The Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry prepares students for careers as professional chemists and serves as a foundation for careers in other fields such as biology and medicine. The curriculum offers a thorough fundamental knowledge of the major fields of chemistry, covering the general areas of inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, plus many more specialized courses including analytical, nuclear, and biophysical chemistry and chemical biology. Students gain laboratory experience in inorganic and organic synthesis, analytical methods, physical chemical measurements, spectroscopy, biochemical engineering, and chemical methods in nuclear technology. Undergraduates are encouraged to take full advantage of the scientific opportunities available in the department by joining a research group.
In addition, the department offers a Materials Chemistry concentration intended for students interested in the application of basic chemical principles to the discovery, design, and characterization of materials.
A student can complete a major in chemistry or chemical biology in the College of Chemistry (B.S. degree) or a major in chemistry in the College of Letters and Science (B.A. degree).
Suggested Sequence of Courses
| First Year Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry 4A (F), 4B (S) -- General/Quantitative Analysis | 5 | 5 |
| Math 1A, 1B -- Calculus* | 4 | 4 |
| Physics 7A** -- Physics for Scientists & Engineers | - | 4 |
| Reading & Composition A, B | 4 | 4 |
| Freshman Seminar or other 1 unit course | 1 | - |
| Total Units | 14 | 17 |
| Second Year Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry 12A+ (F), 12B+ (S) -- Organic | 5 | 5 |
| Chemistry 96 (F) -- Intro to Research | 1 | - |
| Math 53, 54§ -- Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra & Differential Equations | 4 | 4 |
| Physics 7B -- Physics for Scientists & Engineers | 4 | - |
| Breadth elective/American Cultures (optional in Fall) | 3-4 | 4 |
| Total Units | 14-18 | 13 |
| Third Year Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry 104A (F), 104B (S) -- Inorganic | 3 | 3 |
| Chemistry 120A*** | 3 | - |
| Chemistry elective‡ | - | 3-4 |
| Allied Subjects‡ | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Research, Breadth elective, other | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Total Units | 13-14 | 13-15 |
| Fourth Year Course | Fall | Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry 125**** -- Physical Chemistry lab | 3 | - |
| Chemistry lab requirement (105, 108, 115, or 146) | - | 3-4 |
| Chemistry 120B (normally offered Fall only, but offered in Spring 2025) | 3 | - |
| Allied Subjects ‡ | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Research, Breadth elective, other | 3-4 | 3-4 |
| Total Units***** | 13-14 | 13 |
*Math 10A+10B may be substituted for 1A+1B
** Physics 5A+5B/L may be substituted for 7A+7B
*** Chemistry 120A and 120B should be taken in sequence. 120A may be taken in Spring of the second year; 120B may be taken in Fall of third or fourth year.
**** Chemistry C182 may be substituted for Chem 125
***** Unit totals may not add up to the minimum 120 units required to graduate. Most College of Chemistry students come in with a substantial number of exam or transfer credits, and/or take classes in addition to those listed here.
† Chem 12A = 112A and Chem 12B = Chem 112B for Spring 2017 or earlier.
‡ Allied Subjects and Chem Elective must add up to 12 units.
§ Physics 89 may be substituted for Math 54