Academic Learning Compacts

In 2004, the Florida Board of Governors adopted a resolution requiring universities in the State University System to devise an Academic Learning Compact (ALC) for each baccalaureate degree program. The ALC is envisioned as a compact or agreement between university and student that will establish a minimum level of competence at the bachelor’s degree level.

The ALC includes three components:

  • Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): what skills each student will acquire
  • Individual Student Assessment (ISA): the evaluation instrument(s)
  • Assessment Criteria: expected level of achievement in the ISA

Academic Learning Compact for the Standard Chemistry Major

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Knowledge of physical, organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry.
  2. Laboratory skills in: synthesis of molecules; quantitative analytical and physical measurements; and instrumental methods of analysis and structure determination.
  3. Critical thinking in chemistry: interpretation, evaluation, explanation, and critical inquiry; how to ask appropriate questions, gather relevant information efficiently and creatively, and reason logically from this information to make reliable conclusions.
  4. Ability to articulate results clearly and effectively in speech and in writing in an acceptable presentation style.

Individual Student Assessment (numbered to correspond with the pertinent SLO)

  1. Completion of the Diagnostic of Undergraduate Chemistry Knowledge (DUCK) examination designed by the American Chemical Society.
  2. Completion of laboratory courses CHM 2211L, 3120L, 4130L, and either 4411L or 4413L
  3. Completion of all coursework (lecture and laboratory) required by the Department of Chemistry and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
  4. Completion of the CLAST examination prior to the beginning of Tracking Term 5; completion of the laboratory courses listed in #2, all of which require presentation of results in written and/or oral form.

Assessment Criteria

  1. DUCK score equal to or exceeding the national average, as specified by the American Chemical Society.
  2. Minimum grade of C in the specified laboratory courses.
  3. Minimum grade of C in all required CHM, MAC, and PHY courses. Successful completion of CLAS requirements.
  4. Successful completion of the CLAST exam; minimum grade of C in the specified laboratory courses.

Academic Learning Compact for the Biochemistry Major

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Knowledge of physical, organic, inorganic, analytical and biological chemistry.
  2. Laboratory skills in: synthesis of new molecules; quantitative analytical and physical measurements; modern biochemical techniques; and instrumental methods of analysis and structure determination.
  3. Critical thinking in chemistry: interpretation, evaluation, explanation, and critical inquiry; how to ask appropriate questions, gather relevant information efficiently and creatively, and reason logically from this information to make reliable conclusions.
  4. Ability to articulate results clearly and effectively in speech and in writing in an acceptable presentation style.

Individual Student Assessment (numbered to correspond with the pertinent SLO)

  1. Completion of the Diagnostic of Undergraduate Chemistry Knowledge (DUCK) examination designed by the American Chemical Society.
  2. Completion of laboratory courses CHM 2211L, 3120L, 4302L, and 4413L
  3. Completion of all coursework (lecture and laboratory) required by the Department of Chemistry and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS).
  4. Completion of the CLAST examination prior to the beginning of Tracking Term 5; completion of the laboratory courses listed in #2, all of which require presentation of results in written and/or oral form.

Assessment Criteria

  1. DUCK score equal to or exceeding the national average, as specified by the American Chemical Society.
  2. Minimum grade of C in the specified laboratory courses.
  3. Minimum grade of C in all required CHM, MAC, and PHY courses. Successful completion of CLAS requirements.
  4. Successful completion of the CLAST exam; minimum grade of C in the specified laboratory courses.