Chemistry, B.S.

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.

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

* Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 255 ) is not required for students who have completed CHEM 125A  & CHEM 125B ., but is required for majors who took CHEM 115A /CHEM 115B  . Students should replace these four units by completing the challenge by exam form upon completion of the series.

• CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5
• CHEM 115B - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5

• 7 units in the major core, 3 units in GE

•  

• 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 315 - Introduction to Research Methods in Chemistry Unit(s): 1
• CHEM 316 - Research Methods in Chemistry Unit(s): 2
• 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 336B - Organic Chemistry Lab II Unit(s): 2
• CHEM 401 - Senior Integrated Lab Unit(s): 3
• CHEM 402 - Advanced Synthesis and Instrumental Analysis Unit(s): 3
• CHEM 445 - Structural Biochemistry 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

• MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4

• (3 units, counted as GE B4)

• MATH 211 - Differential and Integral Calculus II Unit(s): 4
• MATH 261 - Multivariable Calculus Unit(s): 4
• PHYS 114 - Introduction to Physics I Unit(s): 4
• PHYS 116 - Introductory Laboratory Experience Unit(s): 1
• PHYS 214 - Introduction to Physics II Unit(s): 4
• PHYS 216 - Introductory Laboratory Unit(s): 1

GE Courses

• CHEM 120A - Thinking Like a Scientist Unit(s): 3
• CHEM 120B - Thinking Like a Scientist Unit(s): 3
• CHEM 115A - General Chemistry Unit(s): 5

• GE

• MATH 161 - Differential and Integral Calculus I Unit(s): 4

• GE

• CHEM 401 - Senior Integrated Lab Unit(s): 3

• Met in major

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 B.A. or B.S. 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.

Program Roadmaps