Chemistry model

Chemistry Mission, Goals, & Objectives

The Chemistry Department Mission

The guiding educational principle in the chemistry department is a simple one: engaged students learn. Through an ambitious undergraduate research program, a fresh emphasis on internships, and a problem-based pedagogy, we seek to immerse our students in the doing of science as we help them develop a solid foundation in modern chemistry. In the classroom, in laboratory courses, and through relevant research experiences, our students will build a fundamental knowledge of chemistry and a working understanding of the process of scientific investigation.

Our students will use their knowledge to solve problems of increasing sophistication, often employing the state-of-the-art technology that underlies modern chemical investigation. Our students will be able to critically evaluate scientific information and communicate such information, clearly and effectively, to scientists and nonscientists alike. With this foundation our graduates will compete at the bachelor’s degree level for prime entry-level positions in industry, government, and teaching, and will enter and successfully complete post-graduate degree programs at leading institutions nationwide.

 

Chemistry Department Goals and Objectives

  • Graduates from our program will possess a strong foundational knowledge of modern inorganic, organic, analytical, physical, and biological chemistry.
    • Students will demonstrate scientific understandings of the structure of matter and of its physical and chemical transformations.
    • Students will apply appropriate theories to predict chemical structure, reactivity, and physical properties.
  • Graduates from our program will be proficient in applying modern laboratory methods and technological tools to the studies of chemical systems.
    • Students will apply standard laboratory techniques to carry out quantitative analysis, chemical synthesis, characterization of compounds, and measurement of chemical reactivity.
    • Students will learn the theoretical bases, operating principles, and experimental uses of scientific instrumentation and software applications, and will apply these technologies appropriately to study chemical systems.
  • Graduates from our program will be skilled in the methods of scientific investigation.
    • Students will formulate testable hypotheses and design appropriately controlled experiments to test those hypotheses.
    • Students will collect, analyze, and evaluate experimental data.
  • Graduates from our program will be able to think as chemists, critically evaluating scientific information and solving scientific problems.
    • Students will engage in problem-solving activities that require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation as a means of testing and strengthening their developing knowledge.
    • Students will access, search, evaluate, and critique the primary scientific literature.
  • Graduates from our program will be able to effectively communicate scientific information.
    • Students will organize, evaluate, summarize, and communicate experimental data and scientific concepts in both written and oral formats.

A table showing the courses and research activities in which these objectives are to be achieved is provided in the curriculum map for the department of chemistry.


For more information on learning goals and outcomes, contact institutionalresearch@lvc.edu.