Department History
Established on July 1, 1994, National Dong Hwa University (NDHU) was founded by the government to elevate the academic and cultural standards of Eastern Taiwan and to promote regional industrial, economic, and educational development as the first comprehensive university in the region.
The Graduate Institute of Chemistry was established in 1996, initially offering Master’s programs. The Department of Chemistry followed in 1998 with the launch of the undergraduate program, and the Doctoral program was established in 2001. Currently, the department boasts a dedicated faculty and staff of 13 members, including 8 Professors, 5 Associate Professors, 2 Teaching Assistants, and 2 Administrative Assistants.
Curriculum Planning
- Strengthening Foundational Education: The undergraduate curriculum focuses on building a solid foundation in chemical knowledge. Centered around Physical, Analytical, Organic, Inorganic, and Biochemistry, the program combines rigorous laboratory training with professional lectures, group discussions, and problem-solving sessions. The curriculum is structured into specific tracks:
- Basic Science Track: Enhances students’ fundamental scientific capabilities.
- Core Chemistry Track: Develops professional chemical expertise.
- Professional Elective Tracks: Divided into Synthetic Chemistry and Physical/Analytical Chemistry, allowing students to specialize based on their interests. For the graduate level, the design focuses on Biomedicine, Green Technology, and Materials Science, laying the groundwork for innovative research and practical application.
- Emphasis on Hands-on Laboratory Experience: We encourage undergraduates to engage in research by making “Independent Research” a required course. Combined with laboratory courses in Organic, Analytical, and Physical Chemistry, students learn essential experimental skills and instrument operation. This “learning by doing” approach validates theoretical knowledge and fosters problem-solving skills.The department provides comprehensive training on the “Big Four” instruments most valued by the industry: Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, UV-Vis Spectroscopy, Liquid Chromatography (LC), and Gas Chromatography (GC). Students have the opportunity to apply these skills to real-world industrial scenarios and complete independent research projects, fostering a spirit of autonomy and a professional research attitude.
Characteristics and Goals
The department balances research and teaching with a strong commitment to internationalization. Our goal is to broaden students’ perspectives, facilitate exchange, and cultivate versatile professionals with both practical and innovative capabilities.
We maintain a balanced curriculum that emphasizes Materials Science and Biochemical Applications. Through rigorous course planning, comprehensive academic advising, and the inclusion of international students, English-taught courses, and industrial visits, we prepare graduates with a global outlook and professional excellence to contribute to high-tech industries and academia.
Distinctions and Unique Strengths
Beyond Materials Technology and Biochemical Applications, our department is dedicated to Green Chemistry and Local Engagement. We emphasize the practical application of chemistry to solve environmental and agricultural issues in the local region.
A key distinction is our intensive focus on instrumental proficiency. Unlike many programs, we designate Biochemistry as a core required subject for undergraduates. We also offer a wide array of specialized electives and hands-on opportunities with advanced instrumentation, including:
- Nanomaterials Analysis
- Mass Spectrometry
- Chemical Sensors
- Molecular Simulation and Spectroscopy
- Structural Bioinformatics
- X-ray Single Crystal Diffraction and Structural Analysis
- Environmental Chemistry