Chemistry | College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

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Where curiosity and chemical science meet

Shape the future of chemistry through groundbreaking research opportunities using cutting-edge tools—all while learning from faculty in a collaborative environment.

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Why Iowa?

Learn from expert faculty and work with your peers while conducting impactful research in energy, environment, and medicine all at an R1 institution using the latest tools for scientific discovery.

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Find your path

Gain hands-on experience and prepare for STEM-based careers and graduate programs.

Find your path

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Advance your knowledge

Be at the forefront of scientific discovery, where mentorship and professional development will empower you to lead in academia, government, and more.

Advance your knowledge

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Learn from expert faculty

Meet our dedicated faculty, whose passion for research and teaching inspires the next generation of chemists and innovators.

Learn from expert faculty

See yourself here

Whether you're passionate about solving complex scientific challenges or shaping the future of chemistry education, Iowa offers a supportive environment where your ideas can flourish.

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Study chemistry at Iowa, where innovative research, dedicated mentorship, and a vibrant community will set you up for success in STEM careers and beyond.

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222

Undergraduate Students

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120 +

Graduate Students

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50 +

Research Labs, Office Spaces, Instructional Facilities

News and announcements

Seeking sustainable nuclear energy practices

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Alumnus Harindu Rajapaksha is working to improve our understanding of nuclear waste for safer storage, recycling, and management.

CLAS shops help ideas take shape across the University of Iowa and beyond

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Glass, electronics, engineering, and machine shops support everything from scientific research to art installations.

UI chemists unlock new possibilities for rare-earth metal

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

A study led by assistant professor Korey Carter and associate professor Pere Miro shows it is possible to make terbium, a rare-earth metal used in electronics, medical imaging, and other technologies, easier and less expensive to separate and study.

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Events

Colloquium- Prof. Brandon Yik of University of Georgia

Friday, October 9, 2026 3:30pm

Pappajohn Business Building

"Chemistry Learning in the Age of Generative AI: Success, Failure, and Mechanistic Reasoning"

Abstract: What does it mean to succeed or fail in chemistry, and how is generative artificial intelligence changing the ways students pursue understanding? This seminar brings together complementary lines of research examining how students understand achievement, how they use generative AI to support their learning, and what these tools can actually accomplish in chemistry. First, drawing on thematic...