About Chemistry Major

Mission Statement:

The chemistry major at Ramapo College educates students with a solid Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. This vigorous degree program is certified by American Chemical Society, demonstrating that its graduates have been thoroughly prepared for graduate school, or for entering the work force directly as chemists in industrial, government or university laboratories. The historical and cultural impact of chemistry is, by its very nature, an international and intercultural subject. The interdisciplinary nature of chemistry is such that it includes and overlaps with several other disciplines, such as physics, mathematics, biology, bioinformatics and environmental science. Experiential learning is a highlight of our program, and the vast majority of our courses include a laboratory component.

Program Goals (for the major)

Graduates should be able to: 

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of chemistry and proficiency in chemical laboratory techniques and methods
2. Communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing
3. Search for, comprehend and critically evaluate scientific literature
4. Formulate and carry out strategies for solving scientific problems
5. Understand the principles and applications of modern instrumentation, experimental design and data analysis
6. Undertake an undergraduate research project with a chemistry faculty member 

Student Learning Outcomes (for the major)

Graduates will be able to: 

1. Graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree from an American Chemical Society accredited program
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry and its applications on written exams, assignments and reports [all courses]
3. Write comprehensive laboratory reports that follow ACS guidelines for publishing academic material [all courses]
4. Perform complicated ‘hands-on’ experimental procedures and have a working knowledge of modern instrumentation commonly used in industrial and university laboratories [CHEM 323, 341,343,426,424]
5. Demonstrate their ability to comprehend, evaluate and present scientific literature through oral presentations and written reports [CHEM 323, 340,342 ,424, 450]
6. Design and conduct original research, and present the results in a scientific poster and/or oral presentation, both internally and at ACS sponsored regional chemistry symposia [CHEM 400]

Program Assessment Methods 

Portfolios

• Track students through the major, and assess the effectiveness of the learning outcomes
• Portfolio contains: self assessment by the student, at least one lab report from each lab course, grades, sample presentations and papers, research materials, other chemistry related materials such as summer job/co-op information
• Track the number of students going on to graduate school or directly entering the work place as working chemists 

Research Project

• CHEM 400: IS-TAS Honors Research. Students complete a two-semester research project with a chemistry faculty member, and present their results at internal and external research symposia

 Recommended Science Course Sequence for Chemistry Majors with ACS Certification

• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Lecture/Lab (CHEM 443) is required for ACS certification and is scheduled every other year in the spring semester

Other Chemistry Electives: 

Materials Science (CHEM 345), Quantum Chemistry (PHYS 423), Advanced Organic Chemistry (CHEM 421), Experimental Biochemistry Lab (CHEM 426), Special Topics (CHEM 450), Chemical Research / TAS Research Honors (CHEM 448 or CHEM 400), Co-op Chemistry  (CHEM 388), Independent Study (CHEM 400) 

**The Instrumental Analysis (CHEM 424) capstone course is designed to draw from and build on content and skills learned during a student’s progression through the major. The course includes both a lecture and laboratory component, with a significant writing component. In undertaking this course, students will demonstrate: a thorough understanding of the relevant chemistry material, an ability to apply problem-solving strategies, expertise in laboratory procedures and instrumentation, written communication skills. prerequisite: 300-level Physical Chemistry Courses