Student Achievement Assessment Committee

Program Assessment 2002-2003

Program Assessment is focused in several areas

1. Introductory course for non-science majors (Chemistry 100)
Formal Change: Although a short research paper has often been required by instructors, we changed this to a course requirement for all sections. We are also introducing methods to provide more student interaction within the relatively large sections of this course.

2. General Chemistry 125-135 sequences
We have initiated a program to conduct ongoing assessment, typically with respect to problem solving
Several core items have been identified and specific questions on those topics are included on exams and quizzes in the course. The marks on those questions are being collected for program review. They also serve as part of the student’s course grade. Identical or very similar questions will be used for a number of years to allow us to assess performance over a period of time.
In chem.. 127 this fall we will test a policy of mandatory proficiency on specific core problems. (Students must pass with very high marks, but will be allowed multiple opportunities to meet the requirement.)
Major changes to lab (starting in chem.. 128)
Introduction of computers at student work sites including computerized data collection, data analysis and in-lab computer tutorials
(NSF Funded developments)
Introduction of additional instrumentation

3. Organic chemistry (341 series)
Assessment via standardized exams produced by the American Chemical Society data for the past two years is available
2001-2002 25 out of 50 students rank in the upper 50 percentile, nationally 14 out of 50 rank in the upper 25 th percentile
2002-2003 22 out of 43 rank in the upper 50 percentile 13 out of 43 rank in the upper 25 th percentile
BGSU students score at about the national norms.

4. Curriculum, Overall
The program for majors (chemistry and biochemistry) is certified by the American Chemical Society. The ACS 5 year program review was submitted in April 2003 and we are waiting for results.
This provides detailed external peer review of the BGSU program The ACS sets curriculum and content standards on a national level. The ACS committee reviews syllabi, course exams, laboratory experiment selection, representative student research reports, the department’s instrumentation and library holdings and staffing levels. This provides critical external review.
The ACS guidelines now require one semester of Biochemistry. (Students may graduate with a BGSU degree without Biochemistry, but they are not eligible for ACS certification.) These changes are effective in May 2003.

5. Communications and Related Skills
2002-2003 was the first year that all chemistry majors were required to complete Chem.. 407. That course has strenuous requirements for written reports, oral presentations and a package of computer related skills.
Students in Chem.. 413 (research-- summer and academic year) make formal presentations-- poster presentations and oral power point presentations.
(In practice, some of the 2003 graduates were grandfathered in under the older system, so 2003 -2004 is the first year where this change will affect all graduates)