/ Feature /

The Department of Chemistry at National Sun Yat-sen University is established with a core focus on organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and analytical chemistry, while also featuring interdisciplinary fields such as biochemistry, nanomaterials, instrument development, surface chemistry, and drug synthesis. Through a curriculum that blends foundational chemical disciplines with interdisciplinary teaching, the department aims to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and applied technological skills.

The teaching goals emphasize cultivating professionals in chemistry and related interdisciplinary fields, imparting fundamental chemical knowledge that enables graduates to thrive in both academia and industry.

Kaohsiung, a hub for traditional industries in Taiwan, has seen a surge in precision and biotechnology industries, driven by the development of the Tainan and Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP). With its strategic geographical advantages, Kaohsiung is poised to foster the growth of specialized chemical professionals needed by local industries and research institutions.

In line with these educational objectives, the department builds competitive strengths and unique educational characteristics, fostering collaborations with industry, government, and academia. By linking to local communities and industries, the department enhances students' learning horizons and career development opportunities.

Feature

■ Interdisciplinary Integration

Our College of Science has established a primary center for interdisciplinary and data science research, encouraging faculty to form focus teams and independently promote collaborative research across disciplines. The research interests of our department's faculty are diverse, encompassing drug synthesis, nanomaterials synthesis, cell imaging, nanocatalysts, battery materials development, applications of 2D materials, carbohydrate science synthesis and applications, food safety testing, and environmental pollutant detection, with notable research outputs in these areas. As a result, our faculty members not only engage in interdisciplinary research within the college but also actively collaborate with other domestic and international institutions on cross-disciplinary projects.

■ Resources from Research Centers

1. Rapid Screen Research Center for Toxicology and Biomedicine
2. Aerosol Science Research Center
3. Green-Energy Key Materials Research Center

■ Industry-Academia Collaboration

The Department is actively expanding industry-academia collaboration. Currently, many faculty members are engaged in industry-academia projects, applying for patents, and facilitating technology transfer. We also regularly arrange industry visits and invite industry experts as guest speakers to understand the challenges faced by the industry. This approach allows us to leverage academic research outcomes to drive the development of industry-academia partnerships.

■ International competitiveness

To align with our university's internationalization efforts and foster students' development into globally-minded professionals, our department has implemented several initiatives to enhance our international competitiveness. These include:
(1) EMI Courses
(2) International Conferences
(3) Recruitment of International Scholars
(4) Admission of International Student

Key achievements include:
(1) Significant International Student Enrollment: International students make up approximately 55% of our PhD student population.
(2) Encouragement of Exchange Programs and Conference Participation: Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate in exchange programs and attend international conferences.
(3) Offering EMI Courses
(4) Recruitment of International Postdoctoral Researchers: With support from both the university and the Ministry of Science and Technology, we actively recruit international postdoctoral researchers to strengthen our research capabilities.

■ Industry Connections and Teaching Planning

In the advanced undergraduate and graduate elective courses, we offer a variety of courses such as Biochemistry, Materials Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Catalysis Chemistry, Nanomaterials and Structures, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Industrial Mass Spectrometry, Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy and Imaging, Chemical and Biological Sensors, among others. Additionally, we have incorporated English-taught chemistry courses and encourage students to participate in international exchange programs.

For undergraduate research projects and graduate student research topics, our focus is on developing scientific research talent. Research in areas such as liquid crystal materials, nanoparticles, sensors, drug design, biomolecular analysis, environmental and materials analysis, polymer synthesis, and nanowires constitutes a significant portion of the research efforts, enhancing students' interdisciplinary learning and skills.

We also offer a course, where we invite outstanding alumni from the industry to share their workplace experiences and analyze current industry trends. We arrange company visits for students to increase interaction with the industry and explore internship opportunities.