Learning Objectives: Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry

Students who earn the B.S. 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.S. degree will have demonstrated their attainment of the specific objectives by appropriate scores on the current American Chemical Society (ACS) Examinations on the following three (3) topics: General, Organic, and Physical. The students will additionally attain an appropriate score from one (1) of the following examinations: Analytical, Instrumental, Inorganic, or Biochemistry. 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 Science Degree in Chemistry

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

Additionally, a research experience is required. This should be taken between the junior and senior years or during the first semester or January Term of the senior year. This may be accomplished on campus, in industry, or in a research university summer program. Students may elect to earn CHEM 4900 credit for this required activity.

Supporting required courses include the following:

Total: 56 semester hours + research experience

Students are urged to seek advisement from a faculty member in the chemistry program prior to or early in their first semester.  The scheduling of the B.S. curriculum is important, as the Physical Chemistry sequence (CHEM 3301and 3302) alternates years with Analytical Chemistry (CHEM 2251) and Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 4451). To be prepared to take the Physical Chemistry sequence, students should take Calculus during the first year and Physics during the sophomore year. It is highly recommended that students take General Chemistry during their first year. The following would be typical sequences of courses for the B.S. Chemistry degree: