Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

C. Kent Clinger, Professor and Department Chair
T. Brian Cavitt, Associate Professor

Linda R. Phipps, Professor
John D. Smith, Associate Professor

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is to provide a general knowledge of chemistry for the student desiring a liberal arts education. Chemistry offers to the student an appreciation and understanding of great discoveries, laws and theories that relate to the composition of matter. It also offers insight into and training
in the type of reasoning which brought about these discoveries. For chemistry and biochemistry majors, the department introduces students to the five major divisions of chemistry (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical) and helps prepare students to enter the chemical profession and medically related professional schools. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry allows students an opportunity to be involved in scientific research using current instrumentation and methods. Students make presentations within the university community and the larger scientific community; training in logical analysis, interpretation of research results, and the written and oral communication of these results is provided.

Distinctives of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Lipscomb University is an approved chemistry program by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society. The professional chemistry major and the biochemistry major with an emphasis in chemistry commonly lead to certification from the American Chemical Society. The biochemistry major-biological emphasis is designed to meet the guidelines of the Education and Professional Development Committee of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology for programs in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Lipscomb chemistry students receive “hands-on” experience with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometers, an infra-red spectrometer, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, a liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer, two high performance liquid chromatographs, a capillary electrophoresis instrument, an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer, a thermogravimetric analyzer, and a differential scanning calorimeter.

Applied Chemistry or Applied Biochemistry Major

These majors are oriented towards pre-professional students and other students who do not plan to do graduate work in chemistry. The programs consist of a core program
in chemistry along with studies in special interest areas. These degrees provide a background for students entering medically-related professions such as medicine, osteopathic medicine, podiatric medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, pharmacy and others.

Students receiving these degrees also commonly enter graduate schools in chemistry-related areas or industry.

Off-Campus Study Opportunities

Chemistry students may participate in several study abroad options offered by Lipscomb University, including study offered through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. We strongly encourage our students to participate in summer undergraduate research opportunities offered at many of the major research universities in the United States. Stipends are offered through the National Science Foundation and other sources.

Professional Organizations

Students are encouraged to be members of the Lipscomb University chapter of the Student Affiliates of the American Chemical Society.

Career Opportunities

Professional Chemistry Majors (B.A. or B.S. degree)

Attend graduate school in chemistry at the master’s or doctoral levels
Find employment in:

Chemical industry
Government agencies
Private institutions

Biochemistry Major (B.A. or B.S. degree)

Attend graduate school in biochemistry and related subject areas
Find employment in industry or with government agencies
Pursue medical studies
Attend medically-related professional schools (such as medical schools, osteopathic medical schools, and dental schools)

Applied Chemistry or Applied Biochemistry Major (B.A. or B.S. degree)

Find employment in:

Environmental sciences
Health professions administration
Chemical engineering (additional mathematics required) • Private industry or governmental agencies
Attend medically-related professional schools