The Chemistry Department prepares students for careers in the chemical sciences, forensics, health professions, industry, research, and STEM education. Students will receive training in modern, interdisciplinary chemistry and instrumentation, as well as develop essential skills for further education in chemical, medical, engineering, law, and other health-related fields. 

The Department is certified by the American Chemical Society as complying with its requirements for the professional training of chemists.

Professors
Loretta Jackson-Hayes. 2003. James Daughdrill Professor in the Natural Sciences. B.S., Tougaloo College; Ph.D., University of Tennessee. (Pharmacology.)
Darlene M. Loprete. 1990. Chair. B.A., Clark University; Ph.D., University of Rhode Island. (Biochemistry.)
Jon Russ. 2004. B.S., Corpus Christi State University; Ph.D., Texas A&M University. (Analytical Chemistry.)

Associate Professors
Kimberly Brien. 2012. B.S., Texas Lutheran University; M.S., Baylor University; Ph.D., Texas Christian University. (Organic Chemistry.)

William Eckenhoff. 2015. B.S., Allegheny College; Ph.D. Duquesne University (Inorganic Chemistry).
Dhammika S. Muesse. 2007. B.S. and M.S., University of Colombo; Ph.D., University of Memphis. (Analytical Chemistry.)   

Larryn W. Peterson. 2011. B.A., Carroll College; Ph.D., University of Southern California. (Organic Chemistry.) 
Roberto de la Salud Bea. 2010. B.S. and M.S., University of Valencia, Spain. Ph.D., University of Nebraska. (Organic Chemistry.)                                                                                                               
Shana Stoddard. 2015. B.S., Prairie View A&M University; M.Ed., Freed-Hardeman University; Ph.D., University of Mississippi. (Biochemistry.)

Assistant Professors                                                                                                                                                                Ramesh Sapkota. 2023. B.S. and M.S. Tribhuvan University, Nepal; Ph.D. University of North Texas (Physical Chemistry.) 

Chemistry Instrument Technician and Chemical Safety Officer    
 Karen Mosely. B.S., University of Memphis; M.S. University of Memphis.

Professor Emeritus
David Y. Jeter. 1973. B.S., Texas A&M University-Commerce; Ph.D., University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. (Inorganic Chemistry.)

1. Courses listed for the B.S. degree. 
2. Chemistry 495 and 496 (eight credits minimum).
3. An original investigation of some problem in chemistry or biochemistry, usually related to research being carried on by a member of the department, is required. A thesis must be presented at the end of the project. The honors project and its outcome must be approved by the student’s Honors Committee.
4. A public presentation on the honors work is required by the department.

1. Chemistry Courses:

   Foundations of Chemistry + lab: Chem 120/125L

   Organic Chemistry I:  Chem 211

   Organic Chemistry II + lab: Chem 212/212L

   Analytical Chemistry + lab: Chem 240/240L

   Physical Chemistry + lab:  Chem 311/312L

   Biochemistry:  Chem 315

   Inorganic Chemistry + lab:  Chem 408/408L

   Advanced Biochemistry: Chem 415.

   At least 2 additional courses from the following list:  Computational Protein Design and Engineering (325) Advanced Analytical Chemistry (406), Medicinal Chemistry (411/411L), or Mechanisms of Drug Action (416). 

    

2. Physics I & II:  109 -110 or 111-112; or 113L-114L.
3. Mathematics 122. Students can start in 112 and then take 122.
4. At least four credits of research (Chemistry 451 and/or 452).

A total of 61-62 credits. 

This major track may be of interest to students interested in attending graduate school or employment in chemistry related fields. The track is designed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) to provide students with lecture and laboratory experiences in the five foundational areas of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical) in both breadth and depth.

1. Chemistry Courses:

   Foundations of Chemistry + lab:  Chem 120/125L

   Organic Chemistry I:   Chem 211

   Organic Chemistry II + lab:  Chem 212/212L

   Analytical Chemistry + lab:   Chem 240/240L

   Physical Chemistry + lab:   Chem 311/312L

    

2. At least 3 additional chemistry courses from the following list: 

   Environmental Chemistry:  Chem 206

   Biochemistry:  Chem 315

   Computational Protein Design and Engineering:  Chem 325

   Advanced Analytical Chemistry:  Chem 406

   Inorganic Chemistry + lab:  Chem 408/408L

   Medicinal Chemistry + lab:  Chem 411/411L,

   Mechanisms of Drug Action:  Chem 416

   Advanced topic in Organic:  Chem 422

   Introduction to Research:  Chem 451-452 (total of four credits).

    

3. Physics I & II; 109-110 or 111-112; 113L-114L.
4. Mathematics 122. Students can start in 112 and then take 122.
5. Chemistry 486 (Senior Seminar)

A total of 52 - 54 credits. 

Students interested in graduate school should consider taking the following courses: Chemistry 315, 406, 408/408L, and 451-452.

Six courses as follows:

1. 120/125L, 211, 212/212L, 240/240L.
2. Two additional Chemistry courses of which one must be at the 200-level or above and the other must be 300-level or above. Both courses must be at least 4-credits.  

Science is increasingly interdisciplinary. Students who wish to pursue careers and/or further study in biology, neuroscience, environmental science, physics or other sciences may see the need to have a firm background in chemistry as well. By declaring a minor, students may work with a minor advisor who will help these students find and define a course of study that can complement their future plans. Students looking to pursue a career in patent or intellectual property or patent law can also benefit by having a chemistry minor.

Chemistry majors planning for graduate work and/or careers in chemical engineering can earn the Pre-Engineering Certificate from Rhodes by completing the following courses.  

1. Physics 111-112* and 220.
2. Physics 304 or 307.
3. Mathematics 223 and 251.
4. Computer Science 141.
5. One approved experiential component, such as: 4 credits of research*, summer research or an engineering-related internship.

*also fulfills major requirements

Note: students interested in pursuing entry level chemical or biomedical engineering work immediately after college may wish to consider the dual degree options through the academic partnerships for engineering at Rhodes. https://catalog.rhodes.edu/educational-program/academic-partnerships 

1. Chemistry 120/125L, 211, 212/212L, 240/240L, 311/312L, 315, 411/411L, 415, 416. 
2. Mathematics 122. Students can start in 112 and then take 122.
3. Physics 109-110 or 111-112; 113L-114L.

This major track may be of interest to students pursuing careers in pharmaceutical or medicinal chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, or other health professions. Research opportunities in related areas may be available to students in the Chemistry Department who want to pursue this major track.