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Department of Chemistry

Faculty

Michael Hayes (2009). Professor of Chemistry and Department Chair. B.S., Union University; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin.

Tamara (Betsy) Caceres (2019). Assistant Professor of Chemistry. B.Pharm., Universidad Central del Este, Dominican Republic; Ph.D., Utah State University

Jimmy H. Davis (1978). O. P. Hammons Chair and Professor of Chemistry. B.S., Union University; Ph.D., University of Illinois; Additional study, University of Florida, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Argonne National Laboratory, Harvard University, and Oxford University (England).

Sally A. Henrie (1998). University Professor of Chemistry. B.S., University of Arizona; Ph.D., South Dakota State University.

Randy F. Johnston (1994). University Professor of Chemistry. B.S., University of Missouri, St. Louis; Ph.D., Texas Tech University.

Michael R. Salazar (2001). Professor of Chemistry. B.S., New Mexico State University; Ph.D., University of Utah; Additional study, Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Staff

Laura Hailey (2020). Academic Secretary—Biology and Chemistry, and Biology Program Coordinator. B.S., Union University.

Donald Gordon (2021). Stockroom Coordinator. B.S., Union University.

Curriculum

The chemistry program at Union University seeks to serve effectively all students, recognizing different needs, interests, and career goals. The faculty seeks to help students understand the physical world, the methods by which it may be studied, and its relationship to other aspects of the human experience. It is the intention of the faculty to create an environment in which students are challenged to acquire skills in problem solving utilizing the modern methods of science and to study in-depth the chemical processes which characterize life systems while developing an inquiring attitude toward scientific exploration. The curriculum is intended to provide liberal arts students with a working knowledge of science and to meet the needs of students who wish to:

  • continue study in chemistry at the graduate level;
  • teach science at the elementary or secondary school level;
  • prepare to enter a health science profession such as medicine, dentistry, medical technology, pharmacy, nursing, physical therapy, or other allied health fields; or
  • become a professional/industrial chemist.

Students who complete the chemistry or biochemistry degree as described below or upon their coursework being approved by the chair of the department, will receive degrees that are certified by the American Chemical Society. Our certified programs offer students a broad-based and rigorous chemistry education that provides them the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills necessary to become successful scientific professionals.

Students pursuing a major in Chemistry or Biochemistry must complete MAT 211, MAT 212; PHY 231, PHY 232, and meet one of the following sets of requirements:

Assessment of Majors

The Department utilizes standardized tests of the American Chemical Society as final examinations for the first and/or second semester of all one-year (two-semester) courses. These courses include General (CHE 111 and CHE 112), Organic (CHE 314, CHE 315, and CHE 435), and Physical (CHE 317 and CHE 318). Standardized examinations are also used as the final examination in Fundamentals (CHE 105), Analytical (CHE 211), and Biochemistry (CHE 319 and CHE 329), and Inorganic (CHE 335 and CHE 430). Examination results are used to monitor progress of students as a group through their course of study at Union. Strengths and weaknesses of courses are also assessed by comparing class averages with national norms. Students are required to complete a research project (CHE 424) and give a seminar to faculty and colleagues (CHE 498).

Student Organizations

Student Members of the American Chemical Society is organized to better acquaint students interested in chemical science with professional opportunities in the field and the mechanics of preparing and presenting technical material. The organization instills professional pride in the chemical sciences, while stimulating awareness of the responsibilities and challenges of the modern chemist. Membership is open to any student pursuing an undergraduate degree in chemistry or physics.

Sigma Zeta is a national honorary science society for those who have completed 15 hours in natural science and mathematics and with a minimum 3.0 GPA in these courses. Membership advantages include recognition for academic achievements by the Sigma Zeta Honor Award, participation in nationally recognized research projects, and a means of cooperation in similar areas of interest by students of different colleges.

Student Awards

The Chemistry Research Award is given by the faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Physics to the student who presents the best research paper of the year. The research must have been an original piece of work and must have been presented at a state, regional, or national professional chemistry meeting prior to graduation.

The C.R.C. Freshman Chemistry Award, given to encourage and sustain interest in the sciences, is awarded in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement in Freshman Chemistry.

Whiteaker Freshman Chemistry Award. The Chemistry Department selects a freshman chemistry major or minor to receive this award based on outstanding scholastic achievement, financial need, Christian service, and school spirit.