The Bachelor of Science teaching program in chemistry (BS) is designed to qualify students for the 9-12 Chemistry license in the state of Minnesota.
Program Requirements
Required General Education
Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03
Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Other prerequisites: High school chemistry or C (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. C (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 104 and Select 1 Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121. High school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-05
Limits, continuity, the derivative and applications, transcendental functions, L'Hopital's Rule, and development of the Riemann integral.
- Prerequisites:
- Satisfy Placement Table in this section, MATH 115 or both MATH 112 and MATH 113 with "C" (2.0) or better.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-04
Major Common Core
Continuation of the basic principles of chemistry including properties of solutions, kinetics, acids and bases, equilibria, buffers, precipitation reactions, electron transfer reactions, electrochemistry, entropy and free energy. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts.
- Prerequisites:
- "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 201
The course will cover aspects of the ethical conduct of research, chemical safety, and preparation for a profession related to chemistry or biochemistry.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 322
Introduction to the principles of chemical analysis, with emphasis on classical methods of analysis. Lectures will stress the theory of chemical measurements and sample handling. Laboratory exercises will provide students with opportunities to explore calibration methods, method development, and established procedures for volumetric and gravimetric analyses. Basic atomic spectroscopy is also presented.
- Prerequisites:
- "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202
This course is designed to survey descriptive main group chemistry and augment General Chemistry's introduction to solid state and nuclear chemistry.
- Prerequisites:
- "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202
Introduction to organic nomenclature, structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, organic acid-base reactions, mechanisms and stereochemistry. IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopy will be introduced. The chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes, and alcohols will be covered. Laboratory illustrates synthetic techniques and the preparation and reactions of functional groups discussed during lecture. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 202, "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202.
This course is a continuation Chem 322 and includes organic nomenclature, structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, organic acid-base reactions, and reaction mechanisms; the chemistry of ethers, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, polyenes, ketones, aldehydes, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and alpha carbonyl compounds and synthetic transformations is covered.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 322 with a "C" (2.0) or higher.
Laboratory will highlight common techniques including recrystallization, melting point determination, simple and fractional distillation, extraction, gas and thin layer chromatography, and chemical and spectroscopic qualitative analysis. Single and multi-step syntheses illustrating aromatic and carbonyl chemistry will be performed.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 324
Analysis of the structure and metabolism of biologically important compounds. This intermediate-level course is designed for students in the medical technology, food science, chemistry education, chemistry and pre-professional health majors. The laboratory teaches basic biochemical techniques. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in prerequisite courses. CHEM 324 strongly recommended.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 322. CHEM 324 is strongly recommended.
Detailed treatment of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Topics include equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, phase and reaction equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamic properties of polymers, solutions, and of biochemical and electrochemical processes. C (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
- Prerequisites:
- MATH 121, PHYS 211, CHEM 305
Laboratory to accompany CHEM 445. An advanced treatment of measurement theory and data analysis precedes a series of thermodynamic and kinetic experiments designed to complement topics treated in lecture to help students' independence and sophistication in planning, performing, and reporting experimental work. Other Prerequisites: CHEM 445 and 450 may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 445. CHEM 445 and 450 may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor.
Methods and materials for teaching physical sciences in middle school through high school. Clinical experiences are required for the course.
- Prerequisites:
- Consent
In this course, students will develop discipline-specific skills in critical reading and evaluation of the primary and secondary literature, including the use of libraries and databases to identify reliable sources. Work will culminate in a literature review that synthesizes the current state of research in synthetic polymers, biological macromolecules, supramolecular aggregates and/or meso/nanoscale materials with consideration toward future directions. Throughout the course, students will participate in peer review, revision of written work, learn key ethical considerations of writing, develop better writing mechanics and understand different conventions of scientific writing all while increasing their familiarity in the topics above.
- Prerequisites:
- ENG 101, CHEM 324
Capstone course for majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemistry Teaching. During this course, students will present their mentored undergraduate research projects OR present a literature review synthesized from primary literature articles. Forums for presentation include an oral presentation and poster presentation.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 445 or CHEM 465
General background in physical concepts for those who do not plan advanced study in physics or engineering. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- Either MATH 112 and MATH 113, or MATH 115
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
Includes waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and topics in modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- PHYS 211
* PHYS 221, 222, PHYS 223, 232, and PHYS 233 may substitute for PHYS 211 or PHYS 212. Consult with your advisor.
