Two semester of Independent Study Research are required for the Augustana Chemistry major where the students are introduced to that process. Students gain experience in formulating a plan, searching the literature for background and basics, critically assessing results and reformulating the plan, writing a final report and presenting a Departmental Seminar to communicate findings to others. When appropriate, students also present results at a professional meeting or publish in a scientific journal. Technology as a Tool Chemistry as a discipline and as a department depends heavily on technology. Students learn how to start up, operate, and shut down the instrument, and then train other assistants on that instrument.
Early courses focus on general programs like spreadsheets and use of the Internet.
A variety of computer-based training programs are used in conjunction with the Instrument Proficiency Courses as well. On-line searching of commercial databases and Internet resources is a component of several courses as outlined in the Department's comprehensive literature plan referenced above. Software Integration Software is a technological tool in Chemistry. For specifics, see the discussion in 20.