About the Program

The program provides majors the opportunity to develop the necessary technical knowledge and skills, intellectual curiosity, and ethical awareness to become life long learners who contribute to society.

The program will prepare graduates to:

Understand both fundamental chemical principles and current developments in the major sub-disciplines

  • Demonstrate knowledge of chemical structure, mechanisms, reactivity and energetics
  • Apply theoretical and experimental principles to the study of chemical systems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of qualitative and quantitative analysis

Demonstrate technical and analytical skills critical to effective work in the laboratory

  • Master fundamental laboratory techniques
  • Plan experiments and follow experimental protocols, including those from the chemical literature
  • Use a variety of modern instruments appropriately
  • Demonstrate the ability to measure of physical quantities and  to select and evaluate the appropriate techniques and instrumentation
  • Evaluate physical and chemical systems qualitatively and quantitatively
  • Interpret the significance of experimental results
  • Use computers for collecting and processing experimental data
  • Demonstrate proper laboratory and chemical safety
  • Handle, store, and dispose of chemicals in a safe and environmentally responsible manner
  • Work both independently and cooperatively

Demonstrate the core curriculum competencies in the field of chemistry

  • Communicate scientific knowledge effectively, in both written and oral formats
  • Use the computer to produce figures, tables, graphs and chemical structures for use in written reports and professional presentations
  • Use correct scientific terminology in diverse fields of chemistry
  • Search chemistry data bases effectively
  • Cite sources in appropriate format, recognizing that all scientific knowledge is based on the work of others

Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills to resolve problems, creatively and independently

  • Demonstrate the ability to work in an independent manner in the upper level laboratory courses
  • Demonstrate the ability to determine the proper equipment and procedures for use in scientific experiments
  • Possess the knowledge to work in a laboratory setting in a safe manner
  • Demonstrate the ability to analyze data obtained in experiments, and determine if the data lead to an appropriate scientific finding, and to interpret results

Address issues of ethical behavior in science, critically and reflectively

  • Identify when it is appropriate to reference other’s work
  • Identify the nature, range and scope of ethical considerations of an issue in science and propose a course of action
  • Describe situations that are ethically ambiguous and suggest the actions to be taken.

Demonstrate the ability to participate in society as a scientifically literate citizen.

  • Apply concepts and viewpoints to world issues and various aspects of life utilizing scientific thought, reasoning and knowledge
  • Recognize major emerging societal issues in order to be in a position to contribute to resolution of future challenges.