Chemistry (B.S.)

Program Overview

La Salle University's Chemistry (B.S.) program provides a comprehensive education in chemistry, preparing students for careers in scientific fields. The program emphasizes intellectual, experimental, and communication skills, fostering lifelong learning and ethical responsibility. Students engage in research projects, gain hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation, and pursue careers in various industries, including research, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.

Program Outline

Program:

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The Chemistry (B.S.)
program at La Salle University provides students with a broad-based and rigorous education in chemistry, preparing them for careers in various scientific fields.
• Objectives:
• Equip students with the intellectual, experimental, and communication skills necessary for success as scientific professionals.
• Foster a community of curious and knowledgeable lifelong learners.
• Emphasize the ethical responsibility of scientific inquiry towards society.
• Description:
• The program is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS), signifying its high quality and effectiveness.
• Students are encouraged to pursue independent research projects, engaging in diverse areas like renewable energy, environmental remediation, and drug synthesis.
• Research opportunities include presentations at conferences like the National Meetings of the American Chemical Society.
• Students gain hands-on experience with advanced chemical instrumentation, enhancing their future career prospects.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics in chemistry, including:
• Organic chemistry
• Inorganic chemistry
• Physical chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Thermodynamics and kinetics
• Research methods
• Structure: The program consists of 120 credit hours distributed across various courses, labs, and research experiences.
• Course Schedule: The program follows a traditional semester system, with courses offered in Fall and Spring semesters.
• Modules:
• Organic Chemistry (CHM 201):
Covers structure, bonding, reactions, and synthesis of organic compounds.
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry (CHM 403): Explores theoretical and practical aspects of chemical bonding, periodic trends, molecular structure, and coordination chemistry.
• Thermodynamics and Kinetics (CHM 331): Applies thermodynamic and kinetic principles to explain the behavior of various states of matter and solutions, including reaction mechanisms.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods:
• Exams
• Quizzes
• Assignments
• Research projects
• Presentations
• Assessment Criteria:
• Understanding of key concepts
• Ability to apply knowledge to solve problems
• Communication skills
• Research skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods:
• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on laboratory experiments
• Research opportunities
• Small class sizes for personalized attention
• Faculty:
• The program has a dedicated team of experienced and passionate faculty members with expertise in various areas of chemistry.
• Unique Approaches:
• The program emphasizes a strong foundation in scientific principles alongside a broad-based liberal arts education.
• Students are encouraged to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective communicators.

Careers:

• Career Opportunities: Graduates of the program pursue careers in various fields, including:
• Research scientist
• Pharmaceutical scientist
• Environmental scientist
• Forensic scientist
• Educator
• Quality control analyst
• Government science policy
• Physician
• Physician's assistant
• Projected Job Growth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chemists and materials scientists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
• Average Salary: The median annual wage for chemists was $79,430 in May 2021.

Other:

• The program is housed within La Salle University's School of Arts and Sciences.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
• The program emphasizes research opportunities and encourages students to participate in presentations at conferences.
• Graduates are well-prepared for further studies in graduate and professional programs.