Department of Chemistry and Physical Sciences

The courses offered by this department are designed to meet the interest and needs of the following students: (1) those wishing to acquaint themselves with some the of the fundamental principles of the physical sciences; (2) those whose professional goals require a foundation in chemistry and physics, including those preparing to teach; and (3) those whose major interest is in chemistry.

In addition to the Bachelor of Science and minor in Chemistry, the department provides academic advising and training for students seeking admission to a graduate program or to health-related programs such as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, and pharmacy. Students interested in pursuing a ‘pre-professional’ course of study within the chemistry degree should contact the program director for details. The chemistry degree is also available as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Students interested in pursuing a B.A. should discuss this option and degree requirements with the program director.

Course and Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing Inorganic Chemistry I and II will demonstrate mastery of problem-solving skills in laboratory measurements, stoichiometry, acids and bases, ideal gases and foundational solution phase chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics, quantum mechanics, electrochemistry, and nuclear chemistry.
Students completing Organic Chemistry II will demonstrate an understanding of organic chemical nomenclature, spectroscopy, synthesis, and mechanisms.
Students completing Analytical Chemistry will demonstrate an understanding of statistical data analysis, titrations, chemical equilibria, gravimetric analysis, and overall basic chemical analysis.
Students completing Biochemistry I will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, as well as the basic principles and thermodynamics of carbohydrate metabolism.
Students completing Physics I and II will demonstrate the ability to solve multi-part problems requiring the application of their physics knowledge.
Students completing the major or minor degree in chemistry will demonstrate basic skills in scientific writing and oral presentations.
Students completing the chemistry major will have notable experience in carrying out original, experimental research.

Programs

Major

Chemistry, B.S. (128 hrs)

Minor

Chemistry Minor (18-21 hrs)