Mission Statement and Expected Outcomes

It is the mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to offer degree programs that are designed to prepare the student, through the development of student knowledge and laboratory skills, for post-baccalaureate endeavors through a continuum of traditional pre-requisites offered in an environment that emphasizes faculty-student mentoring.

Expected Outcomes for UT’s Chemistry/Biochemistry Programs

1. Basic Knowledge of Chemistry Concepts
   1. Graduates will possess knowledge essential to a broad understanding of chemistry including:
      • Atomic and molecular structure
      • Stoichiometry of chemical reactions
      • Chemical equilibria, including those involving acids and bases
      • Thermodynamics
      • Kinetics
      • Chemical reactivity and properties of organic and inorganic compounds
      • Precision, accuracy, and related statistics
      • Biochemistry
   2. Students will develop and practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills through their coursework.
   3. Students will develop the ability to study and learn independently.
2. Experiential Learning
   1. Students will develop and demonstrate competence in the use of scientific instrumentation, data collection and interpretation, and experimental design through participation in original research or other experiential learning opportunities.
   2. Students will learn and implement best practices with regard to chemical safety when in the laboratory environment.
   3. Students will be familiar with searching, reading, interpreting, and critically analyzing chemical literature.
   4. Students will develop and practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their experiential activities.
3. Scientific Communication
   1. Students will develop the ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written methods.
   2. Students will write laboratory reports in their coursework and/or research experience using a proper scientific format.
   3. Students will use appropriate tools to give oral presentations of topics from the literature in their coursework and/or from their own research.
4. Appreciation of Professional Responsibility
   1. Students will identify valid scientific information and view critically unscientific information.
   2. Students will pursue reliable sources in making reasoned decisions and ethical choices.
   3. Students will understand how chemistry relates to other disciplines and to society in general.