Chemistry, BA

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The BA degree provides a solid foundation in chemistry so students have the same career options as those with the BS degree, while allowing students the flexibility to pursue other academic interests. All courses in the major core, major electives, and supporting courses must be taken in the traditional grading mode (A-F). It is highly recommended that students perform undergraduate research with a faculty member.

Please see the current approved curriculum on the SSU official catalog web page.

Program Learning Outcomes

Read and interpret chemical literature and communicate science effectively in both oral and written formats
Understand properties and reactivity of atoms and molecules.
Proficient at experimental design with documentation and generation of useful data. Including the proficiency of data manipulation, interpretation and the forming of conclusions based on data.
Use chemicals, standard glassware, and instrumentation safely and effectively.
Work towards ethical behavior and developing awareness of bias in experimental expectations and social interactions.

Secondary Education Teaching Preparation

Chemistry students must demonstrate competence in the natural sciences by passing the subject matter examination required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. One part of the examination will test breadth of knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, and geology. Another part of the examination will test depth of knowledge in a particular area, such as chemistry. The BA or BS degree in chemistry is recommended to prepare for the part of the examination that tests depth of knowledge in chemistry. For more information, please contact the Chemistry Department office, Darwin Hall 300, (707)664-2119.

Degree Requirements

See the “Degree Requirements ” in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

General Education Requirements (48 units)

See the “General Education Program ” requirements in the University Catalog for information on General Education requirements. Some major requirements may double count for GE requirements.

Major Core Requirements (36 units)

CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
CHEM 255 - Quantitative Analysis Unit(s): 4
CHEM 310A - Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 310B - Fundamentals of Physical Chemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 325 - Inorganic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 335A - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 335B - Organic Chemistry Unit(s): 3
CHEM 336A - Organic Chemistry Lab I Unit(s): 2
CHEM 401 - Senior Integrated Lab Unit(s): 3
CHEM 475 - Instrumental Analysis Unit(s): 3
CHEM 496 - Selected Topics Unit(s): 1-4
CHEM 497 - Research Seminar Unit(s): 1

Supporting Courses (13-15 units)

MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4
MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4 OR
PHYS 210A - General Physics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1 OR
PHYS 209A - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1
PHYS 214 - Introduction to Physics II Unit(s): 4 OR
PHYS 210B - General Physics Unit(s): 3
PHYS 216 - Introductory Laboratory Unit(s): 1 OR
PHYS 209B - General Physics Laboratory Unit(s): 1

Total Units Required: 120

Total Units in GE: 48

Total Units in Major Core: 42 (6 units also count for GE)

Total Units in Support Courses: 16 (3 units also count for GE)

Total Units in Electives: 23

Total Units Required for Graduation: 120