Science - Chemistry

Chairperson: Prof. Ghassan Younes

Associate Professors:  Dr. Mohammad EL-Dakdouki

Part-time Lecturer:  Dr. Khadija Hijazi, Dr. Naim Obeid, Dr. Zalfa Nour, Dr. Berna Hamad, Dr. Mohammad Al- Iter

The mission of the Department of Chemistry is to provide high quality education which includes exposure to the core areas of chemistry. The Department offers a wide variety of courses to support other departments and faculties. It prepares chemistry professionals to meet the challenges encountered in their chosen careers, and supports research activities. The Chemistry Department also provides distinguished services to the community.

The aim of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is to:

• Provide students with the basic theoretical principles and practical concepts of core and applied chemistry disciplines.
• Develop students’ skills in analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, communication and research skills.
• Prepare students for graduate study or professional careers in chemistry.
• Provide students with hands-on experiences with state-of-the art scientific instruments and equipment.
  

The Chemistry program enables students, by the time of graduation, to achieve the following outcomes:

a- Knowledge and Understanding:

1. The basic science including chemical principles and theories, terminology, nomenclatures, units and basic mathematics and physics.
2. The detailed knowledge of the subfields of chemistry, including analytical and physical chemistry, as well as inorganic and organic chemistry.
3. The fundamental facts, principles and theories of selected topics in applied chemistry including petrochemical industry, chemistry of polymers, catalysis, heterocyclic chemistry, physical photochemistry, medicinal chemistry, industrial organic chemistry, and industrial inorganic chemistry.

b- Intellectual Skills:

1. Demonstrate essential facts, concepts, principles and theories relating to the main fields in chemistry.
2. Analyze and solve qualitative and quantitative synthetic chemical problems.
3. Analyze experimental data for meaningful interpretations, critically assess data in the literature and extract useful data from it.

c- Practical Skills:

1. Follow practical instructions safely and accurately.
2. Conduct experiments and use appropriate experimental apparatus effectively.
3. Operate chemical instrumentation. Read, evaluate and interpret data.

d- Transferable Skills:

1. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
2. Use information technology skills, especially in the areas of information retrieval, literature searching and use of library databases.
3. Work independently and collaborate effectively.
4. Manage time by the ability to plan and implement efficient and effective modes of working.
5. Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the workplace or in professional field after graduation.
   

To obtain the Bachelor Degree in Chemistry, students must successfully complete a total of 97 credit hours + IC3, where the standard duration of study is 6 semesters. There is one general semester of study for the students of the Chemistry Program.

Chemistry graduates are qualified to either continue their postgraduate studies, or work in educational or research institutions, laboratories, industries, pharmaceutical or health companies. The available options include the following: School Teacher, Lab Assistant, Research Assistant, Petroleum and Petrochemicals, Corrosion Control and Electroplating, Paints, Polymers and Materials Development, Food and Water industries, Drug, Pharmaceutical, Health, Environmental Monitoring, Quality Control, Forensic and many others.

5 credits are selected from the University Mandatory courses list.

At least one course from social sciences and one course from humanities should be selected among the university elective courses.

** A total of 6 credits is required as faculty electives.

Students can enroll in any course offered by the Faculty of Science.

The program utilizes a number of well-equipped laboratories for practical work and research. The Laboratories serving the program are:

1. Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory
2. Organic Chemistry Laboratory
3. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
4. Physical Chemistry Research Laboratory
5. Organic Chemistry Research Laboratory
6. Inorganic Research Laboratory
7. Water Analysis Laboratory
8. Specialized Center for Chemical Analysis