2007-2008 Catalog (PDF) - Colorado State University-Pueblo

CSU-Pueblo
The chemistry department strives to provide intellectual
and professional training for students in the field of
chemistry and in support of the American Chemical
Society charter “to encourage in the broadest and
most liberal manner the advancement of chemistry in
all its branches; the promotion of research in chemical
science and industry, the improvement of the qualifications
and usefulness of chemists through high
standards of education to promote scientific interests
and inquiry.”
Chemistry is a foundation science for many professions.
Graduates with degrees in chemistry find
employment in such diverse areas as biotechnology,
health sciences, forensic science, agricultural and
environmental fields, transportation industries, the
semi-conductor industry, teaching and research.
Consequently, the chemistry department provides
students with a number of diverse programs to assure
each student versatility and a sound education in the
fundamental areas of modern chemistry.
In addition to curricula for students who wish to pursue
chemistry as a profession, programs can be designed
for pre-professional areas including pre-pharmacy, premedicine,
pre-dentistry and pre-veterinary medicine.
A core curriculum for the major exists and many
emphasis areas are open to students to combine other
interests with a major in chemistry. For example, while
medical schools do not mandate any particular major
for entering students, biology and chemistry have been
the leading majors of students entering medical
school. The requirements for a pre-medicine/chemistry
major are the same as for the chemistry major
emphasis.
Additionally, the student must complete specific
courses required by the medical schools to which they
are applying. It is recommended that pre-medical and
other pre-professional students coordinate the
program with the appropriate pre-professional advisor,
as well as the chemistry advisor, to assure that specific
course requirements are completed.
Program Goals
• To prepare graduates in the discipline of chemistry
to become productive members of the
profession whether they go on to industry, postgraduate
education or other areas.
• To prepare students in the verbal, written and
quantitative skills that are prerequisite to advanced
study or careers in chemistry.
• To prepare students in the theoretical principals of
chemistry as well as in the laboratory approach to
problem solving.
• To maintain approval of the chemistry curriculum
as defined by the American Chemical Society,
Committee on Professional Training.
• To provide the opportunity for a variety of
educational programs through the following:
1) Basic Chemistry
2) ACS Certified Curriculum
3) Biochemistry
4) Forensic Science
5) Chemistry/Teacher Certification
6) Double Major
7) Chemistry Minor
8) Forensic Science Minor
Expected Student Outcomes
General Requirements
• Students majoring or minoring in chemistry are
required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or
better in their chemistry courses. In addition,
students majoring or minoring in chemistry must
receive a grade of “C” or better in all core
chemistry courses.
• Proficiency in physics, math and computer science
is essential for understanding and applying
chemical principles; therefore, graduates must
complete approved math and physics courses
with an overall GPA of 2.000 or better.
• The ability to think across disciplines contributes
significantly to the educational experience as well
as the application of chemistry as a profession;
therefore, graduates must successfully complete
an approved minor or area of concentration such
that the overall GPA is 2.000 or better.
• Transfer students are required to earn a minimum
of 20 semester credit hours in approved chemistry
courses from CSU-Pueblo for graduation with a
BS degree in chemistry. Transfer students wishing
to minor in chemistry must earn a minimum of 10
of the 20 credit hours required at CSU-Pueblo.
• Students will be required to successfully complete
American Chemical Society exams in general
chemistry, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry,
physical chemistry and instrumental methods
during the course of the chemistry degree
curriculum.
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