The chemistry curriculum has the
approval of the American Chemical Society for training professional chemists.
The chemistry program is designed to be flexible which allows students to
choose electives best suited for their future career goals. Students completing
the Bachelor of Science for professional chemists (American Chemical Society
certified degree) can pursue opportunities in various industrial labs across
the country, or can continue their education in graduate school. Students interested in professional schools,
chemistry associated industries, secondary education or other options may
pursue the Bachelor of Science non-certified degree. This degree is designed to
prepare students interested in careers combining the knowledge of chemistry
with other areas.
Unit
The mission of the Chemistry Department
is to provide a dynamic, learning –centered education that is dedicated to
enhancing student success. This focus on
excellence in chemical education:
prepares students for graduate and/or professional schools (i.e.
medical); prepares students for positions in industry, government service and
teaching; allows science students with non-chemistry majors to relate chemistry
to their major science; and acquaints non-science students with the methods,
concepts, and achievements of the science of chemistry.
I.
Goals,
Objectives, Assessment Methods (BS, MS)
A.
Goal A:
Educate
students in a way that will allow them to graduate as lifelong learners that
are well prepared for their chosen careers.
In order to do this, faculty strive to establish and maintain a program
of excellence that provides: (1) both undergraduate and graduate students with
the educational background that will allow them to successfully pursue more
advanced study and/or employment in chemistry, pre-professional programs, or
chemistry-related areas; (2) non-majors the necessary chemical background in
order to function effectively as a citizen in an increasingly technical
society.
1.
Objective 1:
The chemistry faculty will strive to
maintain a quality program in which faculty will continue to review and revise
the curriculum to ensure that it is rigorous, logically sequenced, and
reflective of the current state of the field. Faculty will be knowledgeable in the subject
matter being taught, including current research areas, and enthusiastic about
working with students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The
chemistry faculty will strive to maintain a quality program in which faculty
will graduate students with a baccalaureate or master’s degree in chemistry who
are proficient in the following student
learning outcomes:
·
Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental content in the basic
areas of chemistry.
·
Integrate knowledge with critical thinking to solve problem.
·
Perform qualitative/quantitative chemical analyses/syntheses
using modern instrumentation
·
Articulate scientific information through oral
communication.
·
Articulate scientific information through written
communication.
·
Demonstrate ability to integrate knowledge content,
laboratory skill, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication
skills via participation in research projects.
Assessment: Implementation of department wide assessment
of student learning outcomes and re-accreditation of the chemistry major by the
American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training (ACS-CPT).
2.
Objective 2:
Graduate
students with a baccalaureate degree who are prepared for entry into
professional schools, graduate programs, or the job market. The department believes the success of the
chemistry program is ultimately measured by the success of our graduates to
obtain entry into professional schools, graduate programs, or the job
market.
Assessment: Placement of graduating seniors into
professional/graduate schools or job market.
3.
Objective 3:
The
chemistry department will strive to promote research opportunities for both
undergraduate and graduate students exposing students to an essential part of
their chemistry education. To complete
the chemistry education of our majors, it is essential that students be exposed
to research which allows faculty to contribute to their profession and teach
students how to participate in their chosen profession.
Assessment: Quantity of students participating in
research activities.
4.
Objective 4:
The
chemistry department will promote professional growth by encouraging faculty
and students to attend and present research at professional conferences.
Assessment: Quantity of faculty and students attending
professional meeting and presenting results.
5.
Objective 5:
Provide
modern technology that will enhance the chemistry program and teaching
techniques.
Assessment:
Acquisition of instructional and research equipment.
B.
Goal B:
The department will be making an effort to recruit majors. The department wants to increase enrollment and strengthen the chemistry program.
1.
Objective 1:
The
Chemistry Department will promote the newly approved Biochemistry degree in an
effort to attract majors interested in an interdisciplinary career involving
chemistry and biology. We will also
target pre-medical fields as well.
Assessment: Quantity of students declaring Biochemistry
as their major.
2.
Objective 2:
The
Chemistry Department will investigate different ways to recruit/retain majors
to chemistry such as awards banquet, mentor program, phone calls to prospects,
freebies, brochures, PowerPoint presentation, chemistry events on campus.
Assessment: Quantity of students declaring Chemistry as
their major.
3. Objective 3:
The
Chemistry Department will campaign for a new modern chemistry building. The condition of the chemistry building is an
extremely large obstacle to overcome when it comes to recruiting
biochemistry/chemistry majors.
Assessment: Chemistry will develop building proposal with
requirements, sketches, and floor plans.
The administration/BOR will be vocally supporting the campaign.