PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Chemistry
Chemistry
Brett Bodsgard, Ph.D., Chair
The department of chemistry sees its focus as providing students with the liberal arts background and
comprehensive chemical education necessary to succeed in graduate or professional school or in entrylevel
careers in the chemical sciences. Chemistry, a basic science, contributes to the general objectives
of a liberal arts education both through its content and through the skills and dispositions that it
imparts to students. The fundamental principles of chemistry constitute some of the most important
underlying concepts for understanding the physical and biological behavior of nature. Hence, some
knowledge of chemistry is a prime requisite for anyone who is to be considered liberally educated.
General Department Goals
Students:
• Demonstrate their understanding of the fundamental chemical principles and concepts by applying
them to the solution of unfamiliar chemical situations and exercises;
• Predict the products of chemical reactions, propose reagents to transform one compound into
another, draw reaction mechanisms, name compounds and interpret spectral data for the purpose of
structural determination;
• Solve practical chemical problems by gathering pertinent information, applying chemical concepts
where appropriate and calculating and interpreting numerical results;
• Work as a team to design laboratory approaches to solving chemical problems, use the chosen methodologies
to obtain meaningful data, and present satisfactory qualitative and quantitative solutions
to the problems;
• Design and implement an original research project that includes an effective survey of the chemical
literature as well as their own independent experimental or theoretical work; and
• Effectively communicate the results of their original research in a formal written report and/or oral
presentation.
The department believes that active learning, self-directed learning, and group learning are all valid
approaches to accomplish the above outcomes. As a consequence, the courses designed by the
department rely heavily on guided-inquiry methods, laboratory projects, and research, with constant
stress on written and oral communication. Our general belief is that students learn better by doing.
Chemistry students can be involved in the activities of the department, especially through the Saint
Mary’s University Chemistry Club. The Chemistry Club has been a student affiliate chapter of the
American Chemical Society since 1947. The club sponsors speakers, field trips, fund raisers, educational
programs, and social events. The members are also involved in promoting National Chemistry Week in
the fall of each year.
Majors Offered:
Biochemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry Science Education
Minor Offered:
Chemistry
Chemistry Core:
All of the following (either M148 & M149 or M151):
C131 General Chemistry I
C133 General Chemistry I Laboratory
C142 General Chemistry II
C144 General Chemistry II Laboratory
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