Learning Outcomes

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal #1 Students will have knowledge and understanding of the theoretical basis of chemistry.

  • Be able to connect observations with prior information: prediction of chemical reaction products
  • Explain the physical properties of substances based on an understanding of atomic and molecular structure
  • Be able to organize relevant data for analysis by applying appropriate theories and/or mathematical relationships.

Goal #2 Students will demonstrate competency in laboratory work.

  • Be able to explain the purpose of the steps in a laboratory procedure
  • Design and modify experimental procedure(s) that is/are appropriate to the goal(s) of an investigation
  • Identify, collect and organize, analyze, and interpret experimental data and any associated experimental errors.
  • Formulate an explanation of observations and apply theories to illustrate how observations can be understood
  • Use standard laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and chemicals properly and safely in a laboratory setting.

Goal #3 Students will be able to apply quantitative reasoning skills and critical thinking to problem solving

  • Apply an appropriate equation(s) to complete quantitative calculations with the correct number of significant figures and units and be able to explain the validity of the results.
  • Draw conclusions from quantitative values and correlate quantitative results to chemical and/or physical properties of the system.

Goal #4 Students will be able to evaluate and interpret chemical students (i.e., published work); present summaries and conclusions, in writing and/or orally, to people in and out of the field of chemistry.

  • Locate relevant literature, assess significance of source material
  • Organize a clear, concise report in a format chosen by the instructor
  • Evaluate the conclusions of scientific investigations performed by others
  • Identify and discuss a interaction between the theme(s) of the course with another discipline(s) and/or the world around us.