Chemistry
About Us
Welcome to the Chemistry Program at Kentucky State University! Our program is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment where students are inspired to explore the wonders of chemistry. We offer a robust curriculum that balances theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory experience, preparing our graduates for diverse careers in research, industry, education, and beyond.
Our faculty members are experts in their respective fields and passionate educators and mentors committed to student success. With small class sizes, we ensure personalized attention and a collaborative atmosphere where students can thrive. Our state-of-the-art laboratories and cutting-edge research facilities provide the perfect setting for hands-on learning and innovative scientific discovery.
Our Mission
The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry aims to provide our graduates, especially underrepresented groups and minorities, with the conceptual and experimental tools to understand the world at a molecular level as preparation for graduate studies or careers in a chemistry-related field. By providing excellent student-centered learning experiences, our chemistry program will graduate students who demonstrate an ability to think critically, communicate effectively, validate scientific principles in research training, and participate in practical chemical experiences. Our graduates will possess exceptional laboratory skills and modern analytical techniques and value chemists’ continual contributions to enhancing society.
Our Vision
The Chemistry program aims to become nationally recognized in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s STEM community for distinctions in higher education pedagogy, student-centered learning, and participation in the creation and dissemination of new knowledge. The chemistry program strives to contribute economic and intellectual growth to the region and graduating junior scientists who are committed to excellence, leadership, service, and both personal and professional growth through lifelong learning.
Our Core Values
As primary stakeholders, our chemistry faculty, staff, and administrators value:
- Passion for Mission (We come to work to foster sustainable chemical development and advance human dignity within the Commonwealth, especially for underrepresented minority communities.)
- A Foundation in Liberal Studies (We design chemistry courses with a multidisciplinary approach, examining how advances in chemical research effects Humanities, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and the Arts.)
- Excellence (We strive for efficiency, effectiveness, and meaningful results across our chemical discipline.)
- Integrity (We are honest and transparent, accountable for our efforts, and maintain a consistently high moral and ethical standard.)
- Respect (We demonstrate respect for one another, our partners, and the undergraduate students we serve in the Commonwealth, especially for underrepresented communities around the world.)
- Empowerment (We elevate junior scientist voices striving for regional economic, environmental and social progress)
- Commitment to Learning (We seek to improve ourselves, chemistry courses, program curriculum, and our work continually through design thinking and assessments.)
CHEMISTRY KNOWLEDGE
PLC #1:
Upon completion of a B.S. degree in Chemistry, graduates are able to acquire knowledge and skills to obtain a professional position or pursue graduate/professional training in chemistry related fields.
- Explains the major systems of nomenclature used in chemistry
- Explains bonding and electronic structure and how these relate to the shape and reactivity of chemical compounds, and how they impact the chemical, physical and electronic properties of molecules
- Explain the principles of thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and reaction mechanisms
- Conducts synthetic studies to create new compounds based on knowledge of biochemical, inorganic, and organic chemical reactions
- Differentiate the principles for separating, detecting and measuring chemical compounds and uses both quantitative and qualitative evaluations to analyze compounds or materials
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
PLC #2:
Upon completion of a B.S. degree in Chemistry, graduates are able to explain and use the principles of the scientific method and the application of experimental techniques to solve specific problems
- Applies productive literature search strategies and critically evaluates the scientific literature
- Applies inductive reasoning and deductive methods to develop a testable, falsifiable hypothesis and predict expected results
- Designs quantitative approaches/experiments to test and evaluate hypothesis
- Gathers empirical and measurable evidence through observation and experimentation
- Demonstrates an excellent level of understanding of the research by proposing future steps required to further the goals of the experiment
- Communicates results and ideas clearly and effectively into scientific reports, papers and oral presentations, following established chemistry norms
LABORATORY SKILLS
PLC #3:
Upon completion of a B.S. degree in Chemistry, graduates are able to apply practical and safe techniques within a laboratory setting
- Applies safe and careful practices at all times
- Keeps accurate laboratory records
- Analyzes, synthesizes, purifies, modifies and/or characterizes compounds, samples, or devices
- Applies instrumentation appropriately
- Calibrates, maintains and troubleshoots instrumentation
- Practices basic skills associated with performing laboratory experiments in chemistry by following standard methods and procedures
- Takes precise and accurate measurements and gains appreciation of potential sources of error associated with laboratory measurements
- Troubleshoots and optimizes methods and techniques
- Develops methods and procedures
- Gains experience critically evaluating data generated
COMPUTATION
PLC #4:
Upon completion of a B.S. degree in Chemistry, graduates are able to develop and use scientific software to support research endeavors
- Utilizes discipline-specific software effectively
- Develops and uses computation modeling as a proxy for physical experimentation
- Creates and modifies scientific software
- Develops and uses computational methods to analyze large data sets
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PLC #5:
Upon completion of a B.S. degree in Chemistry, graduates are able to instruct students, colleagues or co-workers in scientific procedure
- Teaches chemistry and scientific concepts and knowledge at a level appropriate to the audience
- Assesses achievement of learning outcomes
- Trains and supervises others to perform scientific/laboratory procedures
FIELDWORK
PLC #6:
Upon completion of a B.S. degree in Chemistry, graduates are able to conduct research in the field
- Observes behaviour/properties of subjects/phenomena of interest in situ
- Makes measurements of the subjects/phenomena or their environment
- Identifies and collects samples for analysis
- Operates and uses equipment/tools/machinery appropriately