Chemistry, B.S.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is intended for students who plan a career in chemistry. The B.S. is accredited by the American Chemical Society. Students who satisfactorily complete this program are recommended by the department for certification as graduate chemists by the American Chemical Society. The B.S. prepares students to enter the job market or for graduate study leading to an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Note: Chemistry majors may not take courses listed in the major or additional requirements for CR/NC grades.

B.S. Chemistry Major Requirements (46 units)

Core Program

CHEM 1A - General Chemistry 1A Units: 5 (Area 5A)
CHEM 1B - General Chemistry 1B Units: 5
CHEM 102 - Quantitative Analytical Chemistry Units: 5
CHEM 106 - Analytical Measurements Laboratory Units: 4
OR
CHEM 106S - Instrumental Analysis in Industrial Settings Units: 4
CHEM 110A - Physical Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 110B - Physical Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 111 - Physical Chemistry Laboratory Units: 3
CHEM 123 - Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 124 - Synthesis and Characterization Units: 2
CHEM 128A - Organic Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 128B - Organic Chemistry Units: 3
CHEM 129A - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 129B - Organic Chemistry Laboratory Units: 2
CHEM 155A - Fundamentals of Biochemistry Units: 3

Additional Requirements (23 units)

MATH 75 - Calculus I Units: 4 (Area 2)
MATH 76 - Calculus II Units: 4
MATH 77 - Calculus III Units: 4
PHYS 4A - Mechanics and Wave Motion Units: 3 (Area 5A)
PHYS 4AL - Laboratory in Mechanics and Wave Motion Units: 1 (Area 5A)
PHYS 4B - Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat Units: 3
PHYS 4BL - Laboratory in Electricity, Magnetism, and Heat Units: 1
PHYS 4C - Light and Modern Physics Units: 3

Other Degree Requirements

In addition to the major program requirements, every student must also complete the University’s baccalaureate degree requirements such as:

American Government and Institutions (PLSI 2 )
General Education Requirements (43 units)
Additional University Graduation Requirements (9 units)
Upper-Division Writing Requirement
Sufficient Elective Units to Meet Required Total Units (varies); it is recommended that units in this area be utilized to complete a second major or minor.

A full description of the University’s graduation requirements can be found in the Baccalaureate Degree Requirements .

Total Units: 120*

*General Education, Additional University Graduation Requirements, and Upper-division Writing courses can be double counted with major requirements. These courses include CHEM 1A or PHYS 4A and PHYS 4AL in G.E. Breadth 5A, and 3 units of MATH 75 in G.E. Foundation 2. See advisor for details.

Recommended courses to meet sufficient elective units: CHEM 140T , CHEM 155B , CHEM 156 , CHEM 160H , CHEM 190