BS in Environmental Geology and Chemistry

Key general objectives are the development of qualitative and quantitative problem-solving skills and effective communication skills. Specific learning objectives for the chemistry major include developing conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities in the fundamental chemical subfields of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry; gaining a foundation of physics and mathematics and integrating these areas with chemical principles; performing quantitative measurements; synthesizing and characterizing compounds; learning proper laboratory practices, including safety; developing proficiency with modern instruments and computers for data acquisition and analysis; and learning the relevance of chemistry to biology, pharmacology, medicine, manufactured and natural materials, and the environment. Most of our chemistry majors participate in the cooperative education program and thereby gain invaluable professional experience to augment their classroom and laboratory work. Not only does that experience add immensely to the overall education received, it also has the potential to provide contacts and references for later employment or graduate school admissions. Chemistry majors also undertake a research project for at least one semester under the supervision of a faculty member. Sufficient electives are available in the program either to take more advanced courses or research within the department or to add courses in an area of special interest, such as criminal justice in the case of an interest in forensic science.