Chemistry

Paul Gregory (Greg) Van Patten, Chair

Bicker, Burden, Chong, Chusuei, Ding, DiVincenzo, Dunlap, Friedli, Handy, Ilsley, Iriarte-Gross, Kline, Kong, Koritsanszky, Lee, MacDougall, Melton, Miller, 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 in Biochemistry, Chemistry with a concentration in Professional Chemistry and Teacher Licensure (MTeach) program, and Science with concentrations in Allied Health Science and Allied Health Technology. The Professional Chemistry and Biochemistry Programs do not require a minor; 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, 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 Allied Health Science and Allied Health Technology concentrations.

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 Elementary Education (K-5)

Students may become licensed to teach in grades K-5 including science by following the Elementary Education 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 , and MATH 1420 . See other requirements for majors in the Elementary and Special Education Department  section.

Three-and-One Programs

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

Since acceptance into dental or pharmacy school after three years is highly competitive, most students complete a degree in a science-related discipline such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry while completing prerequisites for professional school.

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.

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.