Chemistry B.A.

Division of Science & Mathematics (MDSM) 27UGR Univ of Minnesota Morris 202 - Bachelor of Arts

Program description

Coursework in chemistry is increasingly interdisciplinary and spans analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Students may also pursue a degree in chemistry with a biochemistry subfield or design an interdisciplinary area of concentration encompassing chemistry and related fields. All majors must study beginning physics and calculus. Beginning chemistry courses satisfy the physical sciences component of the general education requirements.

The UMM chemistry program is approved to offer American Chemical Society (ACS) certified degrees. Students who wish to have their degree certified by the ACS may need to complete additional courses or work beyond the program requirements listed below. A complete description of how to complete the ACS requirements at UMM can be found on the discipline web page: https://academics.morris.umn.edu/chemistry-biochemistry

Chemistry and biochemistry majors do hands-on work with chemical instrumentation and use computers in both software and hardware applications. The faculty prides itself on working closely with its students on undergraduate research projects, directed studies, and undergraduate teaching assistantships. In addition, chemistry/biochemistry majors are encouraged to complete summer research internships at university and industrial labs or at other research facilities, locally, and nationally.

Degrees in chemistry/biochemistry, in addition to being an excellent preparation for industrial employment, government service, or secondary teaching, also prepare students for postgraduate work (more than 60% of majors pursue postgraduate work).

Objectives—the chemistry discipline is designed to:

- Serve students from other disciplines requiring knowledge of chemistry.
- Advance student learning in contemporary chemistry/biochemistry at a level appropriate to undergraduates.
- Advance student competence in research in chemistry/biochemistry.
- Advance student proficiency in green chemistry competencies.
- Prepare students for postgraduate work in a variety of fields and/or for careers in industrial or clinical settings or for careers in secondary education.
- Prepare students for professional programs such as medicine, pharmacy, veterinary medicine, dentistry, and physician assistant.

Learning Outcomes—The curriculum is designed to ensure that students are able to:

- Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of chemistry, including the principles of green chemistry.
- Solve problems using critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills including the integration of knowledge from other disciplines.
- Identify the objective of an experiment, conduct experiments using appropriate techniques and equipment, interpret the results, discuss the data, and draw conclusions.
- Communicate concepts and results effectively (oral and written), including interpersonal communication.
- Locate and understand literature (especially primary literature) in chemistry and scientific publications.
- Recognize hazards, conduct experiments in a safe, ethical, and sustainable manner, consider greener laboratory alternatives, and manage chemicals, inc.

Program last updated

Fall 2024