The Green Chemistry Commitment
In 2019, the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry signed the Green Chemistry Commitment sponsored by Beyond Benign (beyondbenign.org). Green Chemistry is the design of chemical products and processes that reduce and/or eliminate the use or generation of hazardous substances. By signing the Green Chemistry Commitment, the Department has pledged to implement the following green chemistry student learning objectives.
- Theory: Have a working knowledge of the Twelve Principles of Green Chemistry
- Toxicology: Have an understanding of the principles of toxicology, the molecular mechanisms of how chemicals affect human health and the environment, and the resources to identify and assess molecular hazards
- Laboratory Skills: Possess the ability to assess chemical products and processes and design greener alternatives when appropriate
- Application: Be prepared to serve society in their professional capacity as scientists and professionals through the articulation, evaluation and employment of methods and chemicals that are benign for human health and the environment
Our faculty are working to progressively implement these objectives into our curriculum so that our graduates possess skills are aligned with the needs of the planet and its inhabitants in the 21st century!