Chemistry
Assessment Plan

Link to UndergraduateResearch Rating Scale
Contact Chemistry Department for a copy of Sample Questions for Chemistry Exit Interview

I. THE GOALS OF THE CHEMISTRY FACULTY ARE TO FACILITATE OUTCOMES DESIRABLE OF A PROFESSIONAL CHEMIST OR CHEMISTRY EDUCATOR. THE OUTCOMES FOR CHEMISTRY MAJORS ARE TO DEMONSTRATE:

1. Basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of experimental and theoretical chemistry;
2. Skills in analytical thinking, problem solving and application of scientific methods to experimental data;
3. Skills in laboratory operations including techniques, instrumentation, experimental design, interpretation and reporting of experimental results;
4. Ability to design and conduct chemical research projects;
5. Written and oral communication skills.

II. PROPOSED ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES:

A. Research, Research Reports and Senior Seminar.

Each BA candidate in chemistry will conduct research. At least three credits of undergraduate research will be required. Research is a qualitatively useful assessment tool because successful research integrates, develops, and applies knowledge and skills outcomes.

A written progress report will be required for each semester of research activity and become part of the student's portfolio. The faculty will use a rating scale to evaluate the student's progress toward professional growth. The evaluation will address specific outcomes such as the ability to understand the scope and background of the project; the ability to search the literature; the ability to keep clear and accurate records; the ability to learn and apply laboratory techniques; the ability to follow safe procedures; the ability to communicate in written form; the ability to present or publish results; the ability to function under supervision; the ability to function independently; and the ability to contribute original ideas and designs to the project. Because research will normally occur over several years, the resulting evaluation data will provide assessment of progressive development.

A final written report and senior seminar presenting the results of student research will be required. The chemistry faculty will evaluate the student's paper and seminar, and the attached rating scale will be used to generate data. The evaluation will address the student's oral and written communication skills in addition to chemistry knowledge and skills outcomes. The attached rating scale will be used across all of the undergraduate research classes and in assessment of the final written report and the senior seminar presentation.

Implementation: See above.
Focus: Assessment of knowledge and skills outcomes.
Specific Outcomes Assessed: 1,2,3,4,5

B.  Exit Survey of Graduating Students.

An exit survey of graduating students will be conducted. The survey will induce both questions with a rating scale and also open-ended questions. The survey will address, but not be limited to, the student's satisfaction with the department, faculty and chemistry program and whether the student feels adequately prepared for a career in chemistry or a chemistry related field. A written exit survey will be used, but may be supplemented by a live interview conducted by someone outside of the department.

Implementation: Surveys will be conducted annually.
Focus: Assessment of attitudinal/student satisfaction outcomes.
Specific Outcomes Assessed: Student self-assessment of 1,2,3,4,5

C. Alumni Survey/Information.

An alumni survey will be conducted. The survey will be sent to students two and/or three years following graduation. The survey will include both questions with a rating scale and also open-ended questions. The department will compile information regarding the continuing education, training, and employment of alumni.

Implementation: Surveys will be mailed to alumni, with the understanding that 100% response rate is unrealistic. The fact that only recent graduates will be targeted will ensure that alumni will be responding to relatively recent situations in the department. The premise is that within a few years of graduation students will be able to assess how their training compared to that of others in analogous circumstances.
Focus: Alumni self-assessment of their knowledge/skills outcomes, and assessment of alumni attitudinal/satisfaction outcomes.
Specific Outcomes Assessed: Alumni self-assessment of 1,2,3,4,5

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an equal opportunity educator and employer | Accessibility Questions? | Contact assess@mnstate.edu | Updated 1/11/06
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