Chemistry, B.S.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing a degree in chemistry and biochemistry:

Concepts

• Understand the concept that all matter is composed of atoms whose inherent periodic properties determine their interactions and combinations into compounds with specific molecular structure, chemical function and physical properties
• Understand and apply fundamental thermodynamic laws and kinetics to chemical reactions in equilibrium and nonequilibrium systems
• Demonstrate literacy in concepts underlying fundamental analytical instrumentation and instrumentation techniques used in chemistry and biochemistry
• Understand the various ways that chemists represent and test chemical knowledge in models, theories, mathematical relationships and symbolic notations
• Understand the principles of safe practices in the laboratory across the subdisciplines of the chemical sciences.

Skills and processes

• Demonstrate the ability to generate data and information through designing and safely implementing experiments using contemporary methods and techniques
• Collect, analyze and interpret data and information
• Retrieve appropriate scientific literature and data
• Communicate data, concepts, skills and processes to experts and nonexperts in the field.

Attitudes

• Demonstrate the safe and ethical use of scientific knowledge, materials and procedures, and be able to explain their impact on a diverse society
• Deliberately employ methods of scientific inquiry to collect, analyze and interpret evidence to solve problems while recognizing the tentative nature of scientific knowledge
• Work effectively, independently and cooperatively
• Pursue career objectives that make use of the baccalaureate degree.