Its Sequential Transformations , Teng Yuan

Study on New Strategy toward Gold(I/III) Redox Catalysis , Shuyao Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Design, Synthesis and Testing of Bioactive Peptidomimetics , Sami Abdulkadir

Synthesis of Small Molecules for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases , Elena Bray

Social Constructivism in Chemistry Peer Leaders and Organic Chemistry Students , Aaron M. Clark

Synthesizing Laccol Based Polymers/Copolymers and Polyurethanes; Characterization and Their Applications , Imalka Marasinghe Arachchilage

The Photophysical Studies of Transition Metal Polyimines Encapsulated in Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF’s) , Jacob M. Mayers

Light Harvesting in Photoactive Guest-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks , Christopher R. McKeithan

Using Quantitative Methods to Investigate Student Attitudes Toward Chemistry: Women of Color Deserve the Spotlight , Guizella A. Rocabado Delgadillo

Simulations of H2 Sorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks , Shanelle Suepaul

Parallel Computation of Feynman Path Integrals and Many-Body Polarization with Application to Metal-Organic Materials , Brant H. Tudor

The Development of Bioactive Peptidomimetics Based on γ-AApeptides , Minghui Wang

Investigation of Immobilized Enzymes in Confined Environment of Mesoporous Host Matrices , Xiaoliang Wang

Novel Synthetic Ketogenic Compounds , Michael Scott Williams

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Biosynthetic Gene Clusters, Microbiomes, and Secondary Metabolites in Cold Water Marine Organisms , Nicole Elizabeth Avalon

Differential Mobility Spectrometry-Mass spectrometry (DMS-MS) for Forensic and Nuclear-Forensic applications , Ifeoluwa Ayodeji

Conversion from Metal Oxide to MOF Thin Films as a Platform of Chemical Sensing , Meng Chen

Asking Why : Analyzing Students' Explanations of Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms using Lexical Analysis and Predictive Logistic Regression Models , Amber J. Dood

Development of Next-Generation, Fast, Accurate, Transferable, and Polarizable Force-fields for Heterogenous Material Simulations , Adam E. Hogan

Breakthroughs in Obtaining QM/MM Free Energies , Phillip S. Hudson

New Synthetic Methodology Using Base-Assisted Diazonium Salts Activation and Gold Redox Catalysis , Abiola Azeez Jimoh

Development and Application of Computational Models for Biochemical Systems , Fiona L. Kearns

Analyzing the Retention of Knowledge Among General Chemistry Students , James T. Kingsepp

A Chemical Investigation of Three Antarctic Tunicates of the Genus Synoicum , Sofia Kokkaliari

Construction of Giant 2D and 3D Metallo-Supramolecules Based on Pyrylium Salts Chemistry , Yiming Li

Assessing Many-Body van der Waals Contributions in Model Sorption Environments , Matthew K. Mostrom

Advancing Equity Amongst General Chemistry Students with Variable Preparations in Mathematics , Vanessa R. Ralph

Sustainable Non-Noble Metal based Catalysts for High Performance Oxygen Electrocatalysis , Swetha Ramani

The Role of aPKCs and aPKC Inhibitors in Cell Proliferation and Invasion in Breast and Ovarian Cancer , Tracess B. Smalley

Development of Ultrasonic-based Ambient Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry , Linxia Song

Covalent Organic Frameworks as an Organic Scaffold for Heterogeneous Catalysis including C-H Activation , Harsh Vardhan

Optimization of a Digital Ion Trap to Perform Isotope Ratio Analysis of Xenon for Planetary Studies , Timothy Vazquez

Multifunctional Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) For Applications in Sustainability , Gaurav Verma

Design, Synthesis of Axial Chiral Triazole , Jing Wang

The Development of AApeptides , Lulu Wei

Chemical Investigation of Floridian Mangrove Endophytes and Antarctic Marine Organisms , Bingjie Yang

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

An Insight into the Biological Functions, the Molecular Mechanism and the Nature of Interactions of a Set of Biologically Important Proteins. , Adam A. Aboalroub

Functional Porous Materials: Applications for Environmental Sustainability , Briana Amaris Aguila

Biomimetic Light Harvesting in Metalloporphyrins Encapsulated/Incorporated within Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs). , Abdulaziz A. Alanazi

Design and Synthesis of Novel Agents for the Treatment of Tropical Diseases , Linda Corrinne Barbeto

Effect of Atypical protein kinase C inhibitor (DNDA) on Cell Proliferation and Migration of Lung Cancer Cells , Raja Reddy Bommareddy

