Chemistry, Bachelor of Arts 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 curriculum leading to the A.B. degree offers a substantive program in chemistry while allowing students the freedom to take more courses in other disciplines and pursue a broad liberal arts education. Students with a deeper interest in chemistry should choose one of the several programs leading to the B.S. degree.
Career Alternatives
Chemistry graduates with bachelor's degrees are employed extensively throughout various industries in quality control, research & development, production supervision, technical marketing, and other areas. The types of industries employing these graduates include chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, genetic engineering, biotechnology, food & beverage, petroleum & petrochemical, paper & textile, electronics & computer, and environmental & regulatory agencies. The bachelor's programs also provide chemistry graduates with the rigorous preparation needed for an advanced degree in chemistry and various professional schools in the health sciences.
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 Arts is 79.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Preparatory Subject Matter | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| Choose a series: | 15 | |
| General Chemistry and General Chemistry and General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering and General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering and General Chemistry for the Physical Sciences & Engineering | ||
| Physics | ||
| Choose a series: | 12-15 | |
| General Physics and General Physics and General Physics | ||
| Classical Physics and Classical Physics and Classical Physics | ||
| Mathematics | ||
| Choose a series: | 9-12 | |
| Short Calculus and Short Calculus and Short Calculus | ||
| Calculus for Biology & Medicine and Calculus for Biology & Medicine and Calculus for Biology & Medicine | ||
| Calculus and Calculus and Calculus | ||
| Preparatory Subject Matter Subtotal | 36-42 | |
| Depth Subject Matter | ||
| Chemistry | ||
| CHE 105 | Analytical & Physical Chemical Methods | 4 |
| CHE 110A | Physical Chemistry: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics | 4 |
| CHE 110B | Physical Chemistry: Properties of Atoms & Molecules | 4 |
| CHE 110C | Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics, Equilibria & Kinetics | 4 |
| CHE 124A | Inorganic Chemistry: Fundamentals | 3 |
| CHE 128A | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 128B | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 128C | Organic Chemistry | 3 |
| CHE 129A | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| CHE 129B | Organic Chemistry Laboratory | 2 |
| Additional Upper Division Units | ||
| At least 11 additional upper division units in Chemistry (CHE) or related areas, including one course with formal lectures; courses in related areas must be approved in advance by the major advisor. 1 | 11 | |
| Depth Subject Matter Subtotal | 43 | |
| Total Units | 79-85 | |