Coursework
Section 5.1
The curriculum of an approved program provides both a broad background in chemical principles and an in-depth study of chemistry or chemistry-related areas that build on this background. Student learning progresses from beginner to expert knowledge and comprises introductory, foundation, and in-depth experiences. Foundation experiences are designed to provide students with an intellectual framework that covers the breadth of modern chemistry. In-depth experiences are designed to provide students with deeper development of critical thinking and problem-solving.
Critical Requirements
Introductory Courses
Prior to beginning foundation-level coursework, students must have an introductory chemistry experience that addresses basic chemical concepts such as stoichiometry, states of matter, atomic structure, molecular structure and bonding, thermodynamics, equilibria, and kinetics.
- Definition: Foundation courses require an introductory chemistry prerequisite and use textbooks or other specialized materials that are beyond the introductory chemistry experience. Course content and exams should reflect coverage at a higher level than general chemistry.
- Number of courses required: Students must complete at least
- (Semester) 5 one-semester courses of at least 3 credits each.
- (Quarter) 8 one-quarter courses.
- Coverage: The foundation courses must cover all areas of ABIOP,either as stand-alone courses or with content distributed across courses.
- Definition: In-depth courses require a foundation or in-depth course prerequisite.
- Course content and exams include coverage at a higher level than foundation courses, with a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Number of courses required: Students who wish to have a certified degree must take a minimum of
- (Semester) 4 courses that add to at least 12 credits.
- (Quarter) 6 courses that correspond to at least 18 credits.
- Undergraduate research (on or off campus) can satisfy one in-depth course for students who wish to have a certified degree. (See Section 6 - Undergraduate Research for more details).
- Courses in other disciplines with a chemical perspective (atomic/molecular-level perspective, rely on the tools of chemical measurement and analysis, and have a prerequisite of a full year of introductory chemistry) could be considered as an in-depth course.
- Seminar classes cannot count towards foundation or in-depth coursework.
- Lab Courses as In-Depth Courses: For a laboratory course to be considered as one of the four in-depth courses,
- It must represent an advanced laboratory experience that includes the integration of student skills and builds on the foundation laboratory experiences.
- In these courses, students are typically in the laboratory for at least six hours a week.
- A lab associated with a lecture course, even if it has a separate course number, is not considered a separate in-depth course.
Course Frequency
Foundation Courses
- Programs must teach at least
- (Semester) 4 foundation courses each academic year covering 4/5 ABIOP.
- (Quarters) 6 foundation courses each academic year covering 4/5 ABIOP.
- Each foundation course must be taught at least once in any 2-year period. If all foundation courses are not taught within this time frame, then programs must ensure that students can complete the degree in 4 years.
- If one of the foundation courses is taught by faculty outside of chemistry, then the chemistry faculty must teach the other 4 courses.
In-Depth Courses
- Programs must teach
- (Semester): Three, 3-credit, in-depth courses per academic year, exclusive of research.
- (Quarters) Five, 3-credit, in-depth courses, exclusive of research.
- Frequency of in-depth courses must allow students to graduate in 4 years.
- Coverage of synthetic polymers, biological macromolecules, supramolecular aggregates, meso- or nanoscale materials (MSN) must be part of the curriculum, by using either a course dedicated to MSN content or within a distributed model across more than one course. At least two of the four types of systems must be covered.
- In the distributed model, coverage of MSN should constitute a minimum of 15 hours. Coverage of these systems be reasonably balanced.
- Instruction should encompass the preparation, characterization, and physical properties of the systems.
Green Chemistry & Sustainability
The curriculum must provide students with a working knowledge of the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry.
Cognates
- Must complete the equivalent of 2 semesters of math including calculus I and a second math course, such as calculus II, linear algebra, statistics, or data science. The second math course may not be a prerequisite for calculus I.
- Must complete the equivalent of 2 semesters of physics with labs.
Normal Expectations
- The curriculum includes the operation and theory of modern instruments and their use to solve chemical problems.
Foundation Courses
- Five foundation courses are taught each academic year.
- Undergraduate research opportunities are available within the curriculum.
- The curriculum includes two semesters of calculus-based physics with lab.
Green Chemistry & Sustainability
- Case studies are used to demonstrate to students the interplay of chemical, environmental health, regulatory, and business considerations that dictate chemical processes and product design.
Markers of Excellence
- Curriculum includes integrative experiences that require students to synthesize the knowledge and skills introduced across the curriculum. These integrative experiences could be provided in an existing upper-level, designated capstone course (e.g., senior seminar) or distributed among several courses taught in the chemistry department.
- Students have opportunities to develop expertise at the interface of chemistry to help them solve problems that span scientific disciplines.
In-Depth Courses
- A variety of in-depth courses are offered. Some examples could include catalysis, environmental chemistry, green/sustainable chemistry, materials science, or toxicology.
Undergraduate Research
- Mentored opportunities exist for undergraduate students to integrate their knowledge and skills through peer instruction.
Cognate Courses
- The curriculum includes cognate courses beyond the critical requirement expectation.
Green Chemistry & Sustainability
- Students are given the opportunity to assess chemical products and processes and design greener alternatives when appropriate.
- Students understand and can evaluate the environmental, social, and health impacts of a chemical product over the life cycle of the product, from synthesis to disposal.
