Why study Chemistry at MC?

The curriculum in chemistry affords students sound training in the principles and techniques of modern chemical theory and experimentation. The program integrates laboratory, theoretical, and research skills to provide the range of abilities needed by the practicing chemist, and yet permits concentration in the organic, biochemical, analytical or physical sub-disciplines. Opportunity for research through the Oak Ridge Associated Universities and National Laboratories such as Argonne, Brookhaven, Los Alamos, and Oak Ridge complement the curriculum.

Three distinct major programs are offered: the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry, the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, and the Chemistry for Teacher Licensure Degree. In addition, students interested in teaching at the middle- or high-school level can continue their studies at MC after graduation and earn a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) Secondary STEM degree in only one year.

The Majors in Chemistry provide a comprehensive curriculum for students planning careers in which chemical knowledge plays a central role. With careful elective choice students may pursue careers as professional chemists and enter graduate school programs that lead to a variety of research-oriented careers, or they may enter medical school or other health-related programs.

Photo of Alayna Myers

Alayna Myers

Hometown: Maryville, Tennessee

Myers, a McGill Fellow, chose MC because of its convenience to home and its size — “I love the small campus environment, because you get to know more people and professors on a personal level,” she says — but she chose Chemistry because of her fascination with the way it’s integrated into everyday life.

“My goal is to apply to either PA (physician assistant) or medical school after graduating, and I think this program is going to help me be successful because of its rigor and its opportunities for skill development in research and instrument use,” she adds.

When not on campus, Alayna can be found working at a local urgent care clinic, which allows her “to gain valuable clinic hours and experience for grad school,” or riding her horse, Moose. 

 

Photo of Alexandria Bone

Alexandria Bone ’18

Currently: PH.D. Candidate in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Tennessee

As an MC student, Alexandria spent three years as an intern in the Chemical Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, carrying out synthetic and spectroscopic studies on persistent luminescence materials. This research, presented in her Senior Study, inspired her to seek a career studying single-ion magnets and molecular qubits via advanced spectroscopic methods.

“The mentorship I received at Maryville College was essential in my success as a student and a chemist,” she said. “From philosophy to quantum mechanics, the professors at Maryville College prepared me to think critically, act mindfully and pursue my goals tirelessly. I am incredibly grateful for the advocacy and support extended to me, even in my post-undergraduate career.”

Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Angelia Gibson
Professor of Chemistry
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Professor of Chemistry; Chair of the MC Core Curriculum
Dr. Mary Turner
Professor of Chemistry; Chair of the MC Core Curriculum
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Associate Professor of Chemistry
Dr. Nathan Duncan
Associate Professor of Chemistry
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The Major in Chemistry provides a comprehensive curriculum for students planning careers in which chemical knowledge plays a central role. With careful elective choice students may pursue careers as professional chemists and enter graduate school programs that lead to a variety of research-oriented careers, or they may enter medical school or other health-related programs.

Blount Memorial Hospital
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

Students successfully completing the program of study will have achieved the following:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic terminology, concepts, and graphical/quantitative analysis in chemistry
  • Summarize and interpret the primary chemical literature
  • Acquire and apply a set of basic chemistry laboratory data-acquisition, analysis, and presentation skills
  • Formulate scientifically significant questions, and work toward their resolution
  • Design and execute an in-depth research project, and successfully communicate the results in both verbal and written form

The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry consists of 51/53 hours of chemistry and related fields. The degree provides a broad-based curriculum for students planning careers in which chemical knowledge plays a central role. With careful attention to electives, B.A. students may pursue careers as professional chemists, enter graduate school programs that lead to a variety of research-oriented careers, enter medical school, or pursue other health-related programs.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 223: Organic Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 224: Organic Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 264: Analytical Chemistry(4 hrs)
CHM 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
CHM 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
CHM 381: Physical Chemistry I(3 hrs)
CHM 391: Physical Chemistry II(3 hrs)
CHM 399: Research Seminar(1 hrs)
MTH 125: Calculus I (MR)(4 hrs)
MTH 225: Calculus II(4 hrs)

One course chosen from the following list:

CHM 316: Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(4 hrs)
CHM 365: Instrumental Methods(4 hrs)
CHM 416: Advanced Topics in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(4 hrs)
CHM 425: Physical Chemistry Laboratory(2 hrs)

Either set of:

PHY 101: College Physics I(4 hrs)
And
PHY 102: College Physics II(4 hrs)
Or
PHY 201: General Physics I(4 hrs)
And
PHY 202: General Physics II(4 hrs)

Specific requirements of particular post-graduate institutions should be ascertained early in the undergraduate program since these requirements may require courses for admission beyond the minimum required for the major in chemistry. An advisor on Health-Related Professions is available to assist students planning careers in medicine and other health professions.

