Chemistry (Minor)

Location(s): Main Campus

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Program Summary

Chemistry is a fundamental field of study that explores the physical world. Chemists seek to understand the properties and behavior of matter and then utilize this knowledge to solve problems and create solutions for critical issues related to human health, material development, and environmental issues, among many other applications. The Chemistry minor is awarded to students that complete the general chemistry series and an additional 10 credits of chemistry, typically the organic chemistry series.

The Southern Utah University chemistry faculty are committed to instilling an understanding of chemistry and its relevance through quality teaching, scholarly activities, and service. In a world that is becoming increasingly more technical and complex, providing chemical instruction with the depth, breadth, and rigor required to meet this need is of primary importance.

As chemistry faculty, we endeavor to provide students with quality, current, comprehensive courses and hands-on experience to serve the following needs:

Preparation of students for the pursuit of a graduate degree in chemistry.
Preparation of students for the pursuit of a degree in the health sciences (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, etc.).
Preparation of students to gain immediate employment in a chemistry-related field upon obtaining their degree.
Preparation of students who choose to become chemical educators.
Education of students to think critically and independently.
Improvement of students’ communicative, creative, analytic, and information-gathering skills.

To accomplish these goals, the chemistry faculty will provide the following:

Honest evaluations of students’ abilities and potential.
A climate of mutual trust and respect among faculty, staff, and students.
The explanation, demonstration, and application of basic scientific principles and methodologies.
Opportunities for mentorship through undergraduate research, employment, and other experiential and high-impact practices.

Program Information

All courses must be passed with a “C” (2.0) or better to be counted in the minor.
All prerequisite courses must be passed with “C” (2.0) or better.
Credits greater than 10 years old will not be accepted for this minor.

Chemistry Minor Curriculum (20 Credits)

Required Courses (10 Credits)

CHEM 1210 - Principles of Chemistry I 4 Credit(s)
CHEM 1215 - Principles of Chemistry I Lab 1 Credit(s)
CHEM 1220 - Principles of Chemistry II 4 Credit(s)
CHEM 1225 - Principles of Chemistry II Lab 1 Credit(s)

Chemistry Elective Courses (10 Credits)

10 credits of chemistry including a year-long series 2000 or above

Total Credits, Minor: 20

Program Learning Outcomes

Problem-Solving Skills: Students will develop experience in defining problems, creating testable hypotheses, designing, and executing experiments, analyzing data using appropriate statistical methods, and inferring appropriate conclusions.
Chemical Literature Skills: Students will be able to use the peer-reviewed scientific literature effectively and evaluate technical articles critically. Computer applications and resources will be emphasized as a method to navigate the literature.
Laboratory Skills: Students will be able to carry out laboratory procedures appropriate for their level of study using standard techniques and accepted laboratory practices. Students should understand responsible disposal techniques, comply with safety regulations, utilize safety data sheets (SDS) to identify and minimize potential chemical and physical hazards in the laboratory, and know how to handle laboratory emergencies effectively.
Communication Skills: Students will have multiple opportunities to present information in a clear and organized manner, write well-organized and concise reports in a scientifically appropriate style, and use technology for data analysis, chemical structure drawing, and other software to aid in the communication of scientific information.