Mission Statement

The Department of Chemistry provides students a professional competence level of the concepts and techniques of chemistry within the framework of a strong liberal arts tradition. The Department offers personalized attention in teaching and research to allow students to adapt this mastery of undergraduate chemistry to a variety of career objectives. The study of chemistry has value for general education; for preparation for careers as laboratory chemists, high school teachers, science writers, science-oriented businesspersons, etc.; and for preparation for graduate school, law school, medical school or other health professions schools.

Student LEarning Outcomes

Goal #1

Students will understand chemical function in terms of structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics.

Objectives:

1.1 Predict products of chemical reactions.

1.2 Explain patterns of chemical reactions.

1.3 Explain and build models of chemical structures.

Goal #2

Students will master basic research skills.

Objectives:

2.1 Use library and internet resources to locate information on chemical topics.

2.2 Demonstrate mastery of common chemical laboratory techniques.

2.3 Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing chemical instrumentation and other appropriate technology.

2.4 Demonstrate ability to work in a cooperative environment.

2.5 Show understanding of safe laboratory practice.

2.6 Undertake a research project.

Goal #3

Students will be able to think critically and solve problems.

Objectives:

3.1 Apply chemical concepts to problem solving.

3.2 Plan laboratory syntheses.

3.3 Analyze, interpret, and draw conclusions from data.

3.4 Plan laboratory solutions to solve chemical problems.

Goal #4

Students will be able to communicate effectively via both written and oral expression.

Objectives:

4.1 Explain chemical concepts.

4.2 Write coherent laboratory reports.

4.3 Present results to an audience of professors and peers.

4.4 Defend experimental results and their interpretations through responses to oral questioning.

Goal #5

Students will understand the relationship between science and society.

Objectives:

5.1 Interpret key events in the history of science in light of society at the time.

5.2 Evaluate ethical cases in terms of moral decision making.

5.3 Evaluate current issues in science and technology as they relate to society.