You want to better understand the composition, structure, and changes in matter.

And you want to use that understanding to become a doctor, pharmacist, veterinarian, or teacher.

Program Description

The chemistry major, which is housed in the Department of Natural Sciences, combines a broad education in chemistry with courses in physics and mathematics to support the study, and all material is presented within the context of the liberal arts.

Through coursework and laboratory experiences, students study the atom as the basic unit of matter, how the bonding of atoms creates chemical compounds, the interactions of substances through intermolecular forces that give matter its properties, and the interactions between substances through chemical reactions that form different substances.

Emphases

Students working toward their degree in chemistry have multiple options beyond their foundational chemistry curriculum.

General Chemistry emphasis provides numerous opportunties for graduates in scientific professions.
Pre-professional emphasis prepares students to apply for medical school, veterinary school or pharmacy school
Environmental Science allows for further study of the environment, with the help of the Kilbride Nature Sanctuary
Secondary Education emphasis prepares students for teaching licensure in grades 6-12

Kilbride Nature Sanctuary

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The Kilbride Nature Sanctuary is a 90-acre nature preserve on the Tennessee River, where TWU students can study a environmental science, ecology, biology, and more. The space also provides a picturesque setting for organizations and groups to get away and enjoy the outdoors.

Inorganic Chemistry

This course is designed to provide an advanced approach to the properties of inorganic chemical systems beyond the quintessential biological species (C, H, O, etc.) including studies of chemical bonding theories, molecular structure, solid state structures, and molecular symmetries.

Biochemistry

A study of fundamental biological processes in the context of chemical principles. Topics include: the foundations of biochemistry; structure and catalysis of water, amino acids, and peptides; the structure of proteins; functions of proteins, enzymes; carbohydrates; lipids; and nucleic acids.

Chemistry