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Chemistry

Introduction

Mission

Curriculum

Assessment Plan

Learning Goals

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    Department of Chemistry

Learning Goals

Laboratory Knowledge and Skills
Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

  1. The basic analytical and technical skills to work effectively in the various fields of chemistry.
  2. The ability to perform accurate quantitative measurements with an understanding of the theory and use of contemporary chemical instrumentation, interpret experimental results, perform calculations on these results and draw reasonable, accurate conclusions.
  3. The ability to synthesize, separate and characterize compounds using published reactions, protocols, standard laboratory equipment, and modern instrumentation.
  4. The ability to use information technology tools such as the Internet and computer-based literature searches as well as printed literature resources to locate and retrieve scientific information needed for laboratory or theoretical work.
  5. The ability to present scientific and technical information resulting from laboratory experimentation in both written and oral formats. knowledge and understanding of the issues of safety regulations in the use of chemicals in their laboratory work.

Computer, Library and Information Skills
Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

  1. The ability to make effective use of the library and other information resources in chemistry, including a. finding chemical information utilizing the primary literature.
    b. critically evaluating chemical information.
    c. finding and evaluating chemical information utilizing secondary sources such as the Internet.
  2. The ability to make effective use of computers in chemistry applications, including
    a. using a computer as a tool in writing, drawing chemical structures and data analysis to communicate scientific information.
    b. having a familiarity with the applications of computers in the modeling and simulation of chemical phenomena.
    c. having an appreciation of the applications of computers in data acquisition and processing.
    d. retrieval of information using library or internet resources.

Oral and Written Communication Skills in Chemistry
Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

  1. Adequate skills in technical writing and oral presentations. [Students must be given the opportunity to practice effective writing and oral communication throughout the chemistry curriculum.]
  2. The ability to communicate scientific information in oral and written formats to both scientists and nonscientists.

Quantitative Reasoning Skills
Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

  1. Sufficient quantitative reasoning skills to successfully pursue their career objectives, a related career or further professional training.
  2. Developed their
    a. proficiency in unit algebra skills.
    b. ability to accurately collect and interpret numerical data.
    c. ability to solve problems competently using extrapolation, approximation, precision, accuracy, rational estimation and statistical validity.
    d. ability to relate theories involving numbers and the practice of the theory.
    e. proficiency in the scientific method (formulating hypotheses and arriving at appropriate answers and conclusions)

Knowledge of Chemical Principles and Facts
Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

  1. D eveloped a mastery of critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and data analysis skills leading to the ability to
    a. collect and analyze data.
    b. apply fundamental chemical principles to gather and explain data.
    c. design experiments or model systems to test hypotheses.
    d. assess the relative validity of several possible solutions to a problem.
  2. A working knowledge of chemical principles appropriate to a chemistry degree program to include thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, quantum mechanics, structures of materials, and synthesis.
  3. A mastery of a broad set of factual chemical knowledge concerning the properties of substances, molecules and atoms.

The set of preceding assessment goals were developed and approved by CSU chemistry faculty at a May 5, 1999, statewide conference of Assessment of Chemistry Degree programs.