Chemistry (Physical Science, B.S.) ACS Certified

Program: Chemistry ASC Certified Major
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry  
College of Science

Science Building 496 ~ 260-481-6289

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This Bachelor of Science in Physical Science with a major in Chemistry degree includes ACS courses helps you prepare for graduate study in chemistry and chemistry-related careers in industry or government.

Providing the best preparation for any career involving chemical research, this program fulfills recommendations of the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society (ACS), and graduates are certified as having fulfilled its requirements.

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BS Physical Sciences Degree Learning Outcomes (DLO):

Acquisition of Knowledge
Students will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for the physical sciences related to their majors.

Application of Knowledge and Critical Thinking
Students will develop a scientific habit of mind, which includes integration of knowledge to (i) devise experiments and create models, accounting for applicable protocols, (ii) identify, define, and solve problems, (iii) form arguments and display motivation for scientific investigations, and (iv) analyze data and draw conclusions. 

Communication
Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and effectively to both scientific and non-scientific audiences through various formats, including written reports, oral/poster presentations, and informal and formal discussions and reviews.

Community
Students will demonstrate the ability to work effectively in teams, act as socially responsible professionals aware of science’s societal impacts, communicate them to diverse audiences, and engage in civic activities like outreach.

Scientific Ethics
Students will demonstrate ethical behavior in all aspects of scientific practice, including responsible data management, avoidance of misconduct, and adherence to professional codes of conduct.

Student Learning Outcomes for the Major (SLO): 

• Mathematical and quantitative reasoning

The student will be able to analyze, synthesize, and comprehend experimental and computational data describing the physical universe.  This skill requires knowledge of mathematical and statistical techniques that can be used analytically and computationally.

• 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 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 team environment on complex chemical systems.

• Chemical literature

The student will learn basic tools and concepts for efficient use of chemical literature, including multiple computerized databases.  The student will also be expected to analyze sources for relevance and authority and to learn how scientific writings are constructed according to style.

• 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 Purdue University Fort Wayne 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

• Biochemistry

– Structure, metabolic relationships, and regulation of biomolecules

• General Chemistry

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

• Inorganic Chemistry

– Chemical bonding and structure
– Reactivity, reaction mechanisms, and properties
– Solid state and material science
– Organometallic chemistry
– Spectroscopic determination of structure

• 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

• Physical Chemistry

– Mathematical and physical principles that underlie modern Chemistry
– Detailed understanding of the modern microscopic model of the universe
– The principal topic areas are:

1. Quantum Chemistry
2. Thermodynamics
3. Statistical mechanics
4. Spectroscopy
5. Kinetics

Program Delivery:

• This program is available on-campus

Declaring this Major:

• Declare this major within the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

General Requirements:

• PFW General Education Requirements  
• PFW Civics Literacy Proficiency Requirement  
• PFW College of Science Information  
• PFW Academic Regulations  

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To earn the B.S. in Physical Science with a major in Chemistry and be ACS certified, you must fulfill the following requirements in addition to the General Requirements noted above.