Other Graduation Requirements
See the K-12 Teaching Programs section of the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.
All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education.
4-Year Plan
The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 15 Credits
Study of biological processes at the suborganismal level including cell chemistry, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, and complex tissue physiology. Laboratory and discussion sessions stress problem solving and experimental design.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-03
Introduction to the basic principles of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics and states of matter. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts. Other prerequisites: High school chemistry or C (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. C (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 104 and Select 1 Course: MATH 112, MATH 113, MATH 115, MATH 121. High school chemistry or "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 104. "C" (2.0) or higher in MATH 112 or student must demonstrate math placement requirements at or above MATH 115 in the placement chart. See Mathematics for details.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
Spring - 15 Credits
Limits, continuity, the derivative and applications, transcendental functions, L'Hopital's Rule, and development of the Riemann integral.
- Prerequisites:
- Satisfy Placement Table in this section, MATH 115 or both MATH 112 and MATH 113 with "C" (2.0) or better.
- Goal Areas:
- GE-04
Continuation of the basic principles of chemistry including properties of solutions, kinetics, acids and bases, equilibria, buffers, precipitation reactions, electron transfer reactions, electrochemistry, entropy and free energy. Laboratory will reinforce lecture concepts.
- Prerequisites:
- "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 201
Second Year
Fall - 16 Credits
General background in physical concepts for those who do not plan advanced study in physics or engineering. Topics include mechanics, fluids, heat and thermodynamics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- Either MATH 112 and MATH 113, or MATH 115
- Goal Areas:
- GE-02, GE-03
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-05
This course is designed to survey descriptive main group chemistry and augment General Chemistry's introduction to solid state and nuclear chemistry.
- Prerequisites:
- "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202
Introduction to organic nomenclature, structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, organic acid-base reactions, mechanisms and stereochemistry. IR, MS, and NMR spectroscopy will be introduced. The chemistry of alkanes, alkyl halides, alkenes, alkynes, and alcohols will be covered. Laboratory illustrates synthetic techniques and the preparation and reactions of functional groups discussed during lecture. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 202, "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202.
Spring - 15 Credits
Includes waves and sound, electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and topics in modern physics. Lecture and laboratory.
- Prerequisites:
- PHYS 211
The course will cover aspects of the ethical conduct of research, chemical safety, and preparation for a profession related to chemistry or biochemistry.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 322
Introduction to the principles of chemical analysis, with emphasis on classical methods of analysis. Lectures will stress the theory of chemical measurements and sample handling. Laboratory exercises will provide students with opportunities to explore calibration methods, method development, and established procedures for volumetric and gravimetric analyses. Basic atomic spectroscopy is also presented.
- Prerequisites:
- "C" (2.0) or higher in CHEM 202
This course is a continuation Chem 322 and includes organic nomenclature, structure, bonding, chemical reactivity, organic acid-base reactions, and reaction mechanisms; the chemistry of ethers, aromatic and heterocyclic compounds, polyenes, ketones, aldehydes, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and alpha carbonyl compounds and synthetic transformations is covered.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 322 with a "C" (2.0) or higher.
Third Year
Fall - 15 Credits
In this course, teacher candidates will explore the equitable use of current and new technologies to support the wide range of student learning variability, while addressing safe, culturally responsive, and ethical use. Teacher candidates will also discuss innovative educational technologies to reflect on their use for professional, personal, and community purposes.
- Prerequisites:
- none
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-11, GE-7A
- Diverse Cultures:
- Gold
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to apply a critical lens to unit and lesson planning to foster critical thinking, discussion, engagement, and inquiry. Teacher candidates will examine cognitive processes associated with learning. Teacher candidates will also explore theory and methods to develop equitable, accessible, and culturally sustaining learning experiences to eliminate barriers to learning, including asset-based pedagogy, and identity affirming classroom environments.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Analysis of the structure and metabolism of biologically important compounds. This intermediate-level course is designed for students in the medical technology, food science, chemistry education, chemistry and pre-professional health majors. The laboratory teaches basic biochemical techniques. Other Prerequisites: C (2.0) or higher in prerequisite courses. CHEM 324 strongly recommended.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 322. CHEM 324 is strongly recommended.
