Campus update: While we've worked hard to preserve the possibility that students could return, the remainder of the spring semester will be conducted online. Staff will work remotely until at least April 20. See the Coronavirus / COVID-19 Updates page.

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Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry offers a wide range of courses that are necessary for the understanding of the various engineering disciplines. All first-year engineering students enroll in General Chemistry (a general quantitative and descriptive overview of chemistry) and General Chemistry Laboratory (chemical preparation and analysis, data recording, report writing and safety). Students majoring in chemical or civil engineering also take Physical Principles of Chemistry (a quantitative treatment of chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry and kinetic theory) during their first year.

Sophomore and junior level courses required for chemical engineering majors can also be taken as electives by those wishing to further their knowledge in the areas of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry and physical chemistry.

In addition, advanced elective courses in biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, theoretical chemistry and nanoscience are available, and are suitable for students interested in bioengineering, chemistry, materials engineering, nanotechnology, or pre-medical studies. Research at the undergraduate and master’s levels can be conducted under the supervision of the chemistry faculty. Interested students should meet with the department faculty to discuss possible research areas.

The Department operates laboratories in general chemistry, organic chemistry, instrumental analysis, bioorganic chemistry, computational chemistry and nanochemistry for instruction and research projects.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.