Chemistry | The University of the South

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Chemistry allows us to explore the building blocks of life and matter. It reacts, takes up space, and creates energy. It’s the central science around which every other system revolves.

Why study Chemistry at Sewanee?

Chemistry intersects with and illuminates numerous disciplines including physics, biology, forestry, and geology. Through your coursework at Sewanee, you’ll explore the composition, structure, properties, and transformation of matter. Courses will also amplify this understanding by providing an in-depth look at the major sub-disciplines: organic, inorganic, analytical, environmental, physical, and biochemistry.

Beyond the formal curriculum, you’ll be encouraged to participate in research projects with faculty members. This will put you at the cutting edge of science in a variety of fields including nanotechnology, biochemistry, materials chemistry, and drug development. You’ll also have the opportunity to conduct research and present your work at regional and national levels—maybe even get published in leading scientific journals.

First Destinations: Chemistry Majors

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

Energy Analyst, Applied Energy Group, Walnut Creek, CA.
Medical Scribe, MetroHealth Trauma Center, Cleveland, OH.
Clinical Research Coordinator, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.

Graduate School and Pre-professional programs: Chemistry majors

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and preprofessional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Michigan.
Nurse Practitioner, Vanderbilt University.
M.S. Organic Chemistry, Auburn University.

A Sampling of Courses

Life, Energy, and the Atomic Bomb: How the Science of Metals Shapes Society

Chemistry

This course provides an understanding of how chemistry and metals influence everyday lives. Using the periodic table as a touchstone, the course examines the role of metals and their chemistry in society. Specific themes include the use of metals in medicine and health; the role of metals in the production of modern materials and products; the use of metals in both traditional and alternative fuels; and the ways in which metals have been used to influence global political power through the atomic bomb and other devices.

CHEM 114

Solution and Solid State Chemistry

Chemistry

Solution and solid chemistry is fundamental in a variety of contexts from biological to geological systems. This course explores the behavior of these systems as well as applications of chemical theory in a variety of contexts. Students engage in a studio laboratory to gain experience with the measurements and analysis necessary to characterize both solution and solid samples.

CHEM 210

Mentored Research

Chemistry

Students engage in original research in chemistry under the mentorship of a faculty member. Students apply and integrate knowledge from their coursework while learning both specific laboratory techniques and practical problem-solving skills. Discussion of proper laboratory record-keeping, responsible conduct of research, presentation of research results, and laboratory safety are also emphasized.

CHEM 494

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Chemistry

Programs of Study & Related Programs

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Chemistry

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Biochemistry | Website

Meet some professors

Robert E. Bachman

rbachman@sewanee.edu

Rob Bachman earned his B.A. and Ph.D. in Chemistry at Rice University with a focus in inorganic, organometallic and organic chemistry. He teaches a variety of upper level courses in inorganic chemistry, including Inorganic Chemistry, Bioinorganic Chemistry, Structural Methods, Materials Chemistry and Advanced Environmental Geochemistry

F. B. Williams Professor of Chemistry, Director of the First-Year Program

Bethel Sharma Seballos

bvsharma@sewanee.edu

Bethel Sharma Seballos, earned her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. She teaches Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry (laboratory only), and General Chemistry. Her research interests center around the development of protein-based biosensors and cell-signaling studies. Currently, students in her laboratory are studying the factors that impact the progression of fibrotic lung disease using a cell culture system.

Associate Professor of Chemistry, Director of Biochemistry Major

John H. Shibata

jshibata@sewanee.edu

John received his B.S. and his Ph.D. from the University of Washington. He teaches courses in Physical Chemistry, General Chemistry, Polymers, and Quantum Mechanics. He is department chair and co-advises the Sewanee Chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society. John received the prestigious Sewanee Scholars' Teacher of the Year Award in 2008.

Associate Professor of Chemistry

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Contact

Deon T. Miles

Professor and Chair of Chemistry

dmiles@sewanee.edu

Spencer Hall 261, Ext. 3304

Pre-Health at Sewanee

Getting you on the right track

As a pre-health student, you’ll be surrounded by an environment of support and opportunity. Enriching curriculum, clinical internships, expansive advising, and a strong alumni network combine to create a solid foundation for your medical career. The structure of programs help ensure that you are well-prepared for you journey after Sewanee.

Sewanee-at-Yale

top notch research

The Sewanee-at-Yale internship is an eight-week experience in biomedical research at the Yale Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine. Interns are placed in research laboratories, exposed to clinical settings, and get to see the day-to-day workings of a behavioral neuroscience research.

Career and Leadership Development

Unsure? You've Come to the Right Place

No matter where you are in your career exploration process, Career and Leadership Development can help. You’ll get assistance with cover letters, resumes, networking, and preparing for an interview. Likewise, if you just feel overwhelmed by this new experience called adulting, swing by the office and get a pep talk from the CLD office.