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)***
Please note: The current GCC certificate description in the GVSU catalog is no longer correct, because the course CHM 442 Synthetic polymers is no longer being offered. Shown below are the the interim requirements:
GVSU Students who seek a certificate in green chemistry are required to complete 10-14 credits from the following courses:
GCC Core requirements:
- CHM 421 Green Chemistry for Sustainable Environment OR CHM 427 Green and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (neither is a pre-requisite for the other)
- CHM 399 Readings in Chemistry OR CHM 499 Investigation Problems OR CHM 490 Chemistry Laboratory Internship
GCC Electives Take any 2 additional from the following list:
- CHM 421 Green Chemistry for Sustainable Environment (if not taken above)
- CHM 427 Green and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory (if not taken above)
- ECO 345 Environmental and Resource Economics (3 credits)
- GEO 300 Geology and the Environment (3 credits)
- GEO 445 Introduction to Geochemistry (3 credits)
- GPY 412 Global Climate and Environmental Change (3 credits)
- NRM 330 Environmental Pollution (3 credits)
- NRM 451 Natural Resource Policy (3 credits)
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.