Mission and Learning Goals
Department of Chemistry
Georgetown University
Our Mission
The Department of Chemistry is a student-centered department rooted in research that strives to provide exceptional education and training for both graduate and undergraduate students in an environment of outstanding scholarship expected at a top university.
Learning Goals for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors
Students that graduate with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry will have completed a comprehensive and rigorous program which includes foundational course work in chemistry, in-depth, advanced course work and extensive laboratory experience. As expected of a rigorous science program, ours is built vertically: courses and program elements use and build on information, methods and principles learned in earlier semesters of the program. Our program is accredited by the American Chemical Society and meets the highest standards in preparing our graduates for:
1. Careers in industry, government, academia and research.
2. Graduate school in chemistry, biochemistry and other fields. Our students are exceptionally well prepared for the most competitive graduate schools.
3. Related studies in medical school programs and M.D.-Ph.D. programs. Degrees in chemistry and biochemistry are highly regarded by medical professionals and medical schools as the best training for work that is done once a student attends medical school.
4. Continued studies in dentistry and veterinary medicine.
5. Other career paths that build on knowledge and skills obtained in the program including but not limited to careers in advertising, law, engineering, management, entertainment, etc.
General Skills
Graduates with a major in chemistry or biochemistry will be able to:
1. Use critical thinking skills and scientific reasoning to evaluate arguments and address complex issues based on facts, experiments and observations.
2. Recognize and work rigorously with qualitative and quantitative data.
3. Learn and understand scientific principles, articulate scientific ideas, arguments and facts.
4. Learn about the societal and ethical aspects of modern science.
Practical Skills
After completing the requirements for a major in chemistry or biochemistry our students will:
1. Understand experimental objectives, properly carry out experiments and appropriately record data and critically analyze/interpret results.
2. Know and follow proper procedures and regulations for safe handling and use of chemicals.
3. Use standard laboratory equipment, modern instrumentation and classical techniques to carry out a wide range of experiments in organic, inorganic, analytical, biochemical and physical chemistry.
4. Skillfully utilize the scientific literature.
5. Use computers in data acquisition and processing and use a variety of software and statistical tools in mathematics based data analysis.
6. Have the ability to work in teams to solve scientific problems.
7. Have the ability to communicate effectively the concepts and results of experiments through written and oral communication.
Conceptual Knowledge
After completing the requirements for a major in chemistry or biochemistry our students will:
1. Master a broad set of chemical knowledge in the disciplines of organic, inorganic, biochemical, analytical and physical chemistry.
2. Have a working knowledge of chemical principles in thermodynamics, equilibrium, kinetics, quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, reactivities of substances and synthesis.
3. Have the ability to apply formal knowledge to real chemical and materials problems.
Through additional electives and laboratory experience, biochemistry majors will:
4. Be able to use emerging concepts in modern cell and molecular biology that are particularly relevant to traditional topics in biochemical research.
5. Be able to use concepts and emerging research at the interface of biology and chemistry.
Integration of Knowledge
Students that pursue a degree in chemistry or biochemistry at Georgetown University have an excellent opportunity to be immersed in multifaceted learning experiences. Our program is integrated into the education of the whole person. Through connections with courses and seminars in other departments, unique coursework opportunities in the school of medicine, hands-on learning in dynamic research groups, and integrated coursework with the Math, Computer Science, Biology and Physics departments, students gain a unique and valuable perspective on their world. Students are encouraged and given opportunities to do independent research through a variety of departmental and University programs. Minors in chemistry and biochemistry are also available to enrich any course of study.