Chemistry

Paul Gregory (Greg) Van Patten, Chair

Burden, Chong, Chusuei, DiVincenzo, Dunlap, Friedli, Handy, Ilsley, Iriarte-Gross, Kline, Koritsanszky, Lee, MacDougall, Melton, Ooi, D. Patterson, P. Patterson, Pearson, Phelps, Sanger, Stewart, Volkov, Wang, White

The Department of Chemistry has as its objectives preparation and training in both scientific principles and skills for chemists seeking industrial or governmental employment; students planning graduate study in the sciences or advanced professional courses of study in medicine or engineering; science teachers in public or private schools; and for students wishing to meet institutional requirements in chemistry.

Programs in the department lead to the Bachelor of Science degree with majors or concentrations in Professional Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Science. The Professional Chemistry and Biochemistry Programs do not require a minor, and the other programs require a minor of at least 18 semester hours. Minors are also offered in Chemistry and Science. In addition, pre-professional programs for cytotechnology, dentistry, dental hygiene, health information management, medicine, medical technology, nuclear medicine technology, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physical therapy, radiation therapy technology, chiropractic, and diagnostic medical sonography are offered under the Health Sciences concentration.

The department participates in an interdisciplinary major in Forensic Science  with Biology and Criminal Justice Administration.

A grade of C or better is required on all transfer credits accepted as part of a major or minor in the Department of Chemistry. Students must have a grade point average of at least 2.00 on courses counting toward a major or minor in any of the department’s programs. No more than 8 hours of 1000-level chemistry, 8 hours of 1000-level biology, or 8 hours of 2000-level physics courses may count toward a Chemistry or Science major or minor. No 1000-level physics course may count toward a Science major or minor.

Laboratory safety is of primary importance in the Department of Chemistry. Students are required to follow all laboratory safety rules, a statement of which will be provided to all students at the first laboratory period. Approved safety goggles must be worn at all times while in the laboratory. Failure to comply with any of the laboratory rules may result in the student’s removal from the laboratory for that laboratory period. Continued violation of safety rules can result in the withdrawal of the student from the course.

Teacher Licensure in Chemistry (7-12)

Students seeking a license to teach chemistry in secondary schools (grades 7-12) must complete (1) a major in Chemistry, (2) a minor in Secondary Education, and (3) a course (PSCI 1030 /PSCI 1031 ) in addition to the General Education requirements.

Students must contact their Secondary Education minor advisors for approval of appropriate courses. See MTeach for minor requirements and more information.

Teacher Licensure in Interdisciplinary Studies (K–6)

Students may become licensed to teach in grades K–6 including science by following the Interdisciplinary Studies major. The science and math courses required are PSCI 1030 /PSCI 1031  and PSCI 4030 ; BIOL 1030 /BIOL 1031  and BIOL 3000 ; and MATH (MATH 1010  or MATH 1710 ), MATH 1410 , MATH 1420 , and MATH 4010 . See other requirements for majors in the Elementary and Special Education Department  section.

Three-and-One Programs

The following programs lead to an MTSU degree: pre-chiropractic, pre-cytotechnology, pre-dental, pre-medical technology, pre-pharmacy, pre-nuclear medicine technology, pre-radiation therapy technology, and diagnostic medical sonography.

Since acceptance into dental or pharmacy school after three years is highly competitive, most students complete the specified pre-dental or pre-pharmacy curriculum and then complete a fourth year at MTSU which will lead to a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or science.

General requirements for a degree under this concentration:

1. Complete the specified three-year pre-professional curriculum consisting of at least 90 hours.
2. Apply to, be accepted in, and successfully complete either one year (30 hours) in the professional school or one year of an approved clinical or laboratory school (for which 30 hours will be granted).
3. Each program will require a minimum of 35 hours of science (biology, chemistry, physics).
4. Twenty-one (21) upper-division hours from MTSU of which 12 must be in science as approved by the advisor.
   NOTE: Any hours granted for laboratory experience do not apply to these 21 upper-division hours.
5. The last 30 semester hours of MTSU coursework must be in residence at MTSU.
6. Students seeking financial aid assistance for the final year of the Three-and-One Program should confer with the new institution regarding financial aid eligibility requirements. During the final year at another institution, the MTSU Financial Aid and Scholarships Office will not be awarding federal, state, or institutional financial aid.

Other Transfer Programs

The following programs do not lead to an MTSU degree: pre-dental hygiene, pre-health information management, and pre-occupational therapy. Students apply to the professional school during the second or third year.

Honors College

The Department of Chemistry offers the following courses in Honors: CHEM 1110 /CHEM 1111 , CHEM 1120 /CHEM 1121 ,CHEM 3010 /CHEM 3011 ,CHEM 3020 /CHEM 3021  and PSCI 1030 /PSCI 1031 . See current online class schedule and Honors information in this catalog.

Graduate Study

The Department of Chemistry offers the Master of Science degree. The Graduate Catalog has degree requirements and course listings.