Senate Document Number 1500S
Date of Senate Approval 2/10/00
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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:
APC Document 10: Chemistry: Changes to the narrative that will describe the department and its programs more accurately.
Effective Date: Fall, 2000
Delete on page 74, 1999-00 catalog, after "CHEMISTRY (CHEM) ….. Professor Krumpe"
the entire department narrative
Add on page 74, 1999-00 catalog, after "CHEMISTRY (CHEM) ….. Professor Krumpe"
As a central science, chemistry is an important component of many disciplines. Therefore, it is the goal of the department to actively contribute to raising the level of scientific literacy for all students, provide them with an understanding of the relationship of chemistry to society, and to nurture their appreciation of the character of chemistry as a humanistic activity. The department continues to implement an approach that is built around an experiential, explorative-based curriculum that integrates the lecture with the laboratory and introduces students to research pedagogy early in their education. This involves smaller classes, group work, interactive methods, longer-term laboratories (projects and/or discovery-based laboratories), much greater use of student-centered learning activities, and culminates with a collaborative student-faculty research project. The department provides students with a solid base of chemical knowledge including the structure and reactivity of matter, familiarity with mathematical models describing matter, and experience with characterizing and measuring properties of matter. Students are taught problem-solving and self-directed learning skills, and to communicate effectively both in writing and speaking
Because its constituency is so diverse, the department offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree with specific concentrations in each. The BS with a Concentration in Chemistry is intended for students wishing to pursue careers in industry as practicing chemists immediately after graduation or for those who will be seeking advanced degrees in chemistry. After students have completed this course of study, the department certifies to the American Chemical Society (ACS) that the students have fulfilled all of the requirements for an ACS approved program. The BS with a Concentration in Biochemistry is intended for students wishing to obtain employment in a biochemically related field, purse graduate studies, or for those wishing to attend schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine. The BA with a Concentration in Chemistry or Biochemistry allows students more flexibility in course selections and is appropriate for those interested in chemistry-related fields or a career in a health profession. Students pursuing teacher licensure must complete, at a minimum, the BA requirements listed under Chemistry with Teacher Licensure. The department also offers a joint program with North Carolina State University in Chemistry and Textile Chemistry. See the section on Joint Programs. UNCA's Chemistry Department prepares students for employment in chemistry-related fields, for careers in teaching, or for entry into graduate and/or professional schools.
Impact Statement
This change does not impact the day-to-day function of the Chemistry Department or its
students. It is an administrative change that is consistent with the practices of other
departments at UNCA. This change will not impact major, minor, or University
requirements, the education Department's Licensure Programs, other departments that
require chemistry courses, or the Chemistry Department's current and future staffing needs
and course offerings.
Rationale
This change is designed to more accurately describe the options, philosophy, and
opportunities within the Department of Chemistry.