The Activity and Structure of Cu2+ -Biomolecules in Disease and Disease Treatment , Darrell Cole Cerrato

Simulation and Software Development to Understand Interactions of Guest Molecules inPorous Materials , Douglas M. Franz

Construction of G-quadruplexes via Self-assembly: Enhanced Stability and Unique Properties , Ying He

The Role of Atypical Protein Kinase C in Colorectal Cancer Cells Carcinogenesis , S M Anisul Islam

Chemical Tools and Treatments for Neurological Disorders and Infectious Diseases , Andrea Lemus

Antarctic Deep Sea Coral and Tropical Fungal Endophyte: Novel Chemistry for Drug Discovery , Anne-Claire D. Limon

Constituent Partitioning Consensus Docking Models and Application in Drug Discovery , Rainer Metcalf

An Investigation into the Heterogeneity of Insect Arylalkylamine N -Acyltransferases , Brian G. O'Flynn

Evaluating the Evidence Base for Evidence-Based Instructional Practices in Chemistry through Meta-Analysis , Md Tawabur Rahman

Role of Oncogenic Protein Kinase C-iota in Melanoma Progression; A Study Based on Atypical Protein Kinase-C Inhibitors , Wishrawana Sarathi Bandara Ratnayake

Formulation to Application: Thermomechanical Characterization of Flexible Polyimides and The Improvement of Their Properties Via Chain Interaction , Alejandro Rivera Nicholls

The Chemical Ecology and Drug Discovery Potential of the Antarctic Red Alga Plocamium cartilagineum and the Antarctic Sponge Dendrilla membranosa , Andrew Jason Shilling

Synthesis, Discovery and Delivery of Therapeutic Natural Products and Analogs , Zachary P. Shultz

Development of α-AA peptides as Peptidomimetics for Antimicrobial Therapeutics and The Discovery of Nanostructures , Sylvia E. Singh

Self-Assembly of 2D and 3D Metallo-Supramolecules with Increasing Complexity , Bo Song

The Potential of Marine Microbes, Flora and Fauna in Drug Discovery , Santana Alexa Lavonia Thomas

Design, Synthesis, and Self-Assembly of Supramolecular Fractals Based on Terpyridine with Different Transition Metal Ions , Lei Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Fatty Acid Amides and Their Biosynthetic Enzymes Found in Insect Model Systems , Ryan L. Anderson

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How to write a PhD thesis

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Five tips for communicating your research

Writing a thesis is an inevitable part of a chemistry PhD. Yet it can be a daunting task. While everyone’s personal circumstances vary – university rules, the chemistry discipline and supervisor relationships – the most difficult part is actually starting to write. Adam Clancy of University College London, UK; Chiara Giorio of the University of Cambridge, UK; and I (a recent PhD graduate) reflect on our experiences to offer some advice and tips.

Start writing early

Ideally, if you receive funding you want to finish before the money stops coming in. ‘It’s such an appealing thing to think one more experiment will pull everything together,’ says Clancy. ‘It’s better to just draw a line in the sand in advance.’ This was a goal I set myself, and it proved to be a catalyst to my productivity. Clancy’s experience was different: ‘I got a postdoc and then wrote in the evenings, which was a terrible, terrible idea.’ Sometimes though, a promising job offer or unforeseeable circumstances means this is your only option for completion. Whatever your circumstances, Giorio advises ‘to write as much as you can, every day,’ even if it’s just experimental procedures or summaries.

For me, getting started was the hardest part. Thinking of a thesis as a series of small, manageable chapters rather than a whole book helped me compartmentalise. Once you start writing, you build up momentum. Having something that you can look back at as a starting point is better than staring at a blank page.

Make a plan

Devise a workplan with your supervisor before you start writing. ‘It should be a discussion with them about where they think the good results are – how you can split up all your work into manageable, multiple sections,’ explains Clancy. Spend time ‘understanding what are the key messages that you want to get across,’ says Griorio. During writing, send chapters to your supervisor for revision and go over them together. ‘The first draft doesn’t need to be perfect’ – and it won’t be – but this will give you a better idea of what your supervisor expects. ‘The first time you write something, it’s very difficult,’ Griorio explains, so it’s good to solicit feedback early on. But it’s not just your supervisor you can ask – peers, friends and family can contribute ‘even if only catching typos’, she adds.

