Changes in my study programme

I studied Environmental Chemistry and now I’m a student of PhD in Chemistry. Although both career are related with chemistry, the environmental component make a great difference, both in methodology and in thinking and implications of the work and objectives involved in doing science. In this sense, “PhD in Chemistry, mention in Environmental Chemistry” is a complicated and sometimes contradictory sciences area. I will describe some changes that could be made to my carrer based on this area.

1. Curriculum: Environmental Chemistry imply the application of Chemistry in social aspects of our lives, using our knowledge with an holistic approach, linking different areas inside and outside the laboratory. So, I would add some elective subject about philosophical and historical aspects of Chemistry and their impacts on society, and other elective subject about transdisciplinary work and interaction among different scientifics (e.g. biologists, physicists, chemists, engineers, sociologists, lawyers, etc)
2. Workload and length of studies: The first semester, PhD in Chemistry have two obligatory subjects (Advanced Physical Chemistry and the choice between Advanced Organic Chemistry or Advanced Inorganic Chemistry), and then one should take at least three elective courses in the whole four years. So, at first the workload is very stressful and then is very relaxed, leaving time for the thesis. I think the length of studies is correct, but maybe they could divide the obligatory subjetcs in two semesters the first year and include obligatory subjetcs depending on the mention of each student.
3. Faculty facilities: I don't have any problem with the faculty facilities. Thesis are made in different laboratories, according to selected mention and teacher. So, a good option is to include a committee in charge of ensuring the correct realization of the thesis with appropriate reagents and laboral conditions.
4. Use of technology: This is complex. Each mention requires different equipment and materials, including cutting-edge technology to ensure a publication. In this context, the university could improve their links with foreign universities making teamwork with they and improving the skills of chilean students through foreign courses. A good option is incorporate at least one stay abroad for free.
5. Teaching methods: Variety of teachers imply a variety of teaching methods. In addition, different mentions and generational gap influence this aspect. In Environmental Chemistry, a good choice is the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) as student-centered approach to create a sense of social responsibility and connect with open-ended problems, typical in environmental sciences.