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Learning Objectives and Assessments

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Angelo State University is to prepare students for careers in Chemistry and Biochemistry and for responsible citizenship by advancing chemical literacy and promoting the ability to apply chemical concepts to contemporary societal problems.

Departmental Student Learning Objectives (DSLOs)

DSLO1 – Students will be able to analyze complex chemical problems and draw logical conclusions.

DSLO2a – Students will be able to understand and apply scientific reasoning in the chemical sciences.

DSLO2b – Students will be able to employ mathematics in the analysis of chemical problems.

DSLO3 – Students will be able to demonstrate technical and analytical skills in chemistry and biochemistry.

Rubrics

All assessments are measured by exam questions tailored to the specific SLO. Satisfactory achievement is defined as an average score of 70 percent or above for each SLO.

Departmental Core Learning Objectives

Critical Thinking (CT1) – Students will be able to design and conduct experiments and analyze the data generated to answer some component of a given question.

Communication Skills (CS1) – Students will be able to organize, format, and present visual information.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS1) — Students will be able to organize data, prepare suitable graphs, and determine if the data supports the working hypothesis.

Empirical and Quantitative Skills (EQS2) – Students will be able to understand and apply chemical reasoning in the chemical sciences.

Teamwork (TW2) – Students will be able to work as teams to conduct experiments and produce a written report of their results.

Rubrics

All core learning objectives are evaluated using an instrument developed in conjunction with the assessment office. At Angelo State University, this instrument was delivered during a laboratory period, but it can be given during a class period as well. Scores are used to monitor the learning objectives in aggregate. Satisfactory achievement is defined as an average score of 70 percent or above on the instrument.