Chemistry
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.