Chemistry BS Degree (ACS Certified) Typical Four-year Outline

The uAchieve Interactive Degree Audit is the official method for tracking the completion of your specific degree requirements. Please be aware that there are multiple ways for students to progress through this major. This is just one sample and adjustments may be required due to curriculum changes. Students should work with their advisor to develop their individual plan. A full list of undergraduate course descriptions is available.

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First Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
CH 1134 Pro. Dev. for Chemists  1
CH 1150 University Chemistry I And 3
CH 1151 University Chemistry Lab I And 1
CH 1153 University Chemistry I Recitation 1
PH 1100 Physics by Inquiry I 1
MA 1160 Calculus with Technology I 4
UN 1015 Composition (or Foundations of the Human World course) 3
Well-Being and Success 1
Total 15

Second Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
CH 2430 Mechanistic Organic Chemistry 3
CH 2411 Organic Chemistry Lab I 1
PH 2200 University Physics II – E and M 3
MA 2321 Elementary Linear Algebra AND MA 3521 Elementary Differential Equations OR MA 3160 Multivariable Calculus with Technology 4
Intercultural Competency OR Arts & Culture course 3
Well-Being and Success 1
Total 15
Spring Semester
Course Credit
CH 2440 Synthetic Organic Chemistry 3
CH 2421 Organic Chemistry Lab II 2
CH 2710: Introduction to Computational  Chemistry  3
MA 2321 Elementary Linear Algebra AND MA 3521 Elementary Differential Equations OR MA 3160 Multivariable Calculus with Technology 4
Intercultural Competency OR Arts & Culture course 3
Total 15

Third Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
CH 3124 Communication for the Chemical Sciences 3
CH 3510 Physical Chemistry I 3
CH 3511 Physical Chemistry Lab I 2
CH 3310 Analytical Chemistry I 3
CH 3310 Analytical Chemistry I Lab 2
CH 4710 Biomolecular Chemistry I 3
General Education HASS Distribution 3
Total 16
Spring Semester
Course Credit
CH 3520 Physical Chemistry II  3
CH 3521 Physical Chemistry Lab II 2
CH 3320 Analytical Chemistry II 3
CH 3320 Analytical Chemistry II Lab 2
SHAPE course 3
Essential Education Experience 3
Total 16

Fourth Year

Fall Semester
Course Credit
CH 4310 Inorganic Chemistry I 3
CH 4311 Inorganic Chemistry Lab 2
Major Approved Elective 3
Free Electives 8
Total 16
Spring Semester
Course Credit
Major Approved Elective 3
Free Electives 13
Total 16

Grand Total = 125 Credits

Chemistry Concentrations

  • Concentrations ( Secondary Education, Chemical Physics, Environmental, Biochemistry, and Polymers) require additional courses to fulfill the degree in those options.

Major Approved Elective

  • Required Elective must be chosen from the specified Major Approved Electives list.
  • CH 4990 Undergraduate Research is strongly recommended, but it must be taken for two semesters for a minimum of 6 credits.

Co-Curricular Activities

  • 3 units of co-curricular activities are required (PE courses are taught in 0.5 unit classes. Thus, 6 of these are needed for 3 units).
  • It is highly recommended that students take at least one PE class during each semester of their first year, if possible.

Revised Spring 2023 for 2023-2024 academic year.