Learning Objectives
Chemistry Major Learning Goals / Objectives
The Chemistry Major seeks to provide students with experiences that enable them to:
1. achieve a solid foundation in major areas of chemistry (Organic, Analytical, Physical, Inorganic and Biochemistry), such that they understand and can apply the fundamental laws and theories of chemistry in the various sub-disciplines and understand the central role of chemistry in the sciences.
2. understand the relationship between molecular properties and macroscopic behavior by providing them with the skill to use chemical and mathematical symbols and equations to represent the behavior of matter at the macroscopic, molecular and atomic levels.
3. exercise critical discernment of the key features of chemical problems and apply knowledge and judgement to solve such problems, including the design and execution of experiments and computations involving the synthesis of molecules and characterization of chemical properties and phenomena via experimental and computational techniques using modern instrumentation and computer technologies.
4. communicate effectively, including accessing and using major information sources of the discipline, conveying (orally and in writing) the results of scientific inquiry in a clear and professionally acceptable manner, and working cooperatively with others in team settings.
5. prepare for professional attainment.
Recommendations
Students interested in graduate study in chemistry should demonstrate their mastery of the discipline by taking the chemistry (subject) test of the Graduate Record Examination by December of the senior year.
Students interested in teaching high school chemistry are required to meet chemistry licensure requirements. The specific requirements are available from the Education Department.