The Chemistry Licentiate Degree Program at the Federal University of Viçosa – weaving history among the matrices

This manuscript presents an exploratory study on the changes to the curriculum of the Chemistry Licentiate degree program at the Federal University of Viçosa. The program began in 1972 and has existed for over half a century. It was created during the military regime when the subjects Studies of Brazilian Problems and Physical Education were mandatory. The minimum course load and supervised internships have been increasing over time, extending students' stay at the university. A profusion of external and internal laws, resolutions, and ordinances have driven changes in the curriculum, in addition to the needs of the job market. Through these changes, the study traces paths in Brazilian history and the meanings and awareness that have been incorporated into the curricula. Undergraduate catalogs were analyzed to identify the changes, with an emphasis on the subjects that characterize the program. Currently, the inclusion of extension hours has become mandatory in all higher education courses. The latest resolution with curricular guidelines for undergraduate courses, published in 2024, requires that extension activities be carried out in person at schools. Despite all the requirements, dropout rates and low demand for the course are increasing. There is an urgent need for effective public policies to reverse this situation, make the course attractive, and encourage teachers to remain in basic education schools.