Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the world of molecules: how they are created from atoms, how their structures affect their chemical and physical properties, and how they unite or assemble to form the matter that makes up the physical world. Knowledge of chemistry is fundamental to an in-depth understanding of the structural properties and biochemical reactions that define all living systems. Chemistry is therefore the central science that bridges physics and the life sciences, and is a foundation to many other fields, such as materials science, earth science, and forensic science. The challenges that society faces in the twenty-first century, such as managing climate change, sourcing clean energy, and ensuring food security, are at their root chemical problems. With a global perspective and a broad science curriculum at its core, our chemistry major program gives students a comprehensive outlook necessary to tackle these challenges.

Requirements for the Major

Students can choose to follow the academic bulletin from the year that they were admitted or a more recent academic bulletin. For example, if you were admitted to NYU Shanghai in Fall 2019, you can choose to follow the academic bulletin 2019-2020, 2020-2021, and 2021-2022.

Planning the Major

To declare the Chemistry major, students must have a final grade of C, or currently enrolled in CHEM-SHU 126 Foundations of Chemistry II.

Faculty Mentors

Faculty mentors are the leading faculty and experts in the major disciplines. Students can reach out to faculty mentors for specific questions about the major, and references for connecting with relevant discipline resources. If you have specific questions about specific fields of study within the major, you can search for faculty through the faculty directory.

 

Danyang Yu

Area Head of Natural Sciences, Professor of Practice of Biology

 
Chemistry FAQs
Research Opportunities
  • We encourage students to reach out to the professors and take Foundations of Science courses to gain the chance to work in the professor’s lab. 
  • Students may refer to this study booklet of Molecular Science for the faculty research interests. 
Independent Study

Students are permitted to work on an individual basis under the supervision of a full-time faculty member in the relevant discipline if they have maintained an overall GPA of 3.0 and have a study proposal that is approved by the professor, Area Head and Academic Affairs.

Study Away

Chemistry major students usually choose to study away in New York or Abu Dhabi to take major required courses and electives.

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