Chemistry, M.S.

Learning goals and student learning outcomes

The following goals and learning outcomes have been established for students pursuing the M.S. degree in Chemistry

Concepts

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in a primary area of expertise in the chemical sciences and place the thesis research in the context of the current state of knowledge of the field.
• Appropriately employ models, theories, mathematical relationships and symbolic notations that are used to represent and test knowledge in the chemical sciences.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the diversity and interdisciplinary nature of the chemical sciences and a competent understanding of the fundamental principles in related disciplinary fields through participation in coursework, seminars and group meetings.
• Employ the principles of safe practices and ethical use of scientific knowledge, materials and procedures.
• Demonstrate mastery in the concepts underlying fundamental and advanced instrumentation and techniques used in chemistry and biochemistry.

Skills and processes

• Analyze, interpret, and retrieve data from the primary and review literature, to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills for an original thesis.
• Demonstrate the ability to generate and collect data and information through designing and safely implementing original hypothesis- or data-driven experiments using contemporary methods and techniques.
• Work independently and cooperatively on an original research project to collect, interpret and analyze high quality data.
• Effectively communicate concepts, results and conclusions from the original research project in a written thesis, oral defense and poster presentations.