Oct 09, 2024  
2024-2025, 2nd ed. General Catalog 
    
2024-2025, 2nd ed. General Catalog

Chemistry, BS



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(Certified by the American Chemical Society)

The BS degree provides thorough preparation for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the chemical sciences, go to professional school, or work as chemists in industry. All courses in the major core, major electives, and supporting courses must be taken in the traditional grading mode (A-F). Transcripts will be noted as approved by the American Chemical Society.

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

Program Learning Outcomes


  1. Read and interpret chemical literature and communicate science effectively in both oral and written formats

  2. Understand properties and reactivity of atoms and molecules. 

  3. 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.  

  4. Use chemicals, standard glassware, and instrumentation safely and effectively.

  5. Work towards ethical behavior and developing awareness of bias in experimental expectations and social interactions.   

Additional Learning Outcomes for BS Chemistry 

  1. Apply a deep mathematical foundation for application to chemical problems.

  2. Implement experiments for a novel research problem and demonstrate scientific independence.

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

Total Units Required: 120


Total Units in GE: 48

Total Units in Major Core: 49 (6 units count for GE)

Total Units in Support Courses: 22 (3 units count for GE)

Total Units in Major Electives: 8

Total Units in University Electives: 2

Total Units Required for Graduation: 120

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