Chemistry deals with the study of the composition, structure, and properties of matter, and with the reactions by which matter may be converted into new forms. Chemistry is, accordingly, a central science with a vast number of applications.

The Department of Chemistry takes care of teaching and research within the main areas of chemistry: Physical, inorganic, organic, and analytical chemistry. The teaching encompasses introductory as well as advanced courses which often are related to current research projects.

The Department of Chemistry actively contributes to basic research, where the aim is to develop methods and concepts as well as to enhance the insight into chemical problems. Chemical research goes often across the boundaries between the traditional branches of chemistry, and is often related to neighbouring fields like biochemistry. Several research projects are, in addition, closely related to applications within fields like, medicinal chemistry, catalysis, and materials science, and the research is often carried out in close collaboration with industry and universities around the world.

The scope of the research can be described by the keywords: Biological membranes, molecular dynamics and chemical reactivity, femtosecond chemistry, solid state chemistry, electrochemistry, fuelcells/batteries, X-ray crystallography, Raman spectroscopy, molecular modelling, bio-inorganic chemistry, industriel catalysts, metal-organic chemistry, carbohydrate chemistry, stereo-selective synthesis, combinatoriel chemistry, and flow injection analysis.