Chemistry and Physics

Allen Price, Ph.D. Chair

Chemistry is the basic science that deals with the composition and transformation of matter. Scientific, medical and technological phenomena ultimately are understood in terms of molecular structure and interactions. Chemistry is often referred to as the central science, and a clear understanding of chemistry is essential for all branches of the natural and physical sciences.

Knowledge of chemistry is also useful in such fields as law, government, business and art. Many aspects of our hightechnology society can be understood better from the viewpoint of chemistry. The chemistry department is equipped with modern instrumentation and computer technology that are used intensively in laboratory courses and student-directed research.

Recognizing the value of an individual research experience, we encourage our students to participate in research projects with the faculty. Summer research opportunities are also available. Internships can be designed to match individual backgrounds and interests. The chemistry program prepares students for graduate study and professional careers in education, academic research, industry and engineering. A major in the chemistry program is also an excellent choice for students in the health sciences and preprofessional programs, including medicine, dentistry, law and pharmacy.

The department is proud to offer a B.S. degree in Chemistry that is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). This is a rigorous degree that meets the national

standards set forth by the ACS and prepares students well for advanced study and professional careers.

LEARNING GOALS AND OUTCOMES

At the completion of the Chemistry degree, the student will be able to: • Apply knowledge of the sub-disciplines of chemistry including analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry • Develop testable chemical hypotheses, design and execute experiments to test the hypotheses, analyze the data and draw meaningful conclusions. • Effectively communicate chemical knowledge and research to general and specialized audiences. • Execute chemical literature searches to assess experimental design, results and conclusions in scientific scholarly articles. • Utilize laboratory skills of experimental design, chemical synthesis, purification, data and error analysis and computational analysis with full regard to safe laboratory practices. • Follow a high standard of ethics in regard to the scientific method.

THE CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE

The culminating experience for all chemistry majors is the Internship in Chemistry course (CHEM 4194). This course is completed in the fall semester of the student’s final year of study. In order to begin the capstone seminar students must have successfully completed the Seminar in Chemistry course (CHEM 3160). During the capstone course, students write and present a scientific