Chemistry Degree Options
The Department of Chemistry has pathways leading to a B.S or A.B. degree in chemistry. The B.S. degree provides deeper coverage of topics, and students planning to pursue graduate studies in chemistry or employment in the chemical industry following graduation are strongly encouraged to pursue it. The A.B. degree provides greater flexibility than the B.S. degree in scheduling and course selection. Students with interests in a second major or in advanced work in a professional school (e.g., medical, dental, veterinary, business, or law) following graduation should consider this program. Students with an interest in employment in the chemical or a related industry, or in advanced study in chemistry or a related science (e.g., Biochemistry or Pharmacology) may also consider this program, although they are encouraged to augment their program with additional upper-level chemistry courses.
Required Courses for Both the A.B. and B.S. Degrees
The following courses (10.5 units) are required for all chemistry majors regardless of the degree track.
General Chemistry (1 unit): Chem 21, Chem 101DL, or Chem 110DL
Organic Chemistry (2.25 units): Chem 201DL, Chem 202D, and Chem 202L
Intro. Quantitative & Inorganic Chemistry (1.25 units): Chem 210D and 210L
Physics 1 (1 unit): Physics 25 or Physics 121DL1
Physics 2 (1 unit): Physics 25 or Physics 122DL2
Calculus 1 (1 unit): Math 21 or Math 111L3
Calculus 2 (1 unit): Math 22, Math 112L, or Math 122L
Analytical Chemistry (2 units): Chem 401 (offered in Fall Semester only) and Chem 401L (offered in Spring Semester only)
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1Physics 121DL is recommended, but Physics 151DL or Physics 161D and Physics 163L also satisfy this requirement.
2Physics 122DL is recommended, but Physics 152DL or Physics 162D and Physics 164L also satisfy this requirement.
3Students can use Math 105L and Math 106L combined to satisfy the Math 111L requirement.
There are four-degree pathways leading to both B.S. and A.B. degrees in chemistry.
B.S. Degree with a Concentration
B.S. Degree (without a Concentration)
A.B. Degree with a Concentration
A.B. Degree without a Concentration
Please contact the DUS with questions regarding courses and course selection.