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/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 appropriate equations 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/physical properties of the system
Goal #4 Students will be able to evaluate and interpret chemical studies (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 and 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 interactions between the themes of the course with other disciplines and/or the world around us