2017-2018 Catalog > Physical Science Department > Chemistry

Chemistry

Contact: Dr. Joseph Gardner, (208) 732-6427 josephgardner@csi.edu

Chemistry studies the composition of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students majoring in chemistry at CSI can obtain an A.S. degree and transfer to four-year institutions to complete their Bachelor’s or other advanced degrees. Chemistry has thousands of applications in everyday life. Chemistry majors can pursue careers in medicine, engineering, environmental science, forensic science, as well as traditional chemistry fields such as biochemistry, organic, analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry.

Upon successful completion of the Chremistry program, a student will be able to:

1. An understanding of major concepts involving the composition of matter and the changes that matter undergoes.
2. An understanding of the contribution of major historical developments in chemistry and physics to modern theories.
3. A knowledge of major concepts, principles, and experimental findings in the areas of general, organic, and/or analytical chemistry.
4. The ability to make informed decisions about scientific information and its relevance in society.
5. An ability to apply critical thinking skills, and efficient problem-solving skills in the areas of general, organic, and/or analytical chemistry.
6. The ability to competently analyze complex problems in chemistry by recognizing and organizing essential parts of a multiple step solution. The student will also be able to rationally consider the solution of a problem, interpret their results, and evaluate the correctness of the solution based on fundamental concepts.
7. An ability to apply foundational knowledge and models of chemistry to analyze and/or predict phenomena.
8. The ability to make careful scientific observations, form a hypothesis, and apply the scientific method/scientific reasoning to study the physical world.
9. The ability to interpret and apply basic information from technically formatted scientific literature when solving problems and conducting/designing basic laboratory experiments and procedures.
10. The ability to work effectively and cordially in diverse teams in both the classroom and laboratory environment.
11. A proficiency in understanding general laboratory practice guidelines, including safety in the laboratory while handling, labeling, and storing a variety of chemicals.
12. An ability to keep professionally organized, and complete experimental records from which they can prepare a scientific research report.
13. An ability to apply mathematical principles to perform calculations based on fundamental chemical laws and to analyze experimental data statistically and assess reliability of results.
14. The ability to clearly and concisely communicate scientific information including complex technical data and laboratory results via oral, written, and/or visual representations.
15. An understanding and ability to apply kinetics, thermodynamics, organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and chromatography in problem solving and in performing laboratory experiments.
16. Preparedness for higher level chemistry courses and ability to pursue continued education and careers in medicine, engineering, environmental science, forensic science, as well as traditional chemistry fields such as biochemistry, organic, analytical, inorganic, and physical chemistry.

Program Application Required: No

Sample Career Opportunities: Chemists

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