Chemistry Discipline

UNIT MISSION/GOAL(S)

The goal of the Chemistry Discipline is to prepare students for graduate study in chemistry or related fields or for a career in the chemical industry o in secondary teaching. The mission of the curriculum of the Chemistry Discipline is to teach students about the structure of matter and the conditions required for material change.

Unit Mission/goal(s) and the Institutional Mission Relation

The Chemistry Discipline strives to teach students modern Chemistry in all major areas of the field. It supports the education curriculum and supports the institutional curricular goals of teaching writing, critical thinking, computing and communication skills. The discipline services other disciplines through the chemistry classes that are requirements for other majors in science and includes training for pre-professional students. The Discipline fulfills the research component of the institutional mission of the University by performing research that contributes to the field of chemistry and by performing research that is conducted in collaboration with student researchers. The Chemistry Discipline fulfills that outreach component of the institutional mission of the university by participation in professional meetings and local education programs.

STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES, EXPECTED OUTCOMES, ASSESSMENT METHODS & TOOLS, TIMELINE

Learning Objective 1

Students will understand the structure and dynamics of matter at the atomic and molecular level.

Expected Outcome 1

Students will demonstrate breadth of understanding in the four traditional areas of chemistry, which provides different ways to study the physical world; students will develop cross-disciplinary methods for studying chemistry that spans the distinct areas.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 1

Competency in assignments in chemistry classes. Research projects and/or Senior Seminar, which demonstrate depth of knowledge in one or more areas of chemistry.

Timeline for the Outcome 1

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 2

Students will acquire an understanding of the empirical nature of chemistry.

Expected Outcome 2

Students will demonstrate laboratory skills appropriate to the study of chemistry: the ability to acquire, interpret and analyze data, the ability to use oral and written forms of communication, and the ability to work confidently and safely in a laboratory

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 2

Submission of laboratory reports in various areas of chemistry. Maintenance of laboratory notebooks as professional documents. Ability to work independently in a laboratory setting. Seminars and other oral and written presentations of research.

Timeline for the Outcome 2

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 3

The curriculum will prepare students to enter graduate school in chemistry or a related field, to enter professional school in health sciences, for a career in secondary school teaching, or for employment in the chemical or related industries.

Expected Outcome 3

Students will have sufficient training and background such that they will be admitted to graduate and professional schools or be offered employment.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 3

Survey of graduates. Acceptance rates at graduate/professional schools. Success rates in obtaining teaching licensure. Success rates in obtaining teaching/research fellowships in graduate school.

Timeline for the Outcome 3

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress

Learning Objective 4

Students will remain aware of and will contribute to current advances in chemical research and methodology.

Expected Outcome 4

Students will demonstrate the ability to perform literature and laboratory research projects.

Method(s), Measure(s), and Instrument(s) for Expected Outcome 4

Survey of graduating majors (number of students who participate in significant research projects).

Timeline for the Outcome 4

Starting Date for the Implementation: In Progress

Anticipated Date for the First Results: In Progress