No need to work sequentially

Start with the chapter you’re most comfortable working on – you don’t need to write the thesis in order. I found switching between chapters helped. Some days I had brain fog when writing up my results so I would work on the literature review and come back to writing up the results when I had the mental capacity. The structure of the thesis also does not have to be chronological: Clancy used what he did towards the end of his PhD to form his first results chapter. ‘You’re not recounting what you did for three years,’ he explains. ‘It shouldn’t be a biography of your research.’

Figures are your friends

Images can reveal a lot about your work. ‘I’m a fan of basically never really needing words,’ reveals Clancy. ‘It’s worth taking the time to make your graphs look highly presentable and really clear.’ Graphs and images are not only useful in breaking up large bodies of text, but they also provide context and meaningful data for your discussion. ‘You can start with just putting some figures together and some bullet points,’ says Giorio, noting that graphs assist with the initial hurdle of getting something written down. Clancy suggests you ‘go to the papers you like and see how they present data and be inspired by that’. Don’t take shortcuts with figures – a lesson I learned. I had to do corrections on my graphs after my viva that could have easily been avoided if I had been more diligent when producing the figures in the first place.

Don’t worry

You are an expert in your research so be confident about your writing. ‘If you’ve got to this point, you’re probably good enough to pass a PhD,’ Clancy says. You have put in years of work and all you must do now is communicate it. But don’t let writing consume your life – take regular breaks, keep active and balance your time with hobbies and friends. By taking care of your physical and mental health, you will be in a better position to deliver your best work.

I found the writing process unexpectedly fun and therapeutic. There were days when nothing would come to me, but I would say ‘tomorrow is a new day’. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. At the end of it, you will hopefully look at your thesis with pride and a sense of accomplishment.

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• ACS Publications

10 Hot Topics in Chemistry so far in 2022

• Jul 8, 2022

In any field, there are always some current topics that get pulses racing. Chemistry is no different, so today we bring you our top ten hot topics of the summer. Grab an iced drink, and see if you agree with our run down…

AI and Big Data

At number ten, it’s artificial intelligence and big data in water environments. These powerful new tools are increasingly being used in environmental science to assess risks, examine contaminants, identify and characterize pollution sources, and to model water treatment processes. But there remain opportunities and challenges in applying machine learning and data analytics to solving environmental problems, and it is hoped that new techniques will significantly advance water-related research in the coming years. 1

10 Hot Topics in Chemistry So Far in 2023

Thermochemical processing of waste and biomass.

Next up: recent advances in biomass and wastes thermochemical processing. Earlier in the year the ACS journal Energy & Fuels highlighted developments presented by participants at a virtual symposium organized by the Washington State University Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Bioproducts Institute. The world is gradually transitioning from an era fueled by fossil power to one characterized by sustainability and renewable resources. Recent progresses the understanding of biomass thermochemical reactions are allowing research communities to visualize these in practical solutions to mitigate environmental issues. Contents within the issue fall into four areas: (1) fundamentals of biomass thermochemical reactions, (2) liquefaction technologies, (3) catalytic upgrading/refining, and (4) techno-economic analysis/material. 2

Next Gen Active Materials

At eight, bioconjugate biomaterials, and the next generation of active materials. Biomaterials are redefining modern medicine – from new chemical strategies to modify hydrogels, or biocompatible methods to stabilize proteins and peptides, biomaterials are changing the detection and treatment of disease. In addition, engineered systems reveal new insights into biological processes, including stem cell signaling, cellular motions, and tissue repair, with many applications in human health. 3

Advances in TB drug discovery and diagnosis

Or how about drug discovery and diagnosis in tuberculosis? Before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death from an infectious disease, with drug resistance limiting the effectiveness of current treatments. But recent advances in drug discovery and diagnostics promise new efforts to combat this global health threat, which may come back to the forefront as COVID recedes. 4

Smoking and chemical toxicology

At six, research into the chemical toxicology of smoking – with consideration of the use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and cannabis, particularly given the rise of lung injury cases associated with vaping. It is likely that both conventional and innovative chemical tools will play a major role in understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of tobacco and its related products, as well as the transformation of e-cigarette constituents during vaping. 5

Process safety in chemistry

Into the top five now, and our pick is process safety. Many industrial chemical incidents happen around the world every year, resulting in deaths, property damage, and disrupted supply chains. Systematically studying process performance and learning from the past is an effective way to prevent such incidents, with new research contributing to strategies for improving chemical safety across natural, social, management, and engineering sciences. 6

