Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Knowledge
The curriculum will address the discipline specific knowledge dictated by professional societies and/or professionals in the workforce.
Objective
Understanding Fundamentals
Chemistry is an intensely sequential discipline. Students must master the material at an average level of understanding in the first semester course (general chemistry I) before they are allowed to attempt the second semester course (general chemistry II). The same is true for each of the first five semester courses in the sequence (general chemistry I, general chemistry II, organic chemistry I, organic chemistry II and physical chemistry I).
The fundamental concepts covered in general chemistry I and II include: uncertainty in measurement, dimensional analysis, atomic and electronic structure, ionic and molecular formulas, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, bonding theories, valence shell electron pair repulsion theory, properties of gases, intermolecular forces, properties of solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction chemistry, chemical thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
Indicator
ACS General Chemistry Test
All forensic chemistry majors will be invited to take a nationally standardized test over general chemistry (written by the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education Examinations Institute) near their completion of general chemistry II. In order to encourage participation, the highest individual score is guaranteed scholarship money for a future semester, and additional scholarship monies will be scaled to percentile performance on the examination.
Criterion
ACS General Chemistry Examination Score
Sixty percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized general chemistry exam.
Finding
ACS General Chemistry Result
Of the 13 students that took the exam (48 were invited to do so), all but one (92%) scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher that one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized general chemistry examination. Criterion met for those students who took the exam.
Action
Continue Fundamental
Continue offering the ACS General Chemistry exam to chemistry and forensic chemistry majors as they finish CHM 139 (General Chemistry II). The scholarship money seems to be a good incentive, and as word of mouth builds among the students, we may get increased participation.
Objective
Understanding Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is covered in the second year of the forensic chemistry degree. It follows a year of general chemistry and precedes physical chemistry.
Students will demonstrate competent knowledge of the topics covered in organic chemistry I and II which include: hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes and alkynes), aromatic systems, functional group chemistry (including the chemistry of alkyl halides, ethers and various carbonyl compounds), stereochemistry, and carbohydrate chemistry.
Indicator
ACS Organic Chemistry Test
A nationally standardized test over organic chemistry (written by the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education Examinations Institute) will be given to all forensic chemistry majors who take organic chemistry II at Sam Houston State University. This test is given as the final examination for the course.
Criterion
ACS Organic Chemistry Examination Score
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized organic chemistry examination.
Finding
ACS Organic Chemistry Result
Of the 24 forensic chemistry and chemistry majors that took the exam, 16 (67%) scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized organic chemistry examination. Criterion not met.
Action
Continue Organic Chemistry
Students had difficulty with this area because they lacked the foundational knowledge needed. Thus, we will strengthen the prerequisites for the Organic Chemistry course to ensure that students have the necessary background to understand the material.
Objective
Mastery Of Advanced Topics In Chemistry
The material learned by the third year in the chemistry curriculum is refined and supported theoretically in Physical Chemistry I (CHM 448). The successful student will demonstrate a mastery of the advanced topics presented in this course. These topics include quantum theory, wave functions, the dipole approximation, electronic configuration, molecular structure, molecular orbital diagrams, symmetry, group theory, and the application of these topics to X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, Raman, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All sections of CHM 448 have been taught by Dr. Darren Williams since his arrival at SHSU in 2004.
Indicator
Final Examination
The final examination in Physical Chemistry I (CHM 448), written by Dr. Darren Williams, is recognized by the faculty of the Department of Chemistry as being comprehensive and covers all of the advanced topics listed in the objective statement. Dr. Williams is the sole instructor of CHM 448 at SHSU having taught all sections of CHM 448 since his arrival on campus in 2004. All students are required to complete the final examination. Examples of final exams are on file and secured withing the Department of Chemistry and may be viewed by contacting Dr. Williams directly at williams@shsu.edu.
Criterion
Final Examination Score
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to demonstrate a mastery of at least sixty percent of the material (score 60%) on the comprehensive final examination.
