All Chemistry graduate students will be able to:
Display a comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, with greater depth demonstrated in at least one subdiscipline.
- Chemistry students in the Ph.D. and the M.S. program should have a basic knowledge of the field, with that knowledge being at least the level of the material taught in first-year chemistry and the initial courses in undergraduate sub-disciplinary classes (analytical, inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, and biochemistry).
Ph.D. students should demonstrate focused and deep expertise in their area of scholarly exploration, including an understanding of the current status of the topic. M.S. students should also demonstrate clear focus in scholarly pursuits.
- In the area of specialization, a Ph.D. student’s knowledge of the field should, at a minimum, be comparable to special topics classes at the graduate level.
- Students should demonstrate capabilities of searching the literature to become familiar with the current state of the field.
Apply critical thinking skills in the evaluation of scientific work, by analyzing, organizing, and evaluating scientific data and knowledge.
- Careful attention to and critical evaluation of material encountered in the literature, in seminars, and research activity is evidence of scientific maturation.
Generate hypotheses, design strategies, perform studies, and interpret results that lead to new knowledge in the field, including the
- Application of central methods and techniques, including laboratory skills, statistical and computational methods, data gathering, and record-keeping to deliver detailed information and reproducible results.
- Demonstration of an understanding of the scientific method through the Original Research Proposal and through laboratory research (dissertation).
- Conduct of consequential scientific inquiry that advances a scientific field as required for a dissertation and peer-reviewed publications.
Communicate scientific information with effectiveness to both experts and novices in oral and written form, including methods, results, and conclusions.
- Demonstration of the ability to engage in communication appropriate for the audience.
- Present scientific material with clarity, accuracy, and precision.
Perform research in a professional, ethical, and safe manner.
- Students must participate in and apply knowledge from required training in laboratory safety and the responsible conduct of research; additional specialized training in these areas is encouraged.
- Students should develop skills in applicable professional areas, such as pedagogy, teamwork and team building, and leadership, through mentoring, instructional activity, and workshops.
- Safety and ethical behavior should be demonstrated in all activities, including both instructional and research activity.