Catalysis and energy snapshot in China

At four, energy and catalysis, with a focus on China. Energy plays a central role in society, and the hunt for clean and sustainable resources is becoming one of the most important global issues of our time. Over the past decade, researchers in China have made extensive efforts and achieved significant advances in the fields of energy and catalysis – both in the understanding of fundamental mechanisms, and the development of efficient materials and devices. 7

Applied chemistry in healthcare

The top three hot topics in this selection all take us back into chemical applications in healthcare. At three is antifungal drug discovery. Fungal diseases cause millions of deaths each year, and can increase the morbidity of other bacterial and viral infections. Current treatments such as polyenes, azoles, and echinocandins are old, and often do not offer cure – as well as being associated with severe side effects. New research and development is needed to improve outcomes, and to keep pace with emerging pathogens. 8

Neglected tropical diseases

Coming in at number two, neglected tropical diseases, which affect more than a billion people worldwide in tropical areas and impoverished communities. This category of diseases includes schistosomiasis, which can damage the bladder, kidneys and liver, and other tropical parasites. ACS journals collaborated in a special virtual issue to showcase recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of these illnesses. 9

And our number one hot topic for the summer of 2022 – it’s vaccines. As we have all seen in recent years, vaccines are a key mitigation strategy against viruses. But their application is wider than just inoculating against infectious pathogens; indeed, they show utility in cancer and other diseases, and are driving new options for personalized medicine. Now, new materials and conjugation methods may simplify production and enhance outcomes. Furthermore, new biomolecules and display modalities can expand the reach of vaccines to target emerging and endemic viruses. Improved strategies to deliver vaccines and induce immunogenicity are critical to protect against future outbreaks. 10

All these topics have been covered in recent special and virtual issues of ACS journals. Visit the website to explore more, and connect with us on social media to tell us about your own favourite hot topics in the world of chemistry.

• AI and Big Data in Water Environments. ACS EST Water Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/aewcaa/vi/ai-big-data-water-environments .
• Recent Advances in Biomass and Wastes Thermochemical Processing. Energy Fuels Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/enfuem/vi/thermochemical-processing
• Bioconjugate Biomaterials: Leveraging Biology for the Next Generation of Active Materials. Bioconjugate Chem Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/bcches/vi/bioconjugatebiomaterials
• Tuberculosis Drug Discovery and Diagnosis. ACS Infect Dis Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/vi/tuberculosis
• Chemical Toxicology of Cigarette, e-Cigarette and Cannabis Smoking. Chem Res Toxicol Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/crtoec/vi/chemical-toxicology-cigarette
• Process Safety from Bench to Pilot to Plant. A special collaboration issue. Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/vi/process-safety-bench-pilot-plant
• Energy and Catalysis in China. J Phys Chem C Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/jpccck/vsi/energy-catalysis-china
• Antifungal Drug Discovery. A special collaboration issue. Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/vi/antifungals
• Neglected tropical Diseases. A special collaboration issue. Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/vi/ntdday
• Vaccine Strategies. Bioconjugate Chem Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/page/bcches/vi/vaccinestrategies

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Southern Methodist University

Computational and theoretical chemistry at smu.

Since August 2017, SMU has offered a unique PhD program that provides students a specialized, comprehensive graduate education and degree in the burgeoning field of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry (TCC). It’s based on a comprehensive four-year degree plan that includes: 

core classes, 

electives, 

research, 

workshops 

and individual mentoring. 

This guide will help you explore interdisciplinary chemistry and get to know the cutting-edge research being conducted in the department at SMU, largely made possible with access to state-of-the-art resources and institutional support. You will also meet our expert faculty and discover what current and former students have to say about their experiences in the program. 

Chemistry: The Central Science 

Chemistry has long been known as the central science because it bridges the gap between the physical and life sciences, and the applied sciences (like engineering, environmental science and medicine). It is both “the central science” and the most foundational of the sciences since every other field of science relies on chemical insights into the nature of atoms and molecules in order to understand how more complex systems operate. 

Learn more about the history of theoretical and computational chemistry.

Chemistry and Key Economic Sectors

Because of its centrality and its role in transformative innovation, Chemistry is at the heart of many key economic sectors. The energy, technology, health and materials sectors all rely on chemical insight to advance, improve and deliver high quality products that support human flourishing. In addition, Chemistry plays a central, if not to say leading, role in initiating, carrying out and supporting developments that help guarantee the sustainability of our world.

