Chemistry Department Mission

In our research and teaching practice we endeavor to create a community of chemistry learners and practitioners that are prepared to use their chemistry knowledge and skills for the betterment of their communities and their future careers. Our mission is realized through an innovative curriculum of coursework, laboratory skill development and research experiences that partner students and professors.
Our faculty have expertise in a variety of chemistry fields and we are committed to involving students in our research as we foster a culture of respect, access and equity.

Core Components:

1. Chemistry and Chemistry Related Research: Our faculty represent a variety of chemistry disciplines including, but not limited to: Biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry and chemistry education. We encourage our faculty to actively involve graduate and undergraduate students in research projects that cultivate research skills and experiences while also being affirming, inclusive and equitable for all students.
   
   
2. The Chemistry Learning Experience: We empower our students to make evidence-based decisions, become life-long problem solvers, and gain flexible skills for a vast set of careers through student centered pedagogy and innovative coursework. Our program learning outcomes focus on developing students’ core chemistry ideas and laboratory practice to identify, formulate and solve a range of chemistry problems. Students will be able to explore, critique, and reflect on how chemistry relates to society, culture, and issues of equity and ethics that shape their scientific beliefs and identities, while also becoming lifelong learners.
   
   
3. Collegial, responsive and reflective - Our faculty collaborate with each other, other professional partners, and community members. We offer support and encouragement to make student centered pedagogical choices and try out research-based approaches to teaching.
   
   
4. Fostering a culture of unity and respect - We believe that every student is able to learn chemistry. We actively work to challenge prejudice and bias, and we attend to social and emotional dimensions of teaching and learning to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment. We involve faculty through departmental service and we seek ways to give back to the San Jose community.