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B.S. in Chemistry

The Chemistry Program at LAU provides a high quality education, to satisfy all the required courses, for a solid Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, covering the main chemistry disciplines, (analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical) as well as satisfying the basic chemical information needed in the other scientific programs, within the framework of a liberal arts program. Chemistry is also the “Central Discipline” needed in science oriented programs: science education, engineering, pharmacy, biology and pre-medicine. The Chemistry Program is designed to prepare students for careers in chemical industry, medical and scientific laboratories, and the education sectors. In addition, it will allow B.S. holders to pursue their Graduate study in any chemistry discipline, chemical engineering, medicine or other health professions, and environmental science.

Mission

The Mission of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Program is to provide students with a rigorous education in the fundamental areas of chemistry. The Program offers theoretical, and practical, knowledge in chemistry, within the context of a liberal arts program, which will graduate well-rounded individuals who are prepared for careers in Chemistry, and/or Graduate studies, and who are conscious of their role as responsible citizens.

Educational Objectives

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is to:

1. Provide students with a sound education in the fundamental concepts and practice of chemistry.
2. Offer a variety of courses (theoretical and experimental) to cover the fundamental areas of chemistry (analytical, organic, inorganic and physical).
3. Provide the necessary service courses for other departments that require chemistry, as an integral part of their curriculum.
4. Provide students with the ability to work effectively, and safely, in a laboratory environment.
5. Provide students with sound management knowledge of the safe handling of chemicals, and hazardous material.
6. Provide students access to advance the modern instrumental, and analytical, techniques and applications.
7. Provide basic research methodology, data analysis, and interpretation.
8. Provide students with the ability to use computer technology for chemistry applications.
9. Provide students with the ability to work independently, as well as in groups.
10. Provide students with “on-site-application” of their knowledge, through a local internship (industry, hospitals and technical labs).
11. Prepare students for the job markets (locally and abroad) in: education, industry, hospitals, and governmental and environmental sectors.
12. Prepare students for postgraduate study in chemistry, chemical engineering, and medicine, as well as related sciences.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates in the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry will:

1. Show acquisition of major concepts, theoretical principles, and experimental findings in chemistry.
2. Demonstrate a general familiarity, and understanding, of the following areas in chemistry: analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical.
3. Demonstrate the acquisition of adequate knowledge of the basic principles in mathematics, statistics, and physics required for understanding chemistry.
4. Show a proficiency in chemistry laboratory techniques: a) following and understanding laboratory practice guidelines, b) performing chemical analysis, c) performing chemical synthesis and identification, d) understanding and using modern chemical instrumentation, e) handling chemicals safely and f) understanding the hazards of chemical manipulations.
5. Develop problem-solving and critical thinking abilities in chemistry, and other supporting fields.
6. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the basic research methodologies, analysis, and interpretations of scientific data.
7. Gain the ability to make effective use of computer technology in chemistry applications: writing reports, drawing chemical structures, chemical modeling and simulation, database mining and data analysis.
8. Learn the importance of information technology (Internet, computer based literature search), as well as printed literature resources to access the scientific information needed for the theoretical and laboratory work.
9. Have the ability to communicate, clearly, scientific information, both verbally and in writing.
10. Learn to work effectively, and responsibly, as an individual and as a member in a team.
11. Learn the ethics of chemistry, and its impacts on social and environmental issues.
12. Be ready to join any career related to chemistry, or analogous fields, or to choose graduate and professional studies.
13. Gain the knowledge relevant to life experience, through their involvements in field analysis, internship, and community service programs.

Students interested in the Bachelor of Science Chemistry Major must complete the following requirements.

Chemistry requirements (41 credits)

Other Requirements

Mathematics & Computer Science Requirements (9 credits)

Physics requirements (7 credits)

Free Electives (5 credits)