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- Providing a clear path to develop a confident understanding of the core principals and concepts of general chemistry
- Ensuring the importance of chemistry's impact on both the student as an individual and for society as a whole is plainly illustrated and appreciated
- Developing critical thinking, problem solving, and logical reasoning skills, utilizing basic chemical principles, in answering relevant and real-world chemistry problems.
These goals align with the Essential Learning Outcomes (ELO) of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, as outlined in the Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) national initiative. These outcomes are specifically:
Knowledge of Human Cultures and the Physical and Natural World
- Through study in the sciences and mathematics, social sciences, humanities, histories, languages, and the arts
Intellectual and Practical Skills, including
- Inquiry and analysis
- Critical and creative thinking
- Written and oral communication
- Quantitative literacy
- Information literacy
- Teamwork and problem solving
Personal and Social Responsibility, including
- Civic knowledge and engagement—local and global
- Intercultural knowledge and competence
- Ethical reasoning and action
- Foundations and skills for lifelong learning
Integrative and Applied Learning, including
- Synthesis and advanced accomplishment across general and specialized studies
The entirety of the LEAP outcomes are addressed by providing an environment where students develop an understanding of general chemistry principles and an appreciation for their method of discovery as taught in historical context. Presenting questions ranging from the atomic scale to current world issues allow students to hone intellectual skills as they develop solutions to the proposed problems. A laboratory experience provides an open environment where students are free to investigate and apply the principles they have learned while implementing problem solving skills to answer their own questions.
