Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  Chemical sciences are at the heart of modern technology and its various fields contribute to the understanding of fundamentals in medical, materials, drug, and nano sciences to name but a few.  Almost everything we see, feel, touch, breathe, drink, eat, or envision is a result of chemical processes.  Even studies as far a field as astro-biology will involve a detailed understanding of the chemical environments where extra terrestrial life might exist.  The study of chemistry is closely related to all fields of applied science and engineering.  It is the study of the rearrangement of matter to form the world we know and the application of the fundamental principles governing this rearrangement to form new products and materials for the betterment of humankind.

In the Chemistry and Biochemistry department here at Old Dominion we are involved in basic research in the fields of biogeochemistry, all-organic electronic materials, nanotechnology, bio- and medical chemistries, and the development of new sensor materials.  The department is the chief contributor to the College of Sciences major instrumentation cluster (COSMIC) that currently houses a new 400 MHz Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and its show piece, a 12 Tesla Super Conducting Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometer. We anticipate the purchase of a new 800 MHz NMR for this facility in the near future.  Additional major instrumentation is also housed in COSMIC and this instrument cluster will become part of the new physical sciences building upon its completion in 2008.  Students of all degree levels will use these facilities for research as they learn from highly talented, nationally known researchers on the Chemistry department faculty.

A recently approved PhD in Chemistry by the State of Virginia's higher education commission significantly moves the department towards its goal of national recognition as a premier graduate research facility.  The department prides itself on these major research accomplishments while at the same time recognizing the need for a strong educational program at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Please feel free to come and visit us at any time.  We would be happy to give you a tour of our facilities and to discuss the great opportunities that careers in the chemical sciences can provide.

Richard V. Gregory,  PhD
Chair