Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Chemistry, Nanotechnology Concentration


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Chemistry and Physics offers concentrations in biochemistry, forensic chemistry, physics, nanotechnology, and plant extraction that lead to the baccalaureate degree with a major in chemistry and one program of study that provides an ACS-recognized baccalaureate degree. Minors in Chemistry and Forensic Science are available as further options.  

Chemistry and Physics is recognized by the American Chemical Society’s Committee on Professional Training as meeting it’s nationally recognized standards that define high quality undergraduate chemistry programs. Students who complete the ACS approved chemistry degree program will then be certified by the ACS.

Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission is to provide courses in the undergraduate curriculum that will: (i) provide content commensurate with course goals and objectives in chemistry, physics, and astronomy; (ii) allow students to use state-of-the-art instrumentation in investigating chemical principles; (iii)  develop proper laboratory skills in the chemical and physical sciences; (iv) stress the scientific enterprise (i.e., method) as a means of acquiring knowledge; (v) engage students in their learning through discussion, collaboration, and experimentation; and (vi) require students to exercise critical thinking skills.

In addition to the general support of the University, the Chemistry Program also provides an exceptional level of support to the Geography, Biology, and Health Science Programs.

Whether a course is being taken for General Education purposes or as part of a degree program, the Chemistry faculty at Mansfield University subscribes to the following:

Scholarship

The Mansfield University Chemistry Program is committed to teaching students to inquire into the molecular and physical world.  We foster mastery of the foundational conceptual knowledge and computational skills of chemistry and physics.  We cultivate the ability to identify, access, and interpret scientific information.  We encourage students to create new scientific knowledge through the design, conduct, and interpretation of chemical and physical experiments.  We develop student ability to disseminate ideas through the synthesis and clear communication of scientific information. 

Service and Character

We promote student enthusiasm for public service, and we teach our students to observe the codes of professional conduct advocated by the American Chemical Society.

Program Goals

  • Students will acquire knowledge of scientific information as it is applied to personal and social decisions.
  • Students will exhibit skills in critical and analytical thinking.
  • Students will exhibit skills in effective written and oral communication.
  • Students will exhibit skills in inquiry and research.
  • Students will exhibit skills in quantitative reasoning.
  • Students will exhibit skills in problem solving.

Program Outcomes

  • Each student will demonstrate appropriate levels of conceptual understanding of chemical concepts.
  • Each student will demonstrate appropriate skill levels using scientific instrumentation.
  • Each student will demonstrate appropriate levels of laboratory skills

The ACS-certified B.S. degree in Chemistry follows the nationally recognized standards for undergraduate education in chemistry of the American Chemical Society. Both the ACS-certified B.S. degree in Chemistry and the traditional B.S. in Chemistry place an emphasis on organic and inorganic chemistry, mathematics, general education and provide excellent preparation for students to pursue graduate studies or employment in industry. Students who complete either degree option will be well prepared for advanced studies in medicine, dentistry, optometry, patent law, and related professions. Students who elect this degree are prepared to assume careers with food, pharmaceutical, oil, and chemical industries. Chemists are often involved in quality control, research, sales, monitoring employee environments, and agencies requiring analytical skills. Chemistry graduates are very competitive in the retail and wholesale professions. Over half of our chemistry graduates continue on to graduate school.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry also offers a Biochemistry concentration that recognizes the recent growth of the biotechnology industry and attention in all industrial sectors to biological problems. Students receive broad training in traditional areas of chemistry with additional emphasis in the area of cellular and molecular biology. Graduates are well-prepared for a changing job market or for further study in chemistry, biology, or professional disciplines such as medicine, dentistry, or pharmacy. Career opportunities are available in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and cosmetics industries.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry with a nanotechnology concentration is designed for students who want a chemistry education that concentrates on the rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and nanomanufacturing. This concentration requires a one semester nanomanufacturing lab experience at the Penn State Nanofabrication Facility. Participation by Mansfield University students depends on acceptance of students by the Penn State Nanofabrication Facility. Some career opportunities for students completing this program include employment in pharmaceutical, biomedical, semiconductor, microelectronic, and optoelectronic industries. This program is excellent preparation for graduate study in solid-state chemistry, materials science, and microelectronics.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry with a forensic science concentration is designed for students who are considering the growing forensic science field. Students receive broad training in chemistry, necessary for students to fully understand the scope and depth of the science and laboratory skill needed to become a forensic scientist. More specialized courses in forensic science, biology and physics are designed along AAFS standards to give students context in the specifics of the field. Graduates are prepared to begin work in forensic laboratories or to continue training at the graduate level. Due to the generalist nature of the degree, they are fully prepared to continue on in the more traditional training or professions pursued in any of the B.S. chemistry degree concentrations.

The Physics concentration is designed for students who want a more fundamental physics and mathematically intensive study of the interaction of matter and energy than is provided in a traditional B.S. Chemistry degree.  This academic path will provide students with knowledge that they can use for advanced study in astronomy, chemical engineering, material science, and other science disciplines.  For those wanting to enter the workforce after graduating, this rigorous broad-based chemistry and physics program provides students with technical and critical thinking skills that they can utilize as bench scientists and laboratory technicians.

The B.S. degree in Chemistry with Plant Extract concentration recognizes the recent growth of the plant extraction industry for medicinal, cosmetic and flavorings industry.  As a result, there is a niche for graduates who have an understanding of the theory and practice of extraction science.  Students receive broad training in the traditional areas of chemistry with additional emphasis in the area of plant biology.  Graduates are well-prepared for a changing job market or for further study in chemistry, biology, or professional disciplines such as medicine of pharmacy.  Career opportunities are available in medicine, pharmacy, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and cosmetics industries.

Program Requirements: Chemistry, Nanotechnology Concentration (B.S.): 120 s.h.


All students with a concentration in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nanotechnology, or Forensic Science must take the following core classes: (For the ACS-certified B.S. degree students are required to take CHM 3341 and 2-3 credits of research. Please talk to a faculty advisor for more information about the ACS-certified B.S. degree)

Total Credit Hours: 61 - 62


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