Finding
Physical Chemistry Final Exam Results
Of the 32 chemistry and forensic chemistry majors that took the CHM 448 (physical chemistry I) final, 29 scored 60% or higher, for a passing rate of 91%. Criterion met. There was no statistically significant difference in the results for chemistry majors and forensic chemistry majors.
Action
Continue To Monitor Physical Chemistry Performance
Continue to monitor student performance in physical chemistry.
Objective
Understanding Instrumental Analytical Methods In Chemistry
The modern analytical laboratory makes extensive use of electronic instrumentation for the analysis of chemical samples. Our Instrumental Analytical Chemistry course (CHM 440) is designed to introduce students to and have them learn the importance and use of spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometric analytical instrumental methods and computers in analytical laboratories. The course's laboratory component includes a focus on complex technical writing and use of the scientific literature. Students must master this material to meet the objective. Dr. Thomas Chasteen has been the instructor for all sections of CHM 440 for more than a decade.
Indicator
Examinations In Instrumental Analytical Chemistry
All students in Instrumental Analytical Chemistry (CHM 440) are required to master the electronic, sampling, schematic, and computational fundamentals of modern analytical instrumentation as evaluated by 80-minute written tests requiring essays, laboratory data evaluation, and calculator-based computation. There are three tests and final examination in this course. The testing of this knowledge and its application is standardized within the department across all sections.
Criterion
Scores On Exams
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the four examinations in this class.
Finding
Performance On CHM 440 Exams
On the first exam, 75% of the 34 students scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean. On the second exam, the percent result was identical. On the third exam, 83.3% of the students scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean. On the final exam, 87.5% of the students met the scoring criterion. Overall, criterion met.
Action
Continue To Monitor Instrumental Performance
Continue to monitor student performance in instrumental analytical methods.
Objective
Graduate Placement
Upon completion of the program, we expect that nearly all of our students will either enter a graduate program of some type (traditional graduate school or professional program) or will enter the chemically-related workforce (such as working in the petrochemical field, in analytical testing labs, for crime labs, teaching high school chemistry, etc.).
The success in moving on to the next level (entering a competitive graduate program or negotiating the hiring process demonstrating the ability to communicate ones discipline-specific knowledge and skill) is the ultimate assessment our programs.
Indicator
Placement
The indicator for this objective will be the proportion of our graduating students who either go on for additional post-graduate study (for example, into an M.S. or Ph.D. program) or who find a job in a chemically-related field (see the Objective for examples).
Criterion
Placement Rate
Ninety-five percent of our students are expected to have entered some type of post-graduate program or to have found a job in a chemically-related area within one year of graduation.
Finding
Post Graduation Outcomes
Of the 9 students that graduated with the B.S. in Chemistry, two are employed in chemical fields (one by Champion Technnologies and one by the City of Huntsville (water testing lab)), two are pursuing a second B.S. degree, four are pursuing graduate or professional degrees and for one the outcome is unknown. Of the 8 students that graduated with the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry, one is employed at a Crime Lab, five are pursuing graduate or professional degrees and for two the outcome is unknown.
Thus overall 3/17 (18%) are employed in chemically-related jobs, 9/17 (53%) are pursuing graduate or professional degrees, and for 3/17 (18%) the outcome is unknown. For the 14 known outcomes, 12/14 (86%) are either employed in chemically-related jobs or are pursuing graduate or professional degrees.
Action
Continue To Monitor Placement After Graduation
We will continue to monitor our graduates' placement after graduation. Currently we look one year after graduation, knowing that it may take some time to find a position (especially in the current economy).
Goal
Deliver A Curriculum With Appropriate Discipline Specific Skill Sets
The curriculum will provide students with opportunities to develop the skills typically required of professionals in the area of study.
Objective
Understanding Fundamentals
Chemistry is an intensely sequential discipline. Students must master the material at an average level of understanding in the first semester course (general chemistry I) before they are allowed to attempt the second semester course (general chemistry II). The same is true for each of the first five semester courses in the sequence (general chemistry I, general chemistry II, organic chemistry I, organic chemistry II and physical chemistry I).
