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Undergraduate Program Goals

Chemistry

The undergraduate program in the Department of Chemistry has two primary missions.  One of these is to help its majors attain a mastery of the discipline in preparation for further study in chemistry or a chemical science, or for immediate employment in chemistry.  The other is to provide an opportunity for students majoring in other disciplines to acquire a basic knowledge of the fundamental areas of chemistry.

The program for majors is designed to enable students to develop in-depth understanding of chemical principles; a working knowledge of the properties of chemical substances; a familiarity with the use of the chemical literature; skill in basic laboratory methods, including modern instrumentation; the ability to observe, record, critically interpret, and communicate experimental results; and a facility in analytical and logical problem solving.

The curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, a rigorous program certified by the American Chemical Society, consists of a full spectrum of chemistry courses as well as supporting courses in mathematics and physics, and is designed to prepare students for a professional career in chemistry.  The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program, with fewer required courses, allows students to obtain a broader knowledge of areas outside of chemistry, or to tailor their chemistry program for specific or unique objectives.

What do our former students think of our undergraduate program?  In a recent poll of alumni, over 90 percent of the 350 survey participants gave the responses.....

The KU Chemistry undergraduate curriculum...

  • highly flexible
  • is well conceived
  • is academically and intellectually stimulating
  • provides an excellent knowledge base

The Chemistry faculty...

  • is of high quality
  • has a relationship of mutual respect with its students

The KU undergraduate chemistry degree...

  • has a national reputation
  • is very effective in helping achieve career goals