The reliance of key economic sectors on chemistry means that there is a significant federal and industry investment in the development of top-notch chemists and significant opportunity for chemists to thrive in the many roles available to them in different fields. 

Chemistry and the Human Experience of the World

Chemistry plays a central role in our world. In particular, TCC applies quantum mechanics and molecular modeling, along with modern tools, such as machine learning, to improve our lives and increase sustainability in many important areas:

Development of new drugs to fight cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Malaria

Design of new catalysts, solar energy collector materials, hydrogen generation, biofuels

Materials and processes for filtering and cleaning water

Development of novel materials, nanotechnology, quantum computing, semiconductor technology, etc.

The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach to Chemistry Research

To fulfill its role and meet the requirements of our time, Chemistry has changed and adapted, becoming highly interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary with research topics that reach beyond traditional borders. As a result, the field is largely collaborative, making chemists ideal partners for researchers in medicine, biology, engineering, and environmental sciences. 

What Can You Do With a Chemistry PhD?

Chemists who seek jobs in TCC must have more than just a strong knowledge of basic chemistry. They should also be comfortable with various levels of chemistry programming and code development, have a good understanding of theoretical principles and be motivated problem-solvers. Additionally, familiarity with applying computer learning to research and experimental design is important.

A PhD in Chemistry from SMU opens the door for a wide range of career choices in both academia and industry, including government and national laboratories. Some potential career paths for chemistry PhDs include:

Forensic chemistry

Government (Research)

Industrial research (R&D)

IT companies

Postsecondary education

Product development

Tech/biotech start-ups

Understanding the Value of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and its Relationship to Traditional Chemistry

What is theoretical chemistry.

Theoretical Chemistry is a branch of Chemistry that uses conceptual theories derived from physics and mathematics to explain and generalize the rules that govern all chemical systems and interactions. It involves the development of computational and theoretical methods based on quantum chemistry and mathematical procedures in order to describe the physical properties and the chemical behavior of atoms and molecules. 

Theoretical Chemistry comprises several disciplines such as:

• Quantum Chemistry

Molecular Mechanics 

Statistical Mechanics 

Nonlinear Thermodynamics

Among these disciplines under Theoretical Chemistry, Quantum Chemistry is by far the most popular field. There are thousands of investigations and research projects carried out every year in this field.

What is Computational Chemistry?

Although the terms Theoretical Chemistry and Computational Chemistry are very often used synonymously, the fields are not identical. Computational Chemistry takes the conceptual framework of Theoretical Chemistry and allows the insights and questions of Theoretical Chemistry to be rigorously tested, modeled, and observed by running programs on high-performance super computers. 

Computational Chemistry requires a strong understanding of theory, but also the ability to translate theoretical methods into suitable computer programs so that chemical problems can be solved.

The Partnership Between Traditional and Computational Chemistry

The primary goal of Chemistry is to control chemical reactions with the purpose of generating useful, non-toxic, and non-dangerous materials with desirable properties in an economic way.

Computational Chemistry is a discipline of chemistry that can substantially contribute to all the fields of science as well as the metamorphosis of traditional to modern Chemistry. 

Computational chemistry with quantum chemistry, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics as its major tools has matured and become an important partner of experimental chemistry in the last decades. These computational tools are used to shorten and facilitate chemical discovery processes, avoid costly and/or dangerous experiments, and obtain information not amenable to experiment.

All work of the Department of Chemistry at SMU has as a common goal to understand the electronic structure of molecules so that reliable predictions of their properties and chemical behavior can be made. These predictions become important in all those cases where chemical experiments are not conclusive, too dangerous, too costly or not possible at all.

Computational Chemistry makes advances that are beyond the possibility of traditional chemistry, but relies on input from other branches of science to inform the relevance of its modeling efforts. This is one of the major reasons the Department of Chemistry at SMU emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research.

Exploring Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Research Topics

The Department of Chemistry’s research at SMU focuses on the large-molecule world, concentrating on biomolecules, engaging in drug design and introducing computational nanotechnology:

• Molecular Mechanics
• Molecular Modeling
• Statistical Mechanics
• Nonlinear Thermodynamic

Current Research Interests

• Cracking the second code of life through protein dynamics using artificial intelligence and data science approaches. Deciphering enzyme catalysis and evolution through multi-scale simulations and theoretical framework development. Employing computational methodologies to solve many more real-world chemistry and biology problems. Training a new generation of scientists and workforce with a broad range of problem solving, analytical, and computer programing skills.
• Application of ab initio (meaning “from the beginning”) methods based on quantum mechanics and combining concepts and techniques from chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science to use and develop accurate theoretical methods to study molecules, reactions, clusters, and extended systems; active areas include computational spectroscopy (specifically X-ray), computational techniques for tensor contraction and factorization, and development of new theoretical methods. 
• Enhance drug design through our novel artificial-intelligence-supported, computer-assisted platform with emphasis on covalent binder and enzyme drugs being described with our automated protein structure analysis software.

