Undergraduate Program Overview
The DUS-group
Co-director of Undergraduate Studies: James F. Bonk, Ph.D.
Phone: (919) 660-1528
E-mail: james.bonk@duke.edu
Office: 1223 French Family Science CenterCo-director of Undergraduate Studies: Richard A. MacPhail, Ph.D.
Phone: (919) 660-1536
E-mail: richard.macphail@duke.edu
Office: 1216 French Family Science CenterAssociate Director of Undergraduate Studies: Christopher P. Roy, Ph.D.
Phone: (919) 660-1518
E-mail: chris.roy@duke.edu
Office: 1222 French Family Science Center
The Discipline of Chemistry:
Chemistry is typically described in introductory texts as the study of the properties and behavior of matter. A more modern definition might take the microscopic view and describe chemistry as the science of atoms, molecules, and their interactions. As such, chemistry crosses scales from isolated, individual atoms and molecules to complex interacting collections of molecules such as those found in the cell, and disciplines from biology and medicine to materials science and engineering. This broad range of applicability is why chemistry is often referred to as the central science. [More]
Mission Statement:
The Department of Chemistry aims to help students gain the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their future careers and in service to society. To do so, the department offers lecture and laboratory courses that span the traditional sub-disciplines of chemistry, including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. In addition, the department emphasizes independent and collaborative research where students can participate in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge, and where they can integrate and apply the chemical knowledge and skills they have learned in their courses in the context of original work. [More]
Goals for Undergraduate Chemical Education:
In order to fulfill the mission stated above, the chemistry department seeks to develop independent learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers who can work effectively and constructively in collaborative environments, who can communicate clearly and construct logical scientific arguments, and who can appreciate the ethical and societal dimensions of chemical science and technology.
Learning Objectives for Major:
The learning objectives for the major are consonant with the general philosophy of Trinity College, with the departmental mission and goals outlined above, and with the more specific guidelines on chemical education set forth by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Committee on Professional Training.
1. Majors should develop a comprehensive knowledge base in chemistry and molecular science. [More]
2. Majors should develop skills in laboratory and computational chemistry, including proper laboratory safety procedures. [More]
3. Majors should develop effective oral and written communication skills. [More]
4. Majors should become adept at searching, accessing, retrieving, and critically evaluating information from the scientific literature. [More]
5. Majors should be able to use the scientific method and critical thinking to solve chemical problems. [More]
6. Majors should develop the ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team working together to solve problems, to engage in scientific debates, to value different points of view, and to interact productively with a diverse group of team members. [More]
7. Majors should develop an understanding of the ethical and societal dimensions of science and chemistry, and should learn and put into practice the expectations for responsible conduct. [More]
View Assessment Plan