Chemistry
Faculty
Binyang Hou, PhD
Joseph H. Lechner, PhD
Joyce C. Miller, PhD
Chemistry Program Objectives
The courses and curriculum of the chemistry program are designed to achieve the following student outcomes:
- explain the roles of observations, laws, hypotheses, and experiments in the scientific method of investigation;
- appreciate the strengths and the limitations of science;
- describe currently held views of the structure of matter and explain evidence for them;
- interpret the symbolic nomenclature of chemistry, and use it to describe substances and reactions;
- represent accurately the structure of molecules, on paper, using models, and using computer software;
- account for the physical properties and chemical reactivity of substances based on their structures;
- predict the outcome of a reaction, given the identities of the reactants;
- describe properties, uses, sources, and methods of obtaining important chemical substances used in household, laboratory, industrial, and medical applications;
- reach logical solutions to problems by evaluating information, applying principles, performing calculations, and interpreting results;
- demonstrate the skills of observation, measurement, record keeping, time management, and teamwork in the laboratory;
- perform laboratory work in accordance with accepted safety regulations;
- correctly operate common laboratory instruments and equipment;
- design and execute procedures for identifying, synthesizing or purifying chemical substances;
- evaluate the outcome of an experiment by converting raw data to final results, including analysis of error and uncertainty;
- describe substances and reactions that occur in living organisms;
- effectively communicate the results of a scientific investigation orally and in writing;
- access information about chemical substances and reactions in the professional literature; and
- appreciate the harmony between scientific knowledge and biblical teachings.