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WHAT WE DO
We in the Department of Chemistry at W&L provide education
in the chemical sciences, conduct scientific research in chemistry,
biochemistry, and related areas, and share expertise and service
to other members of the Washington and Lee community and a wide
range of professional and private communities outside of W&L.
OUR PEDAGOGICAL GOALS
We have as our primary pedagogical goals both to instill in our
students understanding of chemistry based in current chemical
knowledge and to instill in our students the desire to continue
the pursuit of a deeper or broader understanding of chemistry,
in particular, and knowledge in general. We are committed to
preparing life-long learners who are equipped with skills derived
in our classrooms and laboratories.
OUR LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completing a major in chemistry or biochemistry, our students
will understand essential chemical principles and have a foundation
of factual chemical knowledge on which they may build in the
future. Our students will develop intellectual skills that they
may use to solve problems in chemistry and beyond. Our students
will learn to use the chemical literature and learn to communicate
scientific results both orally and in writing. Our students will
have the opportunity to develop a wide range of technical skills
as a result of working with modern laboratory technology, while
simultaneously developing basic competence in laboratory techniques,
skills, practices, including basic laboratory safety skills.
Finally, our students will learn to work as part of a team and
understand ethical practices in chemistry.
OUR STUDENTS
We serve students with varied interests. These students include,
but are not restricted to: those pursuing careers in the chemical
sciences directly upon graduation or after further studies; those
pursuing careers in the Health Professions; those pursuing careers
in branches of the natural sciences other than chemistry; and
those who will study chemistry as part of W&L's Foundations
and Distributions requirements or for purposes of scientific
literacy.
OUR RESEARCH AND SERVICE
We are committed to an environment that is conducive to the pursuit
and practice of scientific research in chemistry and related
fields. This research contributes to faculty development and
it provides exposure for students in the role and practice of
the scientific method. Our Department makes its expertise in
the chemical sciences available to others in the University and
larger community as needed. Members of the Chemistry Department
serve as student advisors and on University committees. |
