Our program assessment process is based on the mission statements of the University, the College, and the Department. It involves development of program educational objectives and desired student learning outcomes, design of numerous items to assess outcomes, collection and evaluation of student work for each item, summarizing the data on the results, evaluation of the collected data, preparation of detailed assessment documents and development of strategies for improvement as needed.
Departmental Mission
The Department of Chemistry and Physics at the University of Tennessee at Martin has a threefold mission in teaching Chemistry: first, to provide basic instruction to all students at the university in the concepts and methods of this central experimental science within the framework of a traditional liberal education designed to prepare the individual for productive citizenship in the modern world; second, to provide further instruction in basic science as a foundation for those students wishing to pursue professional studies in medicine and the related health sciences; and, third, to provide broadly based opportunities for advanced training for students who wish to pursue careers in chemistry or related professions either upon completion of a bachelor’s degree or following additional advanced study. Faculty are committed to mentoring students and to advancing the professions of chemistry and education through a full range of scholarly activities and service to both the campus and community. The traditional Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in a second area (biology, mathematics, physics, geosciences, psychology, etc.) provides an excellent background for students planning careers in medicine or one of the other health sciences, in the emerging field of environmental sciences, or in virtually any technically based area. The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree, designed to follow the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the American Chemical Society for a professional degree program in chemistry at the undergraduate level and fully accredited by the ACS, allows students to concentrate their studies in chemistry and mathematics. It is recommended primarily for students with a career interest in chemistry or for students who plan to pursue graduate study in science. Both degree programs provide a balance between theory and lab experience. The department is well equipped with modern chemical instrumentation. Beginning in the sophomore year, students have direct access to and obtain considerable first-hand experience in the use of all of the instrumentation within the department. Research participation by undergraduates is encouraged.
Program Educational Objectives
The Chemistry Degree Programs aim to produce graduates who are well prepared to pursue further study in chemistry or the health sciences or to enter the workforce as chemistry teachers or laboratory technicians.