Learning Outcomes | Chemistry

The B.S. outcomes build on the B.A. and the outcomes for the ACS certification build on those of the B.S.

The major program outcomes of the Chemistry Department’s curriculum are:

Students will demonstrate the fundamental concepts of chemistry as appropriate:
a. critical thinking and analysis skills to solve complex chemical problems, e.g., analysis of data, chemical synthesis, spectroscopy, structure and modeling, team-based problem solving.
b. conducting experiments with mastery of appropriate techniques and proficiency using core chemical instrumentation and modeling methods.
Students will demonstrate laboratory skills in chemistry, including proper laboratory notebook and record keeping skills, recognizing hazards, minimizing risks, and safe laboratory practices.
Students will demonstrate the ability to search, understand, and put into use chemical literature as well as general scientific publications.
Students will demonstrate effective communication skills in multiple formats including written work and/or oral presentations.

In addition, Chemistry students also demonstrate these skills and abilities across the various degree tracks that we offer.

Demonstrate understanding of the fundamental concepts of general, organic, inorganic, analytical, biochemistry, and physical chemistry.

- Demonstrate critical thinking and analysis skills to solve complex chemical problems, e.g., analysis of data, synthetic logic, spectroscopy, structure and modeling, team-based problem solving, etc.
- Demonstrate the ability to calculate the physical properties of chemical reagents, predict outcomes of chemical reactions, and perform critical analysis of data.
- Demonstrate an ability to conduct experiments in the above sub-disciplines with mastery of appropriate techniques and proficiency using core chemical instrumentation and modeling methods.

Demonstrate effective communication skills in written communication, poster presentation, oral presentation, and group work.
Demonstrate the ability to search, understand, and put into use primary chemical literature as well as general scientific publications.
Demonstrate good skills in recognizing hazards, minimizing risks, and safe laboratory practices.
Demonstrate proper laboratory notebook and record keeping skills.
Demonstrate the skills necessary to continue their post-graduate pursuits in a variety of disciplines — chemistry, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other fields.
Develop an awareness of the impact of chemistry on the environment and how understanding chemical principles helps them to be knowledgeable world citizens.

Demonstrate knowledge about research skills in chemistry.
Conduct mentored research at PLU or in other appropriate settings.
Demonstrate proper research notebook and record keeping skills.
Communicate the results of the research to a public audience in various formats.

Demonstrate additional knowledge and skills in physical chemistry both lecture and laboratory.
Demonstrate additional knowledge and skills in organic, biochemistry, inorganic, or polymer chemistry
Develop a broad competence with instrumentation including electronics, optics, instrument design, and exposure to multiple instruments.

Develop a firm background in the fundamentals of biology.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in higher level biology and/or chemistry.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of biochemistry.
Demonstrate biochemistry specific laboratory skill
Develop a broad competence with instrumentation including electronics, optics, instrument design, and exposure to multiple instruments.

Updated November 2018