Chemistry (General Option)

Overview

The Chemistry (General Option) offered by the California State University San Marcos includes everything in the universe from a simple hydrogen atom to very large replicating molecules in life processes. Chemistry is involved with the development of medicines that control and cure diseases; food through specific and safe agricultural chemicals; consumer products such as cleaners, plastics, and clothing; new methods of energy production, transfer, and storage; new materials for electronic components; and new methods for protection and cleanup of the environment. Chemistry majors are needed to help solve some of society’s most difficult technological problems through research, development, and teaching.

As an integral part of this program, each student is required to do a senior research project, thesis, and thesis defense. Also, students will have the opportunity to take advanced elective courses in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical, or biochemistry. With appropriate choices of chemistry and general education electives, graduates can meet the requirements for admission to graduate, medical, dental, optometry, pharmacy, veterinary, and other professional schools.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry will be able to:

• Carry out synthetic and analytical experiments in the laboratory; make careful and accurate observations and measurements; and organize and interpret experimental data. [Empirical basis of chemical knowledge]

• Explain the relationship between the quantum mechanical rules that apply to subatomic particles and the physical and chemical properties of matter. [Quantum Nature of the Atom]

• Explain how different chemical substances and mixtures are held together using covalent, coordinate, and ionic bonding, as well as intermolecular forces; identify the geometrical relationship of atoms and molecules within these combinations; and explain the importance of these geometries to chemical and physical properties. [Structure and Bonding]

• Apply the ideas presented in the principal laws of thermodynamics to interpret and predict the behavior of chemical substances. [Thermodynamics]

• Use data about the rates of chemical reactions and the structures of the products to put forward models of how chemical reactions proceed at the atomic level. [Mechanisms of Reactions]

• Use their knowledge of chemical reactivity to plan and execute the preparation of compounds from common starting materials. [Synthesis]

• Plan and execute the separation, identification, and quantification of compounds and elements from complex mixtures; and identify and state uncertainties associated with these measurements. [Analysis]

• Use modern chemical instrumentation to analyze for known compounds and identify unknown compounds. [Chemical Instrumentation]

• Retrieve detailed information about chemical and physical properties of substances and accounts of other experimental or theoretical research; and communicate their own results in writing and speaking using appropriate scientific formats and language.