SMU: An Ideal Home for Research of this Kind

SMU is a private, highly renowned research institution founded in 1911, committed to academic freedom and inclusivity. Because of our size, we are a community where you can build strong connections to faculty mentors and enjoy an individualized education that fits your research interests and career goals. 

Find out what life is really like in a chemistry research-intensive PhD program from a TCC graduate. 

High-Performance Computing

SMU excels in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry through a deep partnership with the Center for Research Computing which supports a state-of-the-art research computing infrastructure for SMU faculty and students. 

The cornerstone of our computational excellence is SMU’s high-performance computer cluster ManeFrame II which has a total capacity of 930 teraflops.

SMU is investing $11.5 million into a powerful new supercomputing research system featuring an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD. The successor of ManeFrame II, ManeFrame III, is already in planning and will be launched in the Fall of 2022.

Connected with the NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand networking platform in SMU's data center, it will produce a theoretical 100 petaflops of computing power enabling the university's network to perform "a blistering 100 quadrillion operations per second.

Competitive  Funding and the Student Experience

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Premiere research environment.

The Department of Chemistry is a vibrant, strongly research-oriented unit in Dedman College. Chemistry faculty have secured grants totaling nearly $10 million over the last 10 years, and have been honored with four NSF CAREER awards, an impressive record for a department of this size.

Access to a Thriving and Supportive Graduate Community

SMU’s Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies aims to provide opportunities for professional advancement and graduate student engagement through regular workshops and events. 

Students are able to find a variety of resources that can assist them at any stage of the doctoral process, whether it is working one-on-one with our Director of Fellowships and Awards to seek external grants for your work or connecting with an on-staff writing center counselor to help you revise your paper. Just as important, students can also meet with other grad students from across campus at monthly social events whenever they need a break from the lab. 

Location, Location, Location

Because of our location in Dallas, Texas, we have easy access to a number of diverse industries that are looking for creative and ingenious researchers. Dallas is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States and is home to several technological and industrial businesses, both established and starting up. Forbes ranks Dallas as #2 in best places for business and careers, meaning there is lots of potential for new jobs as students enter the market. 

Our picturesque SMU campus is nestled just north of the bustling downtown area while still maintaining the feel of a small, intimate campus. From great restaurants and shopping to easily accessible public transportation near campus, the Dallas Metro area has a lot to offer graduate students who come here to take the next step in their professional career.

Discover Life in Dallas

Get to know the city of Dallas through our guide and learn what it is like to live, work, eat, study, and relax here while completing your graduate degree at SMU.

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The first rigorous theoretical and computational phd program in the us, theoretical and computational chemistry phd.

Students commit to a thorough and intensive full-time, four-year, 66-credit coursework plan that establishes the foundations of theory and computational topics and provides students the flexibility to explore their own innovative research. Teaching practicums and special topics are also incorporated into the curriculum to ensure that students are staying on top of the most recent trends and getting the practical experience necessary to be competitive candidates for both academic and industry jobs after graduation. 

Financial Support

In addition to professional support, our department is dedicated to providing substantial financial support that allows students to focus on their studies. 

Benefits include an annual stipend of $25,000, full tuition waiver, coverage of health insurance premiums, and a travel allowance for national conferences. Outstanding candidates are also eligible for competitive fellowships provided by the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies and the Center for Research Computing that provide additional financial assistance. 

Get To Know the Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies

Access this guide to d iscover world-changing research, competitive funding, & professional and community engagement at SMU.

Learn More About the $100 Million Gift from the Moody Foundation

Our department has a uniquely high percentage of theoretical faculty, offering a broad and diverse spectrum of research, and leading to a unique opportunity for the TCC PhD students. We strive to create a vibrant, friendly, and supportive environment where students work on cutting-edge research with one of the four TCC faculty members. Furthermore, interdisciplinary research within the chemistry department and beyond is strongly encouraged.

