Apr 24, 2024  
2022-2023 General Catalog 
    
2022-2023 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


Chemistry, B.S.



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(Certified by the American Chemical Society)

The B.S. 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.

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 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.

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.

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

Program Roadmaps


Sample Four-Year Program


The Four year Plan is a sample study plan. The sequence and specific courses given are suggestive; please see an advisor each semester to plan your personal program and track your progress using the Academic Requirements Report (ARR) in MYSSU.

Courses may be interchanged fall and spring semester depending on course offering each semester.

General Education Notes:

  • GE Areas A2 and B4 should be completed by the end of the first year. Some students may take year-long courses for GE A2 and/or B4.
  • GE Area A1 and A3 should be completed by the end of the second year
  • Students should enroll in Upper Division GE courses after completion of Areas A1, A2, A3, and B4 with a C- or better, lower division GE in that area, and 45 units total.
  • Not all First-Year Learning Communities (FLC’s) meet the same GE areas.
  • GE Area D must be taken in two different subject areas across the nine total required units in lower division (LD) and upper division (UD).
  • Students must take American Institution requirements in U.S. History and U.S. Constitution/California State and Local Government. These requirements may be met in GE.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry


Freshman Year: 31 Units

Fall Semester (16 Units)

Sophomore Year: 30 Units

Spring Semester (15 Units)

Junior Year: 29 Units

Fall Semester (13 Units)

Spring Semester (15 Units)

Senior Year: 30 Units

Fall Semester (16 Units)

Spring Semester (16 Units)

Total Semester Units: 120


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