Learning Objectives: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry

Students who earn the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Chemistry will be appropriately competent in: core topics in chemistry, the language of chemistry, and an appropriate selection of the following laboratory skills and advanced studies.

Core Topics:

• atomic and molecular structure and chemical bonding
• equilibria and stoichiometry
• thermochemistry 
• periodic relationships
• thermodynamics
• chemical dynamics
• quantum mechanics and spectroscopy
• recognition, structure, and reactivity of the major organic functional groups

Language of Chemistry:

• verbal, written, numerical and graphical communication of chemical concepts
• use of the chemical literature
• knowledge of the research process

Laboratory Skills:

• data organization and analysis
• use of analytical instrumentation
• volumetric and gravimetric analytical theory and practice
• techniques in biotechnology
• synthesis and characterization of organic compounds by physical and instrumental methods

Advanced Studies:

• analytical instrumentation theory and application
• advanced inorganic chemistry,
• advanced organic chemistry
• biochemistry: biological molecules and metabolism

Assessment of Learning Objectives

Students who earn the B.A. degree will have demonstrated their attainment of the specific objectives by appropriate scores on the current American Chemical Society (ACS) Exams for (1) General Chemistry and (2) Organic Chemistry. The passing score will be at or above the 40^th percentile of the national norms for these exams or at an appropriate level, as determined by the Department of Chemistry, based on the accumulated data of the performance of LaGrange College students on these exams. The results that are in the best interest of the students will be used. These exams will be given at the end of the appropriate courses and will be offered to students up to three (3) additional times prior to the time of the student’s scheduled graduation. The student must attempt a retest at least once a semester until successful completion of the exam. In the event that a student needs to repeat an exam for the second, third, or final time, evidence of preparation must be presented. Reexamination cannot be scheduled earlier than two (2) weeks following a previous examination.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Chemistry

Students earn these competencies by pursuing the following Bachelor of Arts curriculum in Chemistry:

Chemistry electives are normally 3000 or 4000 level classes in chemistry, but coursework outside of the chemistry may be substituted with approval of the major’s chemistry advisor.  

Required supporting courses include the following:

            PHYS 1101, 1102 or 2121, 2122                               8 semester hours

            MATH 2105                                                               4 semester hours

            Total: 44-46 semester hours

The scheduling of the courses for the B.A. in Chemistry can be somewhat flexible. Students are urged to seek advisement from a faculty member in the chemistry program prior to or early in their first semester.    The following are possible sequences to fulfill the requirements for the major:

Junior- and senior-year sequence depends on which years Analytical Chemistry (CHEM2251) and Elements of Physical Chemistry (CHEM3311) are being offered.

Students may substitute CHEM3301 and CHEM3302 (Physical Chemistry) for CHEM3311 (Elements of Physical Chemistry) and one upper level elective.  

Pre-Professional Students should meet with the appropriate Pre-Professional Advisor as well as a faculty member of the Chemistry Program to plan their schedules.