COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in chemical sciences while allowing flexibility to explore complementary fields. The lower-division curriculum includes courses in general chemistry, calculus, and physics, with 28 units required. Students complete courses such as General Chemistry I and II with associated laboratories, Calculus I and II, and introductory physics courses, with the option to substitute an alternative physics sequence. Upper-division requirements include 15 units of advanced chemistry coursework, covering Quantitative Analysis, Principles of Organic Chemistry I and II, and a Chemistry Seminar, with an alternative organic chemistry sequence available for certain students.Students must also choose a concentration, either Chemistry or Biochemistry, which ranges from 25 to 29 units. The Chemistry concentration provides a broad study in chemistry, including courses in inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, applied linear algebra, and biochemistry, as well as six units of upper-division chemistry electives. These electives include options such as Instrumental Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, and Directed Laboratory Research, allowing students to tailor their studies to specific interests or career goals.The Biochemistry concentration emphasizes the integration of chemistry and biology, including Principles of Biology I and II, Biochemistry I and II with laboratories, Bioinorganic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry for Biochemists I and II with associated labs. Students also select at least one unit of upper-division chemistry electives from a wide range of courses, similar to the Chemistry concentration. This concentration is well-suited for students interested in the biotechnology industry, healthcare-related fields, or graduate studies in biochemical sciences.Overall, the B.A. in Chemistry equips students with comprehensive knowledge in both theoretical and practical chemistry, providing laboratory experience, advanced coursework, and specialized electives to support careers in education, industry, healthcare, and research. The program totals between 68 and 72 units, depending on concentration and elective choices, offering flexibility to pursue interdisciplinary interests while maintaining a strong core in chemical sciences.