Southern’s Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers students a discovery-based education that provides them with a strong foundation as well as the ability to explore numerous sub-disciplines within the field. Students learn on state-of-the-art specialized instrumentation and laboratory equipment. Significant laboratory experience, faculty-mentored research, and small class and laboratory sizes are capstones of this program, which provides graduates with excellent qualifications to be competitive for job placement.
Chemistry 7-12, B.S.
This program equips students with the knowledge and certification they need to teach chemistry at the 7-12 grade level. Currently, there is a very high demand for chemistry teachers nationwide. Graduates also are qualified to pursue other careers in chemistry, should they decide not to pursue teaching.
Accelerated Pathway Option
The B.S./M.S. Chemistry 7-12 Accelerated Pathway program is designed for academically strong students (must maintain a GPA of 3.0) with an interest in teaching at the high school level. A traditional Master's program generally takes about two years to complete, while the B.S./M.S. Chemistry 7-12 Accelerated Pathway program takes only one additional year beyond the B.S. degree to complete. The admitted student proceeds with the usual requirements of a B.S. Chemistry 7-12 degree with a biochemistry concentration, except that they are required to four graduate-level Chemistry courses in their senior year. These four courses comprise 12 of the 30 required M.S. credits. The student would then take the remaining 18 Chemistry graduate credits in their 5th year, obtaining a Master's Degree in Chemistry at the end of that year.
During their junior year, students interested in this program should contact the chemistry graduate coordinator to discuss their interest in the accelerated program. Towards the end of their junior year, students interested in this program will formally apply to the accelerated program via the Selection of degree system program. Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA at this point. Once accepted into the accelerated program, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and apply for early acceptance graduate admission no later than the spring semester of their senior year. Students should contact their faculty advisor and the chemistry graduate coordinator regularly to ensure that they are meeting all requirements for this program. For further information contact: chemistrygrad@southernct.edu.
Learning Outcomes
Each student shall receive the chemical knowledge base required for students graduating with an undergraduate degree that is consistent with the requirements of the accrediting organization, the American Chemical Society.
Learner Outcomes
- 1 a.) Each student will be able to visualize, identify, and describe the composition of the atom and various types of matter
- 1 b.) Each student will be able to describe the relationship between the microscopic, macroscopic, and symbolic representations of matter and its changes.
- 1 c.) Each student will express the role of energy in: the changes of matter, the determination of the chemical structure, and the reactivity of molecules.
- 1 d.) Each student will be able to use quantitative calculations, and qualitative judgments to apply theoretical and mechanistic principles to chemical systems.
- 1 e.) Each student will be able to express and formulate the proper chemical nomenclature, chemical synthesis, and chemical characteristics of inorganic and organic compounds.
Each student shall develop the written and oral communication skills required for proper dissemination of chemical information to colleagues and the public.
Learner Outcomes
- 2 a.) Each student will be able to prepare and produce scientific written communications using the American Chemical Society style and format.
- 2 b.) Each student will demonstrate scientific oral communication skills through poster presentations and seminar discussions.
Each student shall develop the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to acquire, analyze and interpret data.
Learner Outcomes
- 3 a.) Each student will demonstrate a competency and proficiency with experimental skills involved in chemical synthesis, instrumental methods, quantitative measurements and statistical data analysis.
- 3 b.) Each student will be able to apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in the solution of chemical problems.
- 3 c.) Each student will be able to evaluate, examine, and apply chemical content knowledge found in chemical databases, chemical libraries, and chemical journals.
Each student shall become aware of how chemistry affects society and the environment.
Learner Outcomes
- 4 a.) Each student will be able to express the impact that chemistry has on society by demonstrating proper safe handling of chemical compounds and chemical waste according to governmental regulations.
Careers
Chemistry teachers are always in high demand. Teaching Chemistry at the 7-12 level is also an excellent way to shape the future of the field. A student who graduates with the B.S. in Chemistry with 7- 12 teaching certification is also just as qualified to pursue other careers in chemistry, should they decide to not pursue teaching later on in life.
Typical Job Titles
- High School Chemistry Teacher
- Middle School Science Teacher
- Science Curriculum Coordinator
- Educational Program Specialist
- Academic Advisor
- Education Program Manager
- Education Policy Analyst
Accreditation
Accredited by the American Chemical Society.
School / College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
Contact
Sophia Myers