Advantages in a Competitive Job Market

The demand for a highly trained computational and theoretical chemistry workforce is steadily increasing. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts there will be an annual increase of at least 15% for computational and theoretical chemistry positions until 2025, a faster growth rate than for all other chemistry-related jobs. SMU’s TCC PhD program provides you a pipeline to a wide range of academic and non-academic jobs requiring intellectual leadership and technical excellence. Our graduates are now at research centers such as Pacific Northwest National Labs and companies such as Google and Eli Lilly.

Faculty Profiles

Professor and chair elfi kraka.

Elfi Kraka leads the Computational and Theoretical Chemistry Group (CATCO) . CATCO’s research mission is to develop modern quantum chemical tools and to apply these tools to solve pending problems in chemistry, biology, materials science, and beyond. Special CATCO software includes the Local Mode Analysis (LModeA), a unique tool for decoding chemical information embedded in modern vibrational spectroscopy data, applied to both single molecules in gas phase, solution but also to periodic systems and crystals. The Unified Reaction Valley Approach (pURVA) describes a chemical reaction with an accuracy and a detail never achieved before. We have analyzed so far more than 700 homogenous catalysis reactions and the first enzyme reactions at the quantum chemical level to learn from Mother Nature how to design the next generation of catalysts. SSnet (Secondary Structure based End-to-End Learning) for protein-ligand Interaction prediction forms the basis for our new artificial intelligence supported computer assisted drug design platform stretching form screening billions of drugs candidates to the quantum chemical descriptions of the most promising candidates. Take a look at smu.edu/catco

Professor Doran Bennett

Doran Bennett heads the Mesoscience Lab, developing new computational tools at the intersection of chemistry, biology, physics, and applied mathematics. We are a tight-knit team that takes on big questions and develops new tools to accelerate scientific discovery. Intrigued by the biophysics of photosynthetic membranes? What about the role of quantum mechanics in how materials absorb and use light? You can learn more about the problems we are passionate about and the tools we develop at: www.mesosciencelab.com . 

Professor Peng Tao

The ultimate goal of Tao Research group is to decipher the deepest secrets in life science through fundamental and data-driven computational studies. The group develops advanced and novel biophysical theories and computational methods to solve challenging problems in life science to achieve this goal. They are currently exploring both functional and dynamical mechanisms of proteins using advanced machine learning methods.  This approach has led to a novel molecular evolutionary theory of enzymes. All group members work closely to form an open, friendly, supportive, and inspiring research and developing environment to help each other pursuing their career and personal goals. Webpage: faculty.smu.edu/ptao

Professor Devin Matthews

The Matthews group focuses on using and developing accurate theoretical methods to study molecules, reactions, clusters, and extended systems. We especially challenge ourselves to get “the right answer for the right reason” and to understand the Why and How of molecules and their reactions by bringing chemistry together with physics (the quantum world), biology (the molecular basis of life and health), mathematics (approximation, optimization, and analysis), and computer science (high-performance computing and machine learning). We are currently researching the use of equation-of-motion coupled cluster techniques for X-ray spectroscopies, with applications to the structure of liquids, disordered systems, and molecular dynamics, as well as ways in which highly accurate methods such as coupled cluster can be efficiently applied to large, complex molecules.  Visit us at matthewsresearchgroup.webstarts.com

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Student Testimonial

Where are you from? Where and what did you study during your undergraduate years? What initially got you interested in Chemistry as a field of study?

I’m from Dallas – I’ve lived in the area practically all my life. During undergrad at the University of Texas at Dallas, I honestly tried to study everything – for a (very short) while I was considering trying for a triple major in physics, chemistry, and biology (I figured out that was a bad idea after about one semester). My degree is in biochemistry, but I put enough work into my physics minor, with a focus on quantum and statistical physics, that it’s not unreasonable to say that my education was in physical chemistry (with a touch of music, my other minor). I’ve liked chemistry since high school, and it seemed like a fun and interesting field.

Did you encounter any hesitations, obstacles or fears about pursuing a PhD in TCC? If yes, what were these dilemmas and how did you overcome them?

There would probably be something very wrong with me if I didn’t have any hesitation or fear about spending four to five years of my life more-or-less hunched over a computer, spiraling into madness as I run endless simulations, in between the hardest classes I’ll ever have to take. I mean, there definitely is something wrong with me, but a lack of anxiety is not it. In the end, I realized that five years just isn’t that big of a deal – sure, I’ll be working myself to the bone, but it’s a satisfying kind of exhaustion, and my time will go toward making the world a better place – I honestly believe that science has the power to improve the world. If I decide that I never want to so much as look at a Python IDE again at the end of this program, I can do something else. It’s not as if immersing myself in method and algorithm development and heavy mathematics will limit my options.  My fear was losing a chunk of my life, and the resolution for me was that time spent working isn’t any more or less gone than time spent any other way.

