Green Chemistry Certificate
***Please note: Requirements for the Green Chemistry Certificate are being changed because CHM 442 is no longer being offered. For more information about alternatives, please see the information below or contact Prof. Dave Leonard ([email protected] 616-331-3241)***
A certificate in green chemistry will be a strong curricular addition to the degrees offered at GVSU. This 13 to 14 credit hour certificate in green chemistry provides students at Grand Valley State University with a foundational knowledge of green, benign chemistry and its principles. This certificate can be completed in one calendar year, if all prerequisites were completed previously.
A certificate in green chemistry is neither a major nor a minor; it can/should be used as a focus investigation area of chemistry, environmental sciences, engineering, environmental studies, or sustainability.
GCC Core requirements:
- CHM 421 Green Chemistry for Sustainable Environment
- CHM 427 Green and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory
- CHM 399 Readings in Chemistry OR CHM 499 Investigation Problems OR CHM 490 Chemistry Laboratory Internship*
GCC Electives Take any 1 additional from the following list:
- BIO 338 Environmental Ethics (3 credits)
- ECO 345 Environmental and Resource Economics (3 credits)
- GEO 360 Earth Resources in Transition: Conventional to Sustainable (3 credits)
- GPY 412 Global Climate and Environmental Change (3 credits)
- INT 322 Wicked Problems of Sustainability (3 credits)
- NRM 330 Environmental Pollution (3 credits)
- NRM 451 Natural Resource Policy (3 credits)
- OSH 300 Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health (3 credits)
*CHM 399 Readings in Chemistry, CHM 490 Chemistry Laboratory Internship, and CHM 499 Investigation Problems are variable credit independent study courses. Any combination of independent projects approved by the advisor adding up to three credits satisfies this requirement.
Overview
A Certificate in Green Chemistry is neither a major nor a minor; it can/should be used as a focus investigation area of Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Studies, or Sustainability. Students must be degree seeking students to receive the certificate. The certificate will be awarded at the same time as the degree is awarded. All undergraduate certificates have received Higher Learning Commission approval, and students are eligible for financial aid because they are seeking a degree.
Career opportunities
A Certificate in Green Chemistry provides a major advantage to an applicant on the job market in the area of chemistry and environmental sciences. Entry-level positions in the field, such as chemical analysis, testing, quality control, and technical service are expected to list knowledge of green chemistry is desired (Cue Berkely, Pfizer, 2007) in job posting in the near future, as the industry recognizes its social responsibilities. The green job market involves a focus on environmentally responsible production. "Green" companies are seeking employees with knowledge of the green chemistry principles and understanding of green chemical design. Hiring a person with green chemistry certification will bring in-house expertise and life-cycle thinking, two main components currently lacking from the training in the future workforce. The certificate will also augment career opportunities in public, private, and nonprofit organizations and agencies interested in environmental issues and in the promotion of sustainability.