Chemistry

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http://www.chem.utk.edu

Craig E. Barnes, Head

The Department of Chemistry presents to the next generation of chemists and chemically literate citizens an integrated program of teaching and research that will prepare them to respond responsibly to current and future national needs. To satisfy our diverse clientele, the educational program is continually improved and includes research, classroom, and laboratory activities. In addition, we endeavor to maintain local responsibilities in support of the university’s mission for public service.

Students who desire to major in chemistry may select from either of two courses of study – Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.

Placement in General Chemistry Sequences

The sequences which meet all of the requirements of a year of general chemistry and which serve as prerequisite for upper-division courses are CHEM 120 -CHEM 130  and CHEM 128 -CHEM 138 ; chemistry majors are strongly urged to take the latter sequence. Courses CHEM 100  and CHEM 110  emphasize organic and biochemistry, and may not be used as prerequisite for other chemistry courses. CHEM 150  and CHEM 160  are designed to increase the chemistry literacy and consumer knowledge of students and may not be used as prerequisites for any other chemistry course.

It is possible to move from one sequence to another if permission for substitution is obtained in advance. For example, a student who finds a need to complete the CHEM 120 -CHEM 130  series after having completed CHEM 100  may substitute CHEM 100  for CHEM 120  with approval of the Department of Chemistry and may then take CHEM 130 . Credit may be received for only one of the courses CHEM 100 , CHEM 120 , or CHEM 128 .

In any chemistry course above the freshman level which has CHEM 130  as a prerequisite, CHEM 110  may be used as a prerequisite with approval of the Department of Chemistry.

CHEM 128 -CHEM 138  are honors courses designed for the student who has already made considerable progress in science. Class size is limited to promote faculty-student interaction. Selection is based on ACT scores, high school chemistry grade, and, if necessary, performance on a placement examination to be given during the first class meeting. A student receiving a passing grade below B in CHEM 128  will complete the year’s work by taking CHEM 130 .

Beginning students who have had high school chemistry and who have had additional experience (e.g. summer institute study, special research projects, home laboratory) are invited to apply during the summer to the head of the department for permission to take a proficiency examination in one or more semesters of general chemistry. If a satisfactory grade is made on the examination, credit will be allowed for the semester (or course) for which the exam was taken. The Department of Chemistry gives credit in general chemistry to students who present satisfactory scores on the Chemistry Advanced Placement Examination.

Cooperative Program

A cooperative program is available to students who are chemistry majors. After the freshman year, the student alternates a semester in school with a semester in a job in the chemical industry. The program normally requires five years and involves a total of four work semesters and eight school semesters. Students are required to have at least a 2.5 average to enter and remain in the program. Some opportunity exists for students to enter the program later than the end of the freshman year. Interested students should make application to the head of the department at least one semester in advance of the beginning of the first work period. Further information will be supplied on request.

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