COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Science program combining Chemistry and Biological Sciences provides a comprehensive foundation in both disciplines, preparing students for graduate studies, research careers, or technical roles in the biotechnology and chemical industries. The lower division curriculum consists of 46–50 units, covering core courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Biology courses include Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology, as well as Cells, Molecules, and Genes, while chemistry courses cover General and Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and corresponding laboratory work. Calculus I and II are required, and students select a physics sequence—either a two-semester sequence in General Physics or a three-semester extended sequence.Upper division courses total 29 units and deepen expertise in both chemical and biological sciences. Key courses include General Genetics, Organic Chemistry Lecture II, Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Physical Chemistry Laboratory, Introduction to Physical Chemistry, Structure and Function of Biological Molecules, Metabolism and Regulation of Biological Systems, General Biochemistry Laboratory, and Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory. In addition, students select 6 units of upper division electives: 3 units from approved Chemistry courses—ranging from Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Synthesis, Physical Organic Chemistry, Chemical Instrumentation, Computational Chemistry, Senior Research, Protein Biochemistry, or Nucleic Acid Chemistry—and 3 units from approved Biological Sciences courses such as Molecular Cell Biology, General Microbiology, Pathogenic Bacteriology, Immunology, or Molecular Biology. This combination ensures a rigorous and interdisciplinary foundation for careers in research, graduate education, or professional practice.Students also fulfill 43 units of General Education requirements to ensure well-rounded academic preparation. These include English communication, quantitative reasoning, arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, physical and biological sciences with laboratories, ethnic studies, and upper division coursework in arts, social sciences, and mathematics or science.In total, the program requires 81–85 units in the major combined with 43 General Education units, equipping students with a strong scientific, technical, and analytical background. Passing a placement exam or achieving a grade of “C” or better in prerequisite courses such as CHEM 4 is required to enroll in core chemistry courses. This integrated program ensures graduates are prepared for advanced study, research, or professional work in chemistry, biochemistry, and biological sciences.