Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry was founded in 1966 initially with only an undergraduate program.  Graduate studies were established shortly thereafter, with a Master’s program in 1968 and doctoral in 1974.  The department instills upon its students a solid foundation in the science of chemistry and actively encourages them to extend their studies into other fields of science and disciplines.  As part of the graduate curriculum, emphasis is placed on innovative research through continued learning and experimenting with new ideas and concepts.  With the inception of the new Chemistry Building in 1993, 13,300 square meters of space for research and teaching were made available.  In addition to its own modern instrumentation, the department is also home to the Regional Instrument Center.  Additional space for research, teaching, and instruments is available in the adjacent Chemistry II Building.  A compact and well-stocked library provides both hard copy and electronic access to major periodicals and publications expected of in any major university.

     Currently, the department is made up of 27 full-time faculty members and 7 joint-appointment faculty members. All current professors have active research programs and publish their findings in a timely manner.  Over the past 5 years, over 761 original research papers have originated from the department's faculty members, with a majority of them in journals distinguished with an average impact factor of 4.86.  In addition to its full-time faculty members, the department is also home to 7 part-time professors, and 37 post-doctoral fellows.  As a reflection of the outstanding research and development being carried out in the department, many of the faculty members have been distinguished with awards from the National Science council, Chemical Society in Taiwan, Department of Education, and the University.

     Current enrollment in the department is about 273 undergraduate students, 158 Master’s candidates, and 190 Ph.D. candidates.  Undergraduates, in addition to their normal course-work, are actively encouraged to carry out research activities with a faculty member.  Local and international workshops, seminars, and extensive research collaborations provide ample opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students alike to present their research work, enrich their education, and keep abreast of developments in various fields of chemistry.  Most of our undergraduates continue on to undertake graduate work in many fields of interest after completion of their undergraduate program.  As for graduates of our graduate program, many can be found as faculty members in other renowned universities and colleges as well as occupants of important industrial positions.