Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry at Austin Peay State University (APSU) is nationally certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS), devoted to student success, and prepares students for a wide variety of career options. Our mission is to educate students to independently and critically think, apply chemical concepts and principles to better understand the scientific world, and help them to become scientifically literate. We use innovative pedagogical and research strategies to engage students and cultivate a passion for chemistry and scientific learning.

Chemistry is often called the “central science” due to the fundamental role it plays in every aspect of the world around us. A student majoring in chemistry has a deep commitment to understanding how our world exists and operates on a molecular level in accordance with the laws of nature. Chemistry is a very rigorous curriculum that involves physics and mathematics to help students understand the driving forces of the chemical reaction. There are many branches of chemistry and students often gravitate to specific fields like organic, inorganic, physical, biochemistry, or materials chemistry. 

In APSU's Chemistry Department, students learn how to communication and think critically about the sciences. Our faculty encourage students to ask difficult questions, solve problems, learn new skills, and evolve into productive global citizens. The Chemistry Department consists of eight full time faculty, two full-time temporary faculty, adjunct faculty, a lab manager and an office manager. Several undergraduate degree programs exist including a program approved by the American Chemical Society. In order to offer an ACS-approved degree, our department has demonstrated our ability to meet certain national standards year after year.

The department graduates 20-30 majors per year. These graduates go into various professional programs including chemistry graduate schools and medical, dental, veterinary medicine, or pharmacy schools. Many alumni are employed in industrial chemistry and government laboratories. We also have many students who are currently teaching in high schools or middle schools.

Our pre-professional students have gone on to further their studies at the following schools:

Who do we advise?

The chemistry department advises: (1) those students majoring or minoring in chemistry and its related programs or concentrations such as forensic science, teaching, or biochemistry and (2) those students in the preprofessional programs of prepharmacy, predentistry, and premedicine.

Dr. Jeff Beardmore, '81

Pediatrician, Medical Director at UnitedHealthcareArnett Clinic, Lafayette, Indiana

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The chemistry program prepared me well for what was to come: medical school, residency and pediatrics. And I felt that the entire department cared about me as a student and as a person.

Dr.Allen Chaparadza

Current Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Austin Peay

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This is something that has always been dear to my heart. I’m a firm believer that education should be able to transform lives in ways that are meaningful. I realize that with the little chemistry that I know, I have the ability to contribute something.

Lane Parmely, '18

Currently a Graduate Student in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Mississippi

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Lane is studying secondary DNA structures called i-Motifs and how small molecule binding can affect their formation. He says, Even though I'm growing as a student and as a scientist, I still miss Austin Peay everyday. I really miss that small school dynamic and the real sense of community between students and faculty.

Rebekah Finley

APSU Chemistry Major, Lipscomb University Pharmacy School Class of 2018

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Rebekah excelled in her two years at APSU prior to entering Pharmacy School. She said, The Chemistry Department at APSU was my home away from home.

Want to learn more?

If you want to talk with an advisor or have additional questions concerning chemistry or preprofessional programs served by the chemistry department, contact the chemistry department's temporary academic assistant, Bailey Harrison, at 931-221-7628 or by e-mail to harrisonbn@apsu.edu