Mission of the Chemistry Department
The mission of the chemistry department at Westmont College is to provide a nationally competitive chemistry program that helps our students become competent, thoughtful, and theologically reflective scientists, teachers, health care providers, and citizens for our world.
Goals for our Graduates
Department Goals and Outcomes
1) Students will be prepared for professional careers in chemistry
- As skilled entry level employees in industry
- As enthusiastic educators in elementary and secondary schools
- As competent graduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, and chemical engineering
- As motivated health-care professionals
Outcome : 75% of our graduates will enter the career path of their choice as defined above.
2) Students will demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in chemistry
Outcome : The average performance on ACS National Exams will be at least in the 60th percentile,
with 30% of the students scoring above the 80th percentile, in each course that has an exam.The
average score on the Physical Science (PS) and Biological Science (BS) areas of the MCAT will be at
the 60th percentile or higher.
3) Students will be skilled in working in the laboratory and will appreciate experiment
design and problem solving by the time of graduation.
Outcome : At least 50% of our graduates will be involved in a summer research project; either
at Westmont or another facility, and at least two graduates per year will complete a major honors
project. Students will demonstrate their understanding of basic experimental design in a senior
level physical chemistry laboratoryassessment instrument.
4) Students will develop a love of learning and an enthusiasm for chemistry as a
science and a discipline.
Outcome : At least 50% of our juniors and seniors will voluntarily participate in our chemistry club.
5) Students will be experienced at reconciling Christian and secular scientific world
views. They will be knowledgeable in the area of the interface between Christian
Faith and science. They will have a perspective that integrates their scientific and
theological beliefs into a seamless whole.
Outcome : Most students will attain at least a satisfactory score (according to our grading
rubric) on their senior integration of faith and learning paper as graded by two department readers.
30% of students will attain an excellent score or higher.