Chemistry Department
The major in chemistry leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree and the chemistry curriculum is certified by the American Chemical Society.
The chemistry department provides intellectual and professional training for students in the field of chemistry and in support of the American Chemical Society charter “to encourage in the broadest and most liberal manner the advancement of chemistry in all its branches; the promotion of research in chemical science and industry, the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of chemists through high standards of education to promote scientific interests and inquiry.”
Chemistry is a foundation science for many professions. Graduates with degrees in chemistry find employment in such diverse areas as biotechnology, health sciences, forensic science, agricultural and environmental fields, transportation industries, the semi-conductor industry, teaching and research.
Consequently, the chemistry department provides students with a number of diverse programs to assure each student versatility and a sound education in the fundamental areas of modern chemistry.
In addition to curricula for students who wish to pursue chemistry as a profession, programs can be designed for pre-professional areas including pre-pharmacy, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry and pre-veterinary medicine.
A core curriculum for the major exists and many concentration areas are open to students to combine other interests with a major in chemistry. For example, while medical schools do not mandate any particular major for entering students, biology and chemistry have been the leading majors of students entering medical school. The requirements for a pre-medicine/chemistry major are the same as for the chemistry major concentration.
Additionally, the student must complete specific courses required by the medical schools to which they are applying. It is recommended that pre-medical and other pre-professional students coordinate the program with the appropriate pre-professional advisor, as well as the chemistry advisor, to assure that specific course requirements are completed.
Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences
The College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics offers Master of Science degrees in four disciplines within the Natural Sciences: Biology MS, Chemistry MS, Biochemistry MS, and Cannabis Biology and Chemistry MS. Students completing any of these degrees will develop advanced skills in the general discipline of choice and will apply these skills in the completion of a thesis research project or internship. GRE scores of at least 300 (verbal and quantitative) based on the current GRE exam are required for regular admission to GPNS programs.
Pre-Professional
Students ultimately seeking professional degrees such as Pharmacy, PharmD, MD, DVM, DO, DDS, and DC, may opt to complete a bachelors, or minor, in chemistry as preparation for future professional studies. A solid understanding of the chemistry and analysis of biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, etc. serves as an excellent foundation for professional programs in the health sciences. Selection of the Biochemistry or Double Major concentration is recommended for pre-professional students completing the BS in chemistry. Pre-professional students must work closely with academic advisors to ensure completion of specific curricular requirements needed for admission into specific professional programs.
Co-Curricular Requirements
Students should experience co-curricular activities which enhance, broaden and reinforce the academic experience; therefore, the faculty support and encourage students to participate in science-related, as well as in general activities such as:
- Science or chemistry clubs
- Student government
- Scientific meetings, seminars, symposia, field trips, tours, etc.
- Internships
- Research
Academic Programs
Biochemistry
Graduate Program
3+2 Program
Cannabis Biology & Chemistry
Undergraduate Programs
3+2 Program
Graduate Programs
Certificates
Chemistry
Undergraduate Programs
- Chemistry/Biology Double Major, Bachelor of Science
- Chemistry: 7-12 Teacher Preparation Concentration, Bachelor of Science
- Chemistry: ACS Certified Concentration, Bachelor of Science
- Chemistry: Basic Chemistry Concentration, Bachelor of Science
- Chemistry: Biochemistry Concentration, Bachelor of Science
- Chemistry: Environmental Chemistry Concentration, Bachelor of Science
Minors
3+2 Programs
Graduate Programs
Cannabis Biology & Chemistry (CBC)
Please note: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate first or second-year student.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 3.0.
Spring, Even.
A focus on plants exhibiting important biological functions of therapeutic importance. The course emphasizes