91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ

Chemistry Department

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the chemistry major a student will be able to:

  • analyze, critique, and evaluate existing scholarship.
  • choose and define a research topic from the major field, and independently investigate that topic with the support of an advisor.
  • carefully design and execute experimental or theoretical approaches appropriate to the research topic, while adhering to relevant laboratory safety protocols.
  • accurately collect experimental data or assemble data sets from appropriate sources, and rigorously evaluate the data using appropriate analytical or theoretical techniques.
  • integrate experimental results with existing knowledge to produce original work in a well-written, referenced and thorough document.
  • present, discuss and defend research orally, couching results in the context of accepted chemical models and existing research literature.

The primary assessment tool for learning in the major at 91²ÝÝ®ÊÓƵ and the level of student achievement in these areas, is the senior thesis; the junior qualifying examination serves as the secondary assessment tool. See more information on the thesis and on the junior qualifying exam.