Department of Chemistry and Physics

Dr. Robbie L. Montgomery, Chair
246A Latimer-Smith Building
731-881-7450
fax 731-881-7443

Faculty

Jason Alexander, Verna B. Baron, Violet V. Bumah, Amanda S. Burkhart, Lionel J. Crews, Jozsef Devenyi, Cahit Erkal, Misganaw Getaneh, Maggie L. Herring, Robbie L. Montgomery, Abigail H. Shelton, Phillip A. Shelton, Genessa Smith

Mission

The Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Tennessee at Martin has a three-fold mission in teaching Chemistry: first, to provide basic instruction to all students at the university in the concepts and methods of this central experimental science within the framework of a traditional liberal education designed to prepare the individual for productive citizenship in the modern world; second, to provide further instruction in basic science as a foundation for those students wishing to pursue professional studies in medicine and the related health sciences; and, third, to provide broadly based opportunities for advanced training for students who wish to pursue careers in chemistry or related professions either upon completion of a bachelor’s degree or following additional advanced study. Faculty are committed to mentoring students and to advancing the professions of chemistry and education through a full range of scholarly activities and service to both the campus and community.

The traditional Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in a second area (biology, mathematics, physics, geosciences, psychology, etc.) provides an excellent background for students planning careers in medicine or one of the other health sciences, in the emerging field of environmental sciences, or in virtually any technically based area. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree, designed to follow the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the American Chemical Society for a professional degree program in chemistry at the undergraduate level and fully accredited by the ACS, allows students to concentrate their studies in chemistry and mathematics. It is recommended primarily for students with a career interest in chemistry or for students who plan to pursue graduate study in science. Both programs provide a balance between theory and lab experience. The department is well equipped with modern chemical instrumentation. Beginning in the sophomore year, students have direct access to and obtain considerable first-hand experience in the use of all of the instrumentation within the department. Research participation by undergraduates is encouraged.

The Physics faculty is committed to:

providing students with a basic understanding and appreciation of physics and astronomy;
training engineering students in physics research methods;
providing Pre-Health Science students with the strong physics background necessary for their degrees;
advancing physics and astronomy through research;
serving the university and community in the fields of physics and astronomy;
engaging in outreach activities to regional schools to promote better teaching of physics and astronomy concepts.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the B.S. in Chemistry or the B.S. with a major in Chemistry, the graduate will be able to:

apply a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry appropriate to the degree;
apply an appropriate level of mathematical skill in order to understand and derive fundamental relationships and to analyze and manipulate experimental data;
solve problems and reason scientifically;
assemble experimental chemical apparatus and perform experiments;
use modern instrumentation to acquire information on chemical substances and interpret the information;
make an oral presentation of technical content.

Declaring a Major

Students must complete CHEM 121 -CHEM 122 and CHEM 320 with a grade of C or better prior to declaring a major in chemistry.

Cooperative Education Program in Chemistry

The five-year Cooperative Education Program, available to students pursuing either degree program in chemistry, offers the student valuable professional experience as preparation for a permanent position or for admission to graduate school as well as a source of income to help finance college expenses. Qualified students admitted to the program alternate semesters at the university with semesters of work. Application for admission should be made during the freshman year. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Department of Chemistry and Physics or the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences.

Student Organizations

The University of Tennessee at Martin chapter of the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS) offers students an opportunity to organize and/or participate in varied programs for: developing professionalism, leadership skills and social interactions; service to the community, department and the University, and promoting sustainability/green chemistry awareness/practice. The chapter was chartered in 1971, and has since won an “Outstanding” rating from the Education Division and a “Green Chapter” award from the Green Chemistry Institute of the American Chemical Society each for a record number of times from among 1000+ chapters nationwide.

Departmental Awards/Scholarships

S.K. and Shashi Airee Scholarship $1,000 is awarded to a sophomore or junior attending UT Martin and living on-campus, who has a B average or higher and is an active member of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). The recipient is selected by the chemistry faculty.

David S. Loebbaka Award is a cash award of $150 to an outstanding astronomy or physics student. The award recognizes Dr. Loebbaka’s many contributions to the department and the university. To be eligible a student must have been enrolled in a physics or astronomy course during the fall semester of the year in which the award is presented. The physics faculty selects the recipient based on academic achievement.

Lower-Division Chemistry Award is given to an outstanding student or students in general chemistry. The award is a cash amount and a copy of The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe. The selection is made by the chemistry faculty.

Norman and Ruby Campbell Scholarship Award is awarded annually to a returning student or students majoring in chemistry. Dr. Norman Campbell served UT Martin for many years as professor of chemistry, head of the physical sciences division, dean of instruction and vice chancellor for academic affairs. The scholarship was established by his family to honor him and his wife, Ruby. The recipient is selected by the chemistry faculty.

Outstanding Chemistry Major Award is a cash amount given to an outstanding senior(s) chemistry major. The selection is made by the chemistry faculty.

Roseman Family Scholarship of $1,200 is given to a freshman from West Tennessee who is a pre-med major within the chemistry department. The selection is made by the chemistry faculty.