Department of Chemistry & Physics
Chemistry & Physics, housed in the state-of-the-art Oxendine Science Building, offers BS degrees in Chemistry and Applied Physics, along with a dual-degree (3+2) program with NC State. This pathway allows students to earn a BS in Applied Physics from UNCP and a BS in Engineering from NCSU.
Our faculty are advanced-degree professionals committed to delivering a high-quality undergraduate experience. Graduates go on to succeed in graduate and professional programs or secure positions with government agencies and private industry.
Opportunities
Degrees
Explore the fascinating world of chemical science with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.
Solve real-world problems using physics, learn both physics theory and hands-on techniques and gain skills needed for jobs in research, technology with our Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics.
Biotech Facility
The Biotechnology Research and Training Center (BRTC) offers hands-on research and training opportunities in biotechnology, driving economic growth in southeast North Carolina. Through collaborations with local businesses and the government, you can gain valuable experience and access to high-paying careers.
Undergraduate Research
Participation in faculty supervised research is considered by many to be one of the
most valuable learning experiences available to undergraduate students, particularly
those in the sciences. Undergraduate students have the unique opportunity to participate
in hands-on, faculty-led research including dynamic, interdisciplinary work ongoing
in our labs.
CHM 1990 "Introduction to Research in Chemistry" - Intended for a student's first
research experience, this course involves close faculty supervision and guidance on
literature and laboratory work directed toward a common research objective.
CHM 3990 "Research in Chemistry" - A course providing academic credit and valuable, resume-building experience through participation in faculty supervised experimental research.
A campus unit sponsoring programs and activities in support of both on- and off-campus research and creativity opportunities for UNCP undergraduates.
Active research areas overseen by faculty mentors designed primarily to inform and inspire undergraduate students, capturing the breadth of scientific inquiry happening on campus — from neuroscience to laser physics, analytical chemistry to green materials.
Learn More
Chair of Chemistry and Physics/Professor of Chemistry
Chemistry & Physics Club
The Chemistry & Physics Club is a student affiliate of the American Chemical Society.
Chemistry & Physics Club
In the spring 2025 semester, the Chemistry & Physics Club received two awards:
Dr. Lisa Schaeffer Legacy Award. The Dr. Lisa Schaeffer Legacy Award is presented to a recurring program or event
that will continue to make a lasting contribution for future Braves and that embodies
the mission and purpose of Campus Engagement & Leadership and the university, encouraging
students, faculty, staff and alumni to be responsibly connected to the UNCP community.
The Chemistry & Physics Club received this award for the Annual Toys for Tots event.
The Chancellor's Cup Award: The Chancellor’s Cup Award is awarded annually to one group whose activities and events
are consistent with their group's mission and/or purpose, the mission of CEL and the
overall mission of UNCP. The award recipient will be a group that has gone above and
beyond to demonstrate their ability to embrace difference, adapt to change, think
critically and communicate effectively both internally and externally to their group.
For this award, the Chemistry & Physics Club will have a nameplate placed on the Chancellor's
Cup on the Student Center's second floor.
Gamma Sigma Epsilon
Gamma Sigma Epsilon (GSE) was founded at Davidson College in 1919. GSE aims "to unite
those with a high scholastic grade in Chemistry, in Class A colleges in order to foster
a more comprehensive and cooperative study of that great branch of Science and its
immediately allied studies." The Alpha-Zeta chapter of Gamma Sigma Epsilon at UNC
Pembroke was established in 2004.
Gamma Sigma Epsilon
American Chemical Society
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a leading scientific organization dedicated
to advancing chemistry through research, education and innovation. With over 152,000
members worldwide, ACS provides valuable resources, professional development and networking
opportunities for students and professionals in the chemical sciences. Learn more
about how ACS supports the next generation of chemists.
American Chemical Society
Department Chair
Our Faculty & Staff
Rachel Smith
910.521.6426
Connect With Us
Oxendine Science Building, Room 3101
PO Box 1510 Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.521.6247
Fax: 910.521.6638
chem_phy@uncp.edu
Latest News
Jul 31
UNC Pembroke’s OPTIMISE Program Receives $2.3 Million Grant Renewal to Expand Rural Behavioral Health Workforce
The Department of Social Work at UNC Pembroke has secured a four-year, $2.3 million federal grant renewal to continue and expand the OPTIMISE program. The program trains graduate students to serve in integrated behavioral healthcare settings across rural North Carolina. The award comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training (BHWET) Program.
Jul 25
UNC Pembroke Computer Science Student Earns NASA Recognition for Cybersecurity Discovery
NASA recently recognized a UNC Pembroke computer science student for his exceptional cybersecurity skills. Shirsendu Mondal received a formal letter of appreciation from the agency's Vulnerability Disclosure Program for identifying and responsibly reporting a security vulnerability in one of NASA's digital systems.
Jul 9
Professor James Hudson Named 2025–26 Faculty Fellow with Carolina Asia Center, UNC Institute
Dr. James Hudson, associate professor of history at UNC Pembroke, has been selected as a Minority-Serving Institutions Faculty Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship, a joint initiative of the Carolina Asia Center and the Institute for the Arts and Humanities at UNC Chapel Hill, supports faculty at minority-serving institutions pursuing research related to Asia.