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The University of Tennessee at Martin

The University of Tennessee - Martin

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Dept. of Chemistry & Physics
319 Johnson EPS Building

20 Mt. Pelia Rd.
University of TN at Martin
Martin, TN 38238-5039
Phone: 731-881-7451
Fax: 731-881-7443
Chair: Dr. Rick Thomas
cthomas@utm.edu

 

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Chemistry Program

A career in chemistry can be pursued either as a search to broaden the horizons of chemical knowledge, or it can be applied to providing the material needs of society.  A major in chemistry with supporting work in zoology and biology has long been a program chosen by many students planning careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other health-related areas.

 

Most of the employment opportunities for chemists are in industry and in various independent and governmental laboratories.  In most business-related jobs in the chemical industry, a chemistry degree is a useful first degree.  The second degree could be the master of business administration or a law degree.

 

We offer a traditional Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in a second area (biology, mathematics, physics, geosciences, psychology, etc.) that 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 curriculum, 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 laboratory 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.  These projects take place under the direct supervision of a faculty member.  Most of our graduates in chemistry have chosen to find employment in the chemical industry or to continue formal education in graduate or medical schools.

Physics and Astronomy Program

Course Offerings

Timetable
Minor in Physics
Physics Links

Physics

Physics is the study of everything natural.  From quarks to the universe, nothing escapes the all-seeing eye of the physicist.  Different fields of specialty cover the various topics.  

  • Particle physics is the study of tiny particles; such as quarks, electrons, neutrinos, and various other exotic objects.  
  • Nuclear physics is the study of the reactions and forces that make up the structure of an atomic  nucleus.
  • Solid State physics is the study of the microscopic and macroscopic behavior of solids.
  • Biophysics is the study of the physical properties of biological structures; such as DNA and organs.
  • Fluid Dynamics is the study of the behavior of fluids; such as macroscopic flow and diffusion.
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics are the study of the overall behavior of many atoms acting together.
  • Astrophysics is the study of the properties of stars, planets, galaxies and the interstellar medium.
  • Cosmology is the study of the properties of the universe as a whole.

Many of these fields have direct applications to the everyday world, while some deal with rather exotic circumstances and places.  But all speak to an understanding of our place in the universe and how it works.

Research in Physics and Astronomy at UT-Martin

There are several opportunities for students to conduct research in physics and astronomy at UT-Martin.  Working in cooperation with different faculty members can give a student a taste of what "real" physics is all about.  See our web page for a brief description of projects and links to research pages.

Outreach for K-12 Teachers

The physics and astronomy faculty at UT-Martin would like to serve as a focal point in physics and astronomy education for local schools.  Direct assistance on specific projects, presentations to classes, and sharing of resources, are ways we can help improve West Tennessee physics and astronomy education.  See our web page for the programs and points of contact.

 

The faculty and staff of the Chemistry & Physics Department invite you to learn more about what we have to offer.

 

Please utilize the various links in the column to the left to see more information.

 

If you have any questions or would like to visit the department, please communicate with us at your earliest convenience.