The fundamental concepts covered in general chemistry I and II include: uncertainty in measurement, dimensional analysis, atomic and electronic structure, ionic and molecular formulas, nomenclature, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, bonding theories, valence shell electron pair repulsion theory, properties of gases, intermolecular forces, properties of solutions, kinetics, equilibrium, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction chemistry, chemical thermodynamics and electrochemistry.
Indicator
ACS General Chemistry Test
All forensic chemistry majors will be invited to take a nationally standardized test over general chemistry (written by the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education Examinations Institute) near their completion of general chemistry II. In order to encourage participation, the highest individual score is guaranteed scholarship money for a future semester, and additional scholarship monies will be scaled to percentile performance on the examination.
Criterion
ACS General Chemistry Examination Score
Sixty percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized general chemistry exam.
Finding
ACS General Chemistry Result
Of the 13 students that took the exam (48 were invited to do so), all but one (92%) scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher that one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized general chemistry examination. Criterion met for those students who took the exam.
Action
Continue Fundamental
Continue offering the ACS General Chemistry exam to chemistry and forensic chemistry majors as they finish CHM 139 (General Chemistry II). The scholarship money seems to be a good incentive, and as word of mouth builds among the students, we may get increased participation.
Objective
Understanding Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is covered in the second year of the forensic chemistry degree. It follows a year of general chemistry and precedes physical chemistry.
Students will demonstrate competent knowledge of the topics covered in organic chemistry I and II which include: hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes and alkynes), aromatic systems, functional group chemistry (including the chemistry of alkyl halides, ethers and various carbonyl compounds), stereochemistry, and carbohydrate chemistry.
Indicator
ACS Organic Chemistry Test
A nationally standardized test over organic chemistry (written by the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Education Examinations Institute) will be given to all forensic chemistry majors who take organic chemistry II at Sam Houston State University. This test is given as the final examination for the course.
Criterion
ACS Organic Chemistry Examination Score
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized organic chemistry examination.
Finding
ACS Organic Chemistry Result
Of the 24 forensic chemistry and chemistry majors that took the exam, 16 (67%) scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the ACS standardized organic chemistry examination. Criterion not met.
Action
Continue Organic Chemistry
Students had difficulty with this area because they lacked the foundational knowledge needed. Thus, we will strengthen the prerequisites for the Organic Chemistry course to ensure that students have the necessary background to understand the material.
Objective
Mastery Of Advanced Topics In Chemistry
The material learned by the third year in the chemistry curriculum is refined and supported theoretically in Physical Chemistry I (CHM 448). The successful student will demonstrate a mastery of the advanced topics presented in this course. These topics include quantum theory, wave functions, the dipole approximation, electronic configuration, molecular structure, molecular orbital diagrams, symmetry, group theory, and the application of these topics to X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, Raman, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All sections of CHM 448 have been taught by Dr. Darren Williams since his arrival at SHSU in 2004.
Indicator
Final Examination
The final examination in Physical Chemistry I (CHM 448), written by Dr. Darren Williams, is recognized by the faculty of the Department of Chemistry as being comprehensive and covers all of the advanced topics listed in the objective statement. Dr. Williams is the sole instructor of CHM 448 at SHSU having taught all sections of CHM 448 since his arrival on campus in 2004. All students are required to complete the final examination. Examples of final exams are on file and secured withing the Department of Chemistry and may be viewed by contacting Dr. Williams directly at williams@shsu.edu.
Criterion
Final Examination Score
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to demonstrate a mastery of at least sixty percent of the material (score 60%) on the comprehensive final examination.
Finding
Physical Chemistry Final Exam Results
Of the 32 chemistry and forensic chemistry majors that took the CHM 448 (physical chemistry I) final, 29 scored 60% or higher, for a passing rate of 91%. Criterion met. There was no statistically significant difference in the results for chemistry majors and forensic chemistry majors.
Action
Continue To Monitor Physical Chemistry Performance
Continue to monitor student performance in physical chemistry.
