Learning Goals

The  Chemistry  Department  has  identified  learning  goals,  skills,  and  expertise  that  our  doctoral  students  will  have  attained  by  the  time  they  graduate.

We  are  committed  to  instilling  in  our  students  a  deep  level  of  scientific  understanding,  dedication  to  responsible  and  ethical  research  and  sophisticated  technical  skills  that enables  them  to  be  independent,  creative  and  effective  contributors  to  scientific  knowledge.

• Broad  chemistry  knowledge.  The  students  will  broaden  and  deepen  their  understanding  of  theories,  concepts  and  models  to  enhance  their  success  as scientists and  educators.
• Expertise  in  a  specific  discipline. Each  student  will  acquire a deep  working  knowledge of  a  particular  field  in  chemistry.
• Communication  skills. Graduates  will  be  able  to  construct  and  defend  arguments  with  clarity.    They  will  be  able  to  write  for  and  speak  with  peers,  experts  and  the  public on  a  range  of  topics  specific  to  their  discipline.
• The  ability  to  access  and  evaluate  primary  literature. Students  will  have  the  ability  to  search,  read  and  critically  analyze  the  primary  literature  in  order  to  understand  and  synthesize  new  ideas  in  their  field.
• Data  analysis  skills.  Students  will  have  the ability  to  produce,  analyze  and  interpret  meaningful  chemical  data  and  draw  sound  conclusions.
• Become  independent  researchers. Graduates  will  be  able  to  conceive, design  and  execute  research  projects  independently.  
• Make  original  scientific  contributions of  publishable  quality. Students  will  solve new and  significant problems  in  their  chosen  field.    They  will  understand  the  importance  of  this  work  in  advancing  the  progress  of  their  discipline  and  be  able  to  explain  its  relevance.
• The  quality  and  value  of  this  work  will  be  such  that  it  can  be  published  in  a  highly  respected  peer  reviewed  journal.  
• Responsible  conduct  in  research. Graduates  will  understand  and conduct  research  exhibiting  the  highest  standards  of  safety,  honesty  and  integrity.
• Teamwork and  interdisciplinary  collaboration. Graduates will  have  the  ability to  work  effectively  as  part  of  a  team  and to  cross  traditional  boundaries  and  execute  multidisciplinary  research.    
• Teaching and  mentoring  skills. Students  will  acquire teaching  skills  and  gain  experience  mentoring  less  experienced  scientists  in  a  research  setting.