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry consists of 70 hours of chemistry and related fields. The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is designed to prepare students for graduate school or professional work in the chemical industry.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 223: Organic Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 224: Organic Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 264: Analytical Chemistry(4 hrs)
CHM 365: Instrumental Methods(4 hrs)
CHM 371: Inorganic Chemistry(3 hrs)
CHM 316: Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(4 hrs)
CHM 381: Physical Chemistry I(3 hrs)
CHM 391: Physical Chemistry II(3 hrs)
CHM 399: Research Seminar(1 hrs)
CHM 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
CHM 352: Senior Study II(3 hrs)
CHM 425: Physical Chemistry Laboratory(2 hrs)
BIO 115: Principles of Cellular Biology(4 hrs)
BIO 221: Genetics(4 hrs)
MTH 125: Calculus I (MR)(4 hrs)
MTH 225: Calculus II(4 hrs)
PHY 101: College Physics I(4 hrs)
PHY 102: College Physics II(4 hrs)

Specific requirements of particular post-graduate institutions should be ascertained early in the undergraduate program since these requirements may require courses for admission beyond the minimum required for majors in chemistry. An advisor on Health-Related Professions is available to assist students planning careers in medicine or other health professions.

A Major in Chemistry (B.A. or B.S.) is not open to students majoring in Biochemistry (B.A. or B.S.).

The Major in Chemistry for Teacher Licensure is designed to accommodate students planning careers as teachers of chemistry and of general and physical science at the secondary level. The major consists of 40 hours in chemistry and related courses and 46 hours in educator preparation courses.

Required courses include:

Major and Major-Related Courses

CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 223: Organic Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 224: Organic Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 264: Analytical Chemistry(4 hrs)
BIO 311: Natural History of the Great Smoky Mountains(4 hrs)
MTH 115: Precalculus with Trigonometry(4 hrs)
MTH 125: Calculus I (MR)(4 hrs)
PHY 101: College Physics I(4 hrs)

Either:

CHM 316: Fundamentals of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology(4 hrs)
Or
CHM 365: Instrumental Methods(4 hrs)

Educator Preparation Courses

PSY 101: Introductory Psychology(3 hrs)
PSY 218: Adolescent Development(3 hrs)
STA 120: Introductory Statistics(4 hrs)
EDU 202: Educational Technology(3 hrs)
EDU 299: Contemporary and Professional Issues in Education(1 hrs)
EDU 300: Field Experience(1 hrs)
EDU 301: Models of Classroom Management & Instruction(3 hrs)
EDU 312: Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners(3 hrs)
EDU 321: Disciplinary Literacy Methods(3 hrs)
EDU 333: Applied Pedagogy(3 hrs)
EDU 351: Senior Study I(3 hrs)
EDU 352: Senior Study II: Professional Seminar(3 hrs)
EDU 403: Clinical Practice for PK12/Secondary (10)(10 hrs)
EDU 411: Educational Assessment & Evaluation(3 hrs)

The Minor in Chemistry requires a minimum of 20 hours.

Required courses include:

Minor and Minor-Related Courses

CHM 121: General Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 122: General Chemistry II(4 hrs)
CHM 223: Organic Chemistry I(4 hrs)
CHM 224: Organic Chemistry II(4 hrs)
At least three additional hours in chemistry courses that satisfy requirements for the Major in Chemistry

Either:

CHM 399: Research Seminar(1 hrs)
Or
BIO 299: Professional Practices in Biology(1 hrs)

The Minor in Chemistry is not open to students majoring in Biochemistry.

In addition to required courses for majors and minors, Maryville College students take classes in the Maryville Curriculum, a core program of general education. Consisting of 51 credit hours, the Maryville Curriculum ensures that students see their major in a wider context and develop the basic communication, quantitative, and critical thinking skills that are needed for success in college and career.

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