Concentration - Chemistry
Chemistry is an interdisciplinary subject based on physics and mathematics. Course
work at the advanced and upper division levels in chemistry is divided into five sub-areas
of the field: Organic, Inorganic, Physical, Analytical, and Biochemistry. Students
wishing to pursue graduate work in chemistry should have a minimum of two courses
in organic, physical, and analytical chemistry and at least one course in inorganic
or biochemistry. Analytical chemistry should include a course in instrumentation with
a laboratory. These requirements exceed the Charter Oak concentration requirements,
but are strongly suggested for students planning graduate study in Chemistry. This
concentration requires minimum of 39 credits.
Concentration Requirements:
| Requirement |
Credits |
| Introductory Chemistry with laboratory |
8 credits |
| Organic Chemistry with laboratory (not upper level) |
8 credits |
| Inorganic Chemistry with/without laboratory |
3 or 4 credits |
| Physical Chemistry with/without laboratory |
3 or 4 credits |
| Instrumental Analysis |
4 credits |
| Calculus |
6 to 8 credits |
| Physics |
4 credits |
| Capstone - CHE 499 (Culminating course in concentration) |
3 credits |
| TOTAL |
39 |
Notes:Only grades of C of higher may be included in the concentration. At least one upper
level course in addition to instrumentation must include a laboratory (physical, inorganic,
advanced organic or biochemistry. An optional method of establishing a Chemistry concentration:
The GRE Subject Test in Chemistry evaluated at 24 credits (15 lower, 9 upper), plus
at least 12 additional credits. Because the GRE does not include a laboratory component,
students who use this option are required to complete two upper level laboratory courses;
at least one these should be a laboratory course in instrumentation unless the student
meets this outcome through job experience, plus the 3 credit capstone.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a concentration in Chemistry will be able to:
- demonstrate thorough knowledge of general and organic chemistry, calculus, and physics
to support upper level courses;
- demonstrate upper level knowledge in at least three of the five areas of chemistry
to provide a broad understanding of the fields;
- demonstrate laboratory skills in at least two different upper division areas of chemistry,
in addition to those in basic organic chemistry;
- demonstrate skills in instrumentation;
- utilize information literacy skills to find and read articles in chemical literature;
- demonstrate skills in technical writing and oral communication through lab reports,
research papers, and oral presentations of their work; and
- apply ethical principles in implementing decisions.
