The chemistry major and minor programs are designed to prepare students for: (1) graduate work in chemistry; (2) admission to medical, dental, pharmacy and veterinary schools; (3) employment in laboratory oriented positions in government and industry; and (4) teaching secondary school chemistry, provided teaching certification requirements of the School of Education are fulfilled. The chemistry program also provides course offerings in chemistry required by major programs in agriculture, biology, engineering, nursing and other health-related sciences. Chemistry Majors must have a “C” or better in all courses required of the major.” It is recommended that chemistry majors planning to pursue graduate work in chemistry complete one year of a modern language, (French, German or Russian). Courses in applied mathematics and computer science and as many upper division courses in chemistry and physics as the student’s schedule will permit are also highly recommended.

It is very important for new and transfer students who elect chemistry as a major to contact the chemistry major program advisor for advisement immediately after declaring this major.

BS Chemistry goals/objectives include the following:

1. GOAL 1: Demonstrate the knowledge of fundamental concepts of chemistry and its relevance to the scientific method and other fields in science with the following objectives:
   1. Students should be able to explain the scientific method and relate its application to chemical discoveries.
   2. Students will able to define the states and structure of matter and relate these to physical and chemical properties.
   3. Students should be able to define chemistry and state its relevance to other sciences and everyday experience.
   4. Students should be able to apply the fundamental concepts of elements and compounds and their reactivity to solve chemically based problems.
2. GOAL 2: Demonstrate the skills to make observations, experimentation, collect and collate data, analyze and interpret data in a safe chemical environment with the following objectives:
   1. Students will be able to independently perform accurate quantitative measurements, interpret experimental results, perform calculations on these results and draw a reasonable, accurate conclusion.
   2. Students will synthesize, isolate, purify and characterize a series of compounds using modern methods.
   3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of proper use of modern instrumental techniques.
   4. Students will be able to design an experimental procedure.
   5. Students will observe safe practices in the laboratory and will know how to respond in an emergency. Students will learn to gather hazardous materials information and will recognize and respond properly to potential hazards of handling chemicals and chemical waste.
3. GOAL 3: Demonstrate the ability to clearly articulate, formulate, and communicate scientific information using computer, written and oral communication skills with the following objectives:
   1. Students will communicate critical analysis of scientific information through written reports and laboratory notebooks.
   2. Students will effectively communicate scientific information through oral presentations.
   3. Students will use computer technology to gather, process, analyze, and present chemical data.
   4. Students will use chemical literature and computer resources to gather research information
4. GOAL 4: Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving skills and the ability to use chemical knowledge and mathematical skills to identify, evaluate, analyze, synthesize, and integrate data and abstract ideas in solving problems with the following objectives:
   1. Students should be able to describe the structure & composition of matter.
   2. Students should be able to solve qualitative & quantitative problems.
   3. Students should be able to apply theoretical and mechanistic principles to the study of chemical systems using quantitative and qualitative approaches.
   4. Students should be able to explain the role of energy in determining the structure and reactivity of matter.
   5. Students should be able to apply theoretical knowledge and chemical information to industry and everyday experience.
5. GOAL 5: Demonstrate the knowledge and skills in advanced instrumentation, applications, interpretation, and experimental design to address scientific queries in chemistry, industry, the environment, health, and related fields with the following objectives:
   1. Students should be able to use modern analytical instrumentations.
   2. Students should be able to interpret data and relate these to chemical structure and properties.
   3. Students should be able to relate the application of instrumentation to industries.
   4. Students should be able to develop an appreciation of the wide range of instrumental methods, their applications, and limitations.
6. GOAL 6: Demonstrate a sense of exploration and research approach that enables students to pursue lifelong learning in chemistry with the following objectives:
   1. Students will use chemical literature and computer resources to gather research information.
   2. Students should be able to critically evaluate scientific information.
   3. Students should be able to develop research project & design experimental approach.
7. GOAL 7: Demonstrate interaction skills and teamwork with the following objectives:
   1. Students should be able to work cooperatively in problem solving exercise.
   2. Students should be able to exercise leadership skills in teamwork.
   3. Students should demonstrate adequate interpersonal communication skills.