In this course, students will develop discipline-specific skills in critical reading and evaluation of the primary and secondary literature, including the use of libraries and databases to identify reliable sources. Work will culminate in a literature review that synthesizes the current state of research in synthetic polymers, biological macromolecules, supramolecular aggregates and/or meso/nanoscale materials with consideration toward future directions. Throughout the course, students will participate in peer review, revision of written work, learn key ethical considerations of writing, develop better writing mechanics and understand different conventions of scientific writing all while increasing their familiarity in the topics above.
- Prerequisites:
- ENG 101, CHEM 324
Spring - 15 Credits
In this course teacher candidates will critically explore asset-based pedagogy grounded in anti-racist, culturally relevant, and responsive practices to differentiate instruction. Additionally, teacher candidates will explore their intersectional identity and the importance of ongoing self-reflective practices necessary to cultivate identity affirming learning environments and experiences for students. Finally, teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that model and explain concepts and skills in multiple ways to support the diverse needs of students.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course teacher candidates will explore strategies to cultivate learning experiences that are equitable, culturally relevant, justice-oriented, student-centered, and meaningful. Candidates will have an opportunity to create a unit plan, formative and summative assessments, and rubrics that emphasize multiple ways of expressing learning. Furthermore, candidates will examine grading practices and methods for providing/sharing feedback that supports learner variability and facilitating student ownership of their learning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Methods and materials for teaching physical sciences in middle school through high school. Clinical experiences are required for the course.
- Prerequisites:
- Consent
Capstone course for majors in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Chemistry Teaching. During this course, students will present their mentored undergraduate research projects OR present a literature review synthesized from primary literature articles. Forums for presentation include an oral presentation and poster presentation.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 445 or CHEM 465
Fourth Year
Fall - 17 Credits
In this course, teacher candidates will explore strategies to build strong relationships with and advocate for students, families, and the community. Candidates will examine ways that the curriculum addresses multiple perspectives, cultures and backgrounds to emphasize culturally sustaining learning experiences. They will explore professional responsibilities and teacher leadership roles. Finally, teachers will examine ways to use data and information gathered from the students, school, and caregivers to advocate and support students for positive change.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course, teacher candidates investigate how traditional methods of reading instruction can contribute to systemic oppression in classrooms and how anti-oppressive methods can help break the cycle of inequities in education. Teacher candidates apply understanding of systemic oppression and inequity to provide asset-based, ongoing support for students. This includes knowledge and implementation of content area reading instruction, recognizing the characteristics of reading disabilities and implementing accommodations to meet student needs, and using the language development framework to support multilingual learners.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Detailed treatment of thermodynamics and chemical kinetics. Topics include equations of state, laws of thermodynamics, phase and reaction equilibrium, reaction kinetics, and thermodynamic properties of polymers, solutions, and of biochemical and electrochemical processes. C (2.0) or higher in all prerequisites.
- Prerequisites:
- MATH 121, PHYS 211, CHEM 305
Laboratory to accompany CHEM 445. An advanced treatment of measurement theory and data analysis precedes a series of thermodynamic and kinetic experiments designed to complement topics treated in lecture to help students' independence and sophistication in planning, performing, and reporting experimental work. Other Prerequisites: CHEM 445 and 450 may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor.
- Prerequisites:
- CHEM 445. CHEM 445 and 450 may be taken concurrently with consent of instructor.
Spring - 12 Credits
In this seminar, teacher candidates will reflect upon and assess /discuss practices, experiences, challenges, and success in their student teaching experience.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course, teacher candidates apply learning from coursework to practice in the 5-12 classroom.
- Prerequisites:
- admission to student teaching.
Policies
Admission to Major. No formal admission is required for Chemistry Teaching. Students may enroll in 300- and 400-level courses after they have declared Chemistry Teaching as a first major and successfully completed any pre-requisite courses.
Teaching License: All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education. See the 5-12 or K-12 Teaching Programs section in the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.
GPA Policy. Students obtaining a degree in chemistry teaching must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in required science and mathematics courses.
P/N Grading Policy. Courses leading to a degree in chemistry teaching may not be taken on a P/N basis except where P/N grading is mandatory.
For students who choose to obtain a Chemistry Teaching BS, CHEM 489 must be taken at Minnesota State Mankato. This course will not be substituted. Be sure to consult your advisor regarding the placement of CHEM 489 in your program.
Transfer students should consult with their chemistry advisor as soon as possible.
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major Credits
76
Total Credits
120
Locations
Mankato
Career Cluster
Education and Training
Accreditation
CAEP
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.