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Chemistry Learning Objectives

The following set of objectives is a result of the combined efforts of all of the chemistry departments of the CSU system. They were developed from the view of a student pursuing a bachelor's degree in chemistry. However, they are equally appropriate for students who are taking chemistry courses while pursuing a chemistry related degree. Clicking on the link preceding the goal will open a pop-up window listing the courses wherein the goal is addressed (this same information is available on other pages under different format)


A. Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should demonstrate upon graduation

1.general familiarity with the following areas in chemistry: analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic and physical.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

2.the ability to work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab

3.the ability to use the power of computers in applications in chemistry.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.3 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

4.the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.4 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

5.learned how to think critically and analyze chemical problems.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.5 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 102-Chemistry for the Citizen
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

6.the ability to work in teams as well as independently.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.6 is addressed in the following courses:
Che 450-Biochemistry I
Che 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
Che 452-Biochemistry II
Che 453-Biochemistry II-Lab

7.developed formal (abstract) thinking skills as well as concrete thinking skills.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.7 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 102-Chemistry for the Citizen
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

8.the ability to initiate their career following graduation.

Chemistry Learning Objective A.8 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

B. The preceding objectives can be met by the individual Learning Objectives listed on the next pages and by ongoing programs which encourage:

1.the timely and effective advisement of students.

Chemistry Learning Objective B.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry

2.capstone experiences for students with independent projects strongly encouraged.

Chemistry Learning Objective B.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab

3.opportunities for students and faculty to interact with alumni and with professional chemists.

Chemistry Learning Objective B.3 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab

4.dialogues with colleagues in departments servicing chemistry students.

5.laboratory experiences with up-to-date equipment.

Chemistry Learning Objective B.5 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab

6.the use of modern computing resources involving chemical applications.

Chemistry Learning Objective B.6 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

C. Laboratory Knowledge and Skills

Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

1.the basic analytical and technical skills to work at and technical skills to work effectively in the various fields of chemistry.

Chemistry Learning Objective C.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

2.the ability to perform accurate quantitative measurements with an understanding of the theory and use of contemporary chemical instrumentation,interpret experimental results, perform calculations on these results and draw reasonable, accurate conclusions.

Chemistry Learning Objective C.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

3.the ability to synthesize, separate and characterize compounds using published reactions, protocols, standard laboratory equipment, and modern instrumentation.

Chemistry Learning Objective C.3 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab

4.the ability to use information technology tools such as the Internet and computer-based literature searches as well as printed literature resources to locate and retrieve scientific information needed for laboratory or theoretical work.

Chemistry Learning Objective C.4 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 431-Adv. Integrated Lab I
CHE 433-Adv. Integrated Lab II
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

5.the ability to present scientific and technical information resulting from laboratory experimentation in both written and oral formats.

Chemistry Learning Objective C.5 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 108-Introductory Chemistry
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

6.knowledge and understanding of the issues of safety regulations, ethics and societal issues in the use of chemicals in their laboratory work.

Chemistry Learning Objective C.6 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

D. Computer, Library and Information Skills

Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

1.the ability to make effective use of the library and library and other information resources in chemistry, including

a. finding chemical information utilizing the primary literature.
b. critically and ethically evaluating chemical information.
c. finding and evaluating chemical information utilizing secondary sources such as the Internet.

Chemistry Learning Objective D.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 431-Adv. Integrated Lab I
CHE 433-Adv. Integrated Lab II
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature


2. the ability to make effective use of computers in chemistry applications, including

a. using a computer as a tool in writing, drawing chemical structures and data analysis to communicate scientific information.
b. having a familiarity with the applications of computers in the modeling and simulation of chemical phenomena.
c. having an appreciation of the applications of computers in data acquisition and processing.
d. retrieval of information using library or internet resources.

Chemistry Learning Objective D.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature


E. Oral and Written Communication Skills in Chemistry; Ethics in Chemistry

Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

1. adequate skills in technical writing and oral presentations. [Students must be given the opportunity to practice effective writing and oral communication throughout the chemistry curriculum.]

Chemistry Learning Objective E.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 431-Adv. Integrated Lab I
CHE 433-Adv. Integrated Lab II
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

2. the ability to communicate scientific information in oral and written oral and written formats to both scientists and non scientists.

Chemistry Learning Objective E.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 431-Adv. Integrated Lab I
CHE 433-Adv. Integrated Lab II
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

3. an understanding of current ethical issues in chemistry and be able to apply ethical principles in classes and research.

Chemistry Learning Objective E.3 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 431-Adv. Integrated Lab I
CHE 433-Adv. Integrated Lab II
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 460-Chemical Literature

F. Quantitative Reasoning Skills

Students obtaining a baccalaureate chemistry degree should have upon graduation

1. sufficient quantitative reasoning skills successfully to pursue their career objectives, a related career or further professional training.

Chemistry Learning Objective F.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

2. developed their

a. proficiency in algorithmic and calculation skills.
b. ability accurately to collect and interpret numerical data.
c. ability to solve problems competently using extrapolation, approximation, precision, accuracy, rational estimation and statistical validity.
d. ability to relate theories involving numbers and the practice of the theory.
e. proficiency in the scientific method (formulating hypotheses and arriving at appropriate answers and conclusions)

Chemistry Learning Objective F.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

G. Knowledge of Chemical Principles and Facts; Appreciation for Chemistry as a Discipline

1. developed a mastery of critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills and data analysis skills leading to the ability to the ability to

a. collect and analyze data.
b. apply fundamental chemical principles to gather and explain data.
c.design experiments or model systems to test hypotheses.
d. assess the relative validity of several possible solutions to a problem.

Chemistry Learning Objective G.1 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

2. a working knowledge of chemical principles appropriate to a chemistry degree program

Chemistry Learning Objective G.2 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry

3. a mastery of a broad set of factual chemical knowledge concerning the properties of substances, molecules and atoms.

Chemistry Learning Objective G.3 is addressed in the following courses:
CHE 110-General Chemistry I
CHE 112-General Chemistry II
CHE 230-Analytical Chemistry
CHE 310-Organic Chemistry I
CHE 311-Organic Chemistry I-Lab
CHE 312-Organic Chemistry II
CHE 313-Organic Chemistry II-Lab
CHE 316-Survey of Organic Chemistry
CHE 317-Survey of Organic Chemistry-Lab
CHE 320-Physical Chemistry I
CHE 322-Physical Chemistry II
CHE 420-Computational Methods
CHE 440-Inorganic Chemistry
CHE 450-Biochemistry I
CHE 451-Biochemistry I-Lab
CHE 452-Biochemistry II
CHE 453-Biochemistry II-Lab
CHE 456-Clinical Chemistry
CHE 460-Chemical Literature