Chemical Methods (A.S.)

Program: A.S.
Department of Chemistry
College of Arts and Sciences

Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289 ~ ipfw.edu/chemistry

The student learning outcomes for the degree are as follows: 

•  Mathematical and quantitative reasoning
  Students will be able to analyze, synthesize, and comprehend experimental and computational data describing the physical universe.

• Classical and instrumental laboratory techniques: both analytical and synthetic
  Students will learn precise measuring techniques as well as careful and meticulous record keeping.  They will master the use of a variety of modern instruments and will become proficient in fundamental organic synthetic methods.

• Individual and collaborative problem-solving
  The student will develop independent problem-solving skills as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a term environment.

• Summary of key concepts
  In the teaching of Chemistry from the point-of-view of various sub-disciplines, the following concepts form the core course content.  It should be noted that courses offered by the IPFW Department of Chemistry will include, but are not simply limited to, the following points of emphasis:

• Analytical Chemistry
  – Analytical methods (classical and instrumental)
  – Sensitivity and detection limits
  – Statistical treatment of data 

•  General Chemistry
  –  Semi-quantitative microscopic model of the physical universe based on macroscopic observations
  – Terminology
  – Periodic relationships
  – Elementary computational skills
  – Introductory laboratory skills

•  Organic Chemistry
  – Chemical bonding and structure including valence bond and molecular orbital theories
  – Reactivity, reaction mechanisms, and properties of the important functional groups
  – Synthesis
  – Spectroscopic determination of structure
  – Material science and bio-organic chemistry 

The Associate of Science with a major in chemical methods program helps you prepare for a career as a chemical technician. Many industries have found it desirable to employ persons with a basic knowledge of chemistry. Such industries may be concerned with implementing or monitoring safe waste-disposal procedures, conducting standardized testing that uses routine chemical procedures, observing and measuring properties of materials following some type of compounding procedure, or recording data and making calculations that require some knowledge of chemistry. The A.S. with the major in chemical methods is a technical degree designed to meet such needs and is not recommended for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s program.

To earn the A.S. with a major in chemical methods, you must fulfill the requirements of IPFW (see Part 8 ) and complete the following courses. In addition, you must earn a grade of C or higher for each of the chemistry core courses.