Objective
Understanding Instrumental Analytical Methods In Chemistry
The modern analytical laboratory makes extensive use of electronic instrumentation for the analysis of chemical samples. Our Instrumental Analytical Chemistry course (CHM 440) is designed to introduce students to and have them learn the importance and use of spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometric analytical instrumental methods and computers in analytical laboratories. The course's laboratory component includes a focus on complex technical writing and use of the scientific literature. Students must master this material to meet the objective. Dr. Thomas Chasteen has been the instructor for all sections of CHM 440 for more than a decade.
Indicator
Examinations In Instrumental Analytical Chemistry
All students in Instrumental Analytical Chemistry (CHM 440) are required to master the electronic, sampling, schematic, and computational fundamentals of modern analytical instrumentation as evaluated by 80-minute written tests requiring essays, laboratory data evaluation, and calculator-based computation. There are three tests and final examination in this course. The testing of this knowledge and its application is standardized within the department across all sections.
Criterion
Scores On Exams
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the four examinations in this class.
Finding
Performance On CHM 440 Exams
On the first exam, 75% of the 34 students scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean. On the second exam, the percent result was identical. On the third exam, 83.3% of the students scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean. On the final exam, 87.5% of the students met the scoring criterion. Overall, criterion met.
Action
Continue To Monitor Instrumental Performance
Continue to monitor student performance in instrumental analytical methods.
Objective
Written And Oral Communication
Each student will demonstrate the ability to present to an audience of their peers a talk (seminar) based on their own research or research that has been reported in the scientific literature.
Indicator
Chemistry Seminar
All forensic chemistry majors are required to take CHM 410 "Chemical Literature Seminar". Students typically do so in their senior year. One of the requirements of this course is giving an oral powerpoint presentation over either their own research, or research from the published chemical literature, to the other students in the class.
Criterion
Seminar Research
All forensic chemistry majors are required to receive an acceptable peer-rating on a required research presentation. Within the course, each student evaluates all other student presentations. The rubric is the last page of the syllabus.
Finding
Seminar Research
All students but one received an acceptable rating on their research presentaion.
Action
Continue To Monitor Seminar
Continue to monitor seminar enrollments and performance.
Objective
Graduate Placement
Upon completion of the program, we expect that nearly all of our students will either enter a graduate program of some type (traditional graduate school or professional program) or will enter the chemically-related workforce (such as working in the petrochemical field, in analytical testing labs, for crime labs, teaching high school chemistry, etc.).
The success in moving on to the next level (entering a competitive graduate program or negotiating the hiring process demonstrating the ability to communicate ones discipline-specific knowledge and skill) is the ultimate assessment our programs.
Indicator
Placement
The indicator for this objective will be the proportion of our graduating students who either go on for additional post-graduate study (for example, into an M.S. or Ph.D. program) or who find a job in a chemically-related field (see the Objective for examples).
Criterion
Placement Rate
Ninety-five percent of our students are expected to have entered some type of post-graduate program or to have found a job in a chemically-related area within one year of graduation.
Finding
Post Graduation Outcomes
Of the 9 students that graduated with the B.S. in Chemistry, two are employed in chemical fields (one by Champion Technnologies and one by the City of Huntsville (water testing lab)), two are pursuing a second B.S. degree, four are pursuing graduate or professional degrees and for one the outcome is unknown. Of the 8 students that graduated with the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry, one is employed at a Crime Lab, five are pursuing graduate or professional degrees and for two the outcome is unknown.
Thus overall 3/17 (18%) are employed in chemically-related jobs, 9/17 (53%) are pursuing graduate or professional degrees, and for 3/17 (18%) the outcome is unknown. For the 14 known outcomes, 12/14 (86%) are either employed in chemically-related jobs or are pursuing graduate or professional degrees.
Action
Continue To Monitor Placement After Graduation
We will continue to monitor our graduates' placement after graduation. Currently we look one year after graduation, knowing that it may take some time to find a position (especially in the current economy).
Goal
Deliver A Curriculum That Emphasizes Communication Skills
The curriculum will provide students with opportunities to develop the appropriate speaking and writing skills to function as a professional in the area.
