Chemistry, B.S., Environmental Chemistry Concentration

Department Contact:

Chair: Dr. Michele Hargittai, mhargittai@francis.edu, 814-472-2775

Program Description:

The Chemistry major follows a curriculum that helps students acquire a strong foundation in basic concepts and principles of modern chemistry while gaining an appreciation of chemistry’s central role in society. All courses are taught and all research is facilitated by faculty members who are generous with their time and knowledge. Students can expect individual attention in their small lecture and laboratory classes. Course work is designed to help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, laboratory, computer, data acquisition and analysis, and research skills needed to be successful in their future endeavors. 

Environmental Chemistry focuses on chemical processes prevalent in the environment. Chemical aspects of the environment include atmospheric chemistry, oceanic chemistry, and the biosphere. Toxicity of chemicals and remediation methods are studied.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Department Learning Objectives

1. Ability to use and read chemical formulas, nomenclature and chemical reactions and to do calculations involving stoichiometry, mixtures, solutions, solubility, and chemical equilibrium
2. Ability to describe and recognize bonding, structure and stereochemistry and to predict organic reactions, mechanisms and synthesis
3. Ability to explain how cells and organisms sense and control their internal environment and respond to change, and how molecular structure dictates function
4. Ability to apply the laws of thermodynamics to evaluate conditions of chemical equilibrium and direction and rates of chemical reactions
5. Ability to describe the chemistry of metallic and nonmetallic elements and their industrial importance and to apply valence bond, molecular orbital theories and group theory in order to understand the properties and chemistry of inorganic complexes
6. Ability to read primary sources (peer reviewed literature) and verbally communicate chemical concepts effectively

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Total Credits Required:

128 credits minimum