The graduate program in chemistry education research (CER) at Portland State University prepares students for a variety of careers focused on the teaching and learning of chemistry. In working toward this degree, students in the CER program complete graduate coursework in pedagogy and educational research methods. This coursework prepares students to make original research contributions to the field of chemistry education. Advanced chemistry content knowledge is gained through coursework and a curriculum development project in a cognate area.
Students interested in studying chemistry education follow the same entrance and degree requirements as all doctoral students at Portland State University. A complete description of the degree requirements can be found here, specific CER program requirements are outlined in the following sections.
All doctoral students are required to complete a minimum of 24 credits of formal graduate coursework. Coursework is targeted to support each student’s cognate area and specific chemistry education research goals. These 24 credits are split across the categories below.
Chemistry Coursework (12 credits)
Students choose one discipline (analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, or physical chemistry) as their cognate area and complete courses in that area
Students may select from any of the 500/600 level courses offered, except those specifically noted in the doctoral degree guidelines (section II B)
The 2 credits of CH507 (Professional Preparation) count toward the 12-credit requirement
Chemistry Education Coursework (12 credits)
All CER students complete courses in the following core areas:
Quantitative research methods
Qualitative research methods
Additional coursework is determined in consultation with the research advisor and tailored to each student’s research needs
There are a number of non-specified credit hours within the department’s Ph.D. Guidelines, usually fulfilled by the completion of additional coursework or research/dissertation credits. Students in the Chemistry Education doctoral program complete one of the following options in fulfilling these credit hours.
Option 1: Curriculum Development Project
Students complete a curriculum development project in their cognate area. This project is in
addition to the chemistry education research project. Cognate projects are expected to take no more than two terms to complete (one for development and one for implementation and evaluation). Planning of cognate projects may begin after a student has successfully completed their comprehensive exam but development, implementation, and evaluation cannot occur until after they have advanced to candidacy. Students register for a total of 4 credits of CH510 when working on their project, 2 credits during the development term and 2 credits during the implementation/evaluation term.
Option 2: Supervised Teaching Practicum
Students co-teach an undergraduate chemistry lecture course and compile a teaching portfolio. Any chemistry department faculty may mentor a student during the teaching practicum. The student must arrange to observe the course prior to the term they are co-teaching. Students can observe at any time but are not allowed to co-teach until after they have advanced to candidacy. Students register for a total of 4 credits of CH510 when completing their practicum, 1 credit during the observation term and 3 credits during the co-teaching term.
Students interested in learning more about the chemistry education research program or about the field of chemistry education are encouraged to contact Dr. Jack Barbera (jack.barbera@pdx.edu).