Objective
Understanding Instrumental Analytical Methods In Chemistry
The modern analytical laboratory makes extensive use of electronic instrumentation for the analysis of chemical samples. Our Instrumental Analytical Chemistry course (CHM 440) is designed to introduce students to and have them learn the importance and use of spectrophotometric, chromatographic, and mass spectrometric analytical instrumental methods and computers in analytical laboratories. The course's laboratory component includes a focus on complex technical writing and use of the scientific literature. Students must master this material to meet the objective. Dr. Thomas Chasteen has been the instructor for all sections of CHM 440 for more than a decade.
Indicator
Examinations In Instrumental Analytical Chemistry
All students in Instrumental Analytical Chemistry (CHM 440) are required to master the electronic, sampling, schematic, and computational fundamentals of modern analytical instrumentation as evaluated by 80-minute written tests requiring essays, laboratory data evaluation, and calculator-based computation. There are three tests and final examination in this course. The testing of this knowledge and its application is standardized within the department across all sections.
Criterion
Scores On Exams
Seventy-five percent of forensic chemistry majors are expected to score within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean on the four examinations in this class.
Finding
Performance On CHM 440 Exams
On the first exam, 75% of the 34 students scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean. On the second exam, the percent result was identical. On the third exam, 83.3% of the students scored within one standard deviation of the mean or higher than one standard deviation above the mean. On the final exam, 87.5% of the students met the scoring criterion. Overall, criterion met.
Action
Continue To Monitor Instrumental Performance
Continue to monitor student performance in instrumental analytical methods.
Objective
Written And Oral Communication
Each student will demonstrate the ability to present to an audience of their peers a talk (seminar) based on their own research or research that has been reported in the scientific literature.
Indicator
Chemistry Seminar
All forensic chemistry majors are required to take CHM 410 "Chemical Literature Seminar". Students typically do so in their senior year. One of the requirements of this course is giving an oral powerpoint presentation over either their own research, or research from the published chemical literature, to the other students in the class.
Criterion
Seminar Research
All forensic chemistry majors are required to receive an acceptable peer-rating on a required research presentation. Within the course, each student evaluates all other student presentations. The rubric is the last page of the syllabus.
Finding
Seminar Research
All students but one received an acceptable rating on their research presentaion.
Action
Continue To Monitor Seminar
Continue to monitor seminar enrollments and performance.
Objective
Graduate Placement
Upon completion of the program, we expect that nearly all of our students will either enter a graduate program of some type (traditional graduate school or professional program) or will enter the chemically-related workforce (such as working in the petrochemical field, in analytical testing labs, for crime labs, teaching high school chemistry, etc.).
The success in moving on to the next level (entering a competitive graduate program or negotiating the hiring process demonstrating the ability to communicate ones discipline-specific knowledge and skill) is the ultimate assessment our programs.
Indicator
Placement
The indicator for this objective will be the proportion of our graduating students who either go on for additional post-graduate study (for example, into an M.S. or Ph.D. program) or who find a job in a chemically-related field (see the Objective for examples).
Criterion
Placement Rate
Ninety-five percent of our students are expected to have entered some type of post-graduate program or to have found a job in a chemically-related area within one year of graduation.
Finding
Post Graduation Outcomes
Of the 9 students that graduated with the B.S. in Chemistry, two are employed in chemical fields (one by Champion Technnologies and one by the City of Huntsville (water testing lab)), two are pursuing a second B.S. degree, four are pursuing graduate or professional degrees and for one the outcome is unknown. Of the 8 students that graduated with the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry, one is employed at a Crime Lab, five are pursuing graduate or professional degrees and for two the outcome is unknown.
Thus overall 3/17 (18%) are employed in chemically-related jobs, 9/17 (53%) are pursuing graduate or professional degrees, and for 3/17 (18%) the outcome is unknown. For the 14 known outcomes, 12/14 (86%) are either employed in chemically-related jobs or are pursuing graduate or professional degrees.
Action
Continue To Monitor Placement After Graduation
We will continue to monitor our graduates' placement after graduation. Currently we look one year after graduation, knowing that it may take some time to find a position (especially in the current economy).