How did you hear about the TCC PhD program at SMU and what specific features attracted you to this program when you were looking at graduate schools?

During undergrad, I was in an experimental protein engineering lab with the awesome Dr. Sheel Dodani (shameless advertising for my old group, but seriously, her work and lab are super cool) when I attended a talk by Dr. Doran I. G. Bennett of the MesoScience Lab. Dr. Bennett’s work focuses on taking intractable problems – loosely speaking, those that have system sizes that are typical of classical problems or heavily approximated quantum mechanics, but dynamics dependent on full, formally-exact quantum mechanics – and making them solvable. In essence, if you’ll forgive a little romanticization, we make the impossible possible. I liked what I saw, asked Dr. Bennett if I could jump on board, and never looked back.

Now that you’ve experienced the program, what do you most appreciate about it?

I find the work meaningful and the mentors excellent. Dr. Bennett’s lab philosophy – one that is more conscious of its students as growing scientists rather than tools – is what I hope to see universally in the labs of the future.

Tell me about some of the research you’ve done over the course of your years of study. What has been your favorite research project and why did you enjoy it?

My favorite research project so far was a week of sheer sleepless intensity. We set out as a lab to, over the course of 5 days, use our code to model excitation dynamics in a membrane of light-harvesting complex 2 (LHC2). The back-and-forth between sections of the lab – one half modeling the membrane itself, the other simulating the dynamics of photoexcitation – was an incredible experience. Not only was the goal ambitious, but the sheer ridiculous intensity of the work was extremely fun. With that said, I’m not keen on repeating that level of work for a while!

What are your career dreams or plans? How has the TCC PhD program at SMU helped prepare you for your future?

I really don’t know what my career dream is! Although becoming a professor seems like a likely path, there’s a not insignificant chance that I go teach high school to get the next generation interested in science, work at a nonprofit, or just find some computer science job that pays enough and has flexible enough hours that I can go back to school to focus on music or art. But just because I don’t know my plans doesn’t mean that I don’t know how the program will help – I’ll gain a rock-solid work ethic, a better understanding of the work I most enjoy doing, and a ridiculous amount of raw math and coding skills – not to mention mentorship and organizational experience.

Why do you think Theoretical and Computational Chemistry is an important and valuable field to study?

Science consists of two halves: theory and experiment. Without one half, the other is meaningless – all the raw data in the world only tells you what is happening, never why, and even the most profound ideas about the nature of things are useless without data to back them up. Computers are perhaps the most powerful tool that theory has ever had. To produce incredible science, I think that learning to integrate computation into theory is vital.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any advice or wisdom you would pass along to a prospective student?

Nobody knows what they’re doing, everyone is scared all the time, and if somebody seems honestly confident it’s either because they’ve gotten so good at pretending to be confident that they’ve even convinced themselves, or they got bitten by a radioactive self-help author.

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Earn your doctorate in chemistry at smu.

Our goal is to train the next generation of theoretical and computational chemists, who will substantially contribute to solving the current and future problems of our society by using modeling and computation. In our program you will learn how to:

Perform independent methodological research, publish your results in top-tier journals, and present your research at national and international conferences.

Engage in successful collaborations in all fields of chemistry and across disciplines stretching from materials science, nanotechnology, medicinal and pharmaceutical science, to computer science and astrophysics.

Successfully compete for highly-sought research, teaching, and consulting positions at academic institutions, federal and state agencies, and leading industry firms.

If a degree in Theoretical and Computational Chemistry is in your future, SMU will help you take your potential to the next level. Contact us to learn more, or start an application today. 

Guide to Graduate Admissions

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FOR INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PROGRAMS OR ASSISTANCE WITH THE APPLICATION PROCESS, PLEASE CONTACT:

Stevie Otto Director of Recruitment and Admissions

Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies Southern Methodist University Telephone: 214-768-4345 Email: [email protected] Graduate application: smu.edu/gradapp

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• Should You Get a Ph.D.? Exploring the Reasons to Get a Terminal Degree
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• Advice from Current Ph.D. Students
• Looking Ahead: SMU’s Advice for the Ph.D. Years
• Ph.D. Programs at SMU: A Look at Your Options Across the Disciplines
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