Chemistry, Bachelor of Science College of Letters & Science

Chemistry is the study of the composition of matter, its structure, and the means by which it is converted from one form to another.

The Program

We offer several degree programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) and the Bachelor of Science (B.S.). To meet and discuss these programs with our staff advisors, see Academic Advising.

The general B.S. degree in Chemistry is the one chemistry program offered by our department that is certified by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Students in this program pursue a strong foundation in math and physics, in addition to chemistry, taking the higher-level sequences of all course options. This degree provides a strong foundation in experimental processes, instrumentation, and quantitative analysis. Students will be well-prepared to apply their chemistry knowledge to a wide array of applications, including environmental, pharmaceutical, materials, and industrial chemistry.

Career Alternatives

Graduates will be able to successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in professional and/or graduate schools, a scientific career in government or industry, a teaching career in the school systems or other related career tracks.

Major Advisor

To contact a major advisor in the Department of Chemistry, see Academic Advising.

Honors & Honors Program

The student must take courses CHE 194HA, CHE 194HB, and CHE 194HC, and complete a capstone research project (typically a written honors thesis). For more information, see Undergraduate Research.

Graduate Study

The Department of Chemistry offers programs of study and research leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry. Detailed information regarding graduate study may be obtained by contacting the Graduate Advisor, Department of Chemistry. See also Graduate Studies.

The major requirements below are in addition to meeting University Degree Requirements & College Degree Requirements; unless otherwise noted. The minimum number of units required for the Chemistry Bachelor of Science is 107.

Chemistry—American Chemical Society Accredited Program

Preparatory Subject Matter
Chemistry15
General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
and General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
and General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering
Physics15
Classical Physics
and Classical Physics
and Classical Physics
Modern Physics (may be taken, but not required.)
Mathematics
MAT 021A
MAT 021B
MAT 021C
MAT 021D
Calculus
and Calculus
and Calculus
and Vector Analysis
16
Choose One:4
Linear Algebra
and Linear Algebra Computer Laboratory
Linear Algebra with Applications to Biology
Choose One:3-4
Differential Equations
Differential Equations with Applications to Biology
Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal53-54
Depth Subject Matter
Chemistry
CHE 105Analytical & Physical Chemical Methods4
CHE 108Molecular Biochemistry3
CHE 110APhysical Chemistry: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics4
CHE 110BPhysical Chemistry: Properties of Atoms & Molecules4
CHE 110CPhysical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria & Kinetics 4
CHE 115Instrumental Analysis4
CHE 124AInorganic Chemistry: Fundamentals3
CHE 124BInorganic Chemistry: Main Group Elements3
or CHE 124C Inorganic Chemistry: D & F Block Elements
CHE 124LLaboratory Methods in Inorganic Chemistry2
CHE 125Advanced Methods in Physical Chemistry4
CHE 128AOrganic Chemistry3
CHE 128BOrganic Chemistry3
CHE 128COrganic Chemistry3
CHE 129AOrganic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHE 129BOrganic Chemistry Laboratory2
CHE 129COrganic Chemistry Laboratory2
At least 4 additional upper division units in Chemistry (CHE) 14
Depth Subject Matter Subtotal54
Recommended
Undergraduate Honors Research
Undergraduate Honors Research
Undergraduate Honors Research
Special Study for Advanced Undergraduates
Total Units107-108
1

Except Chemistry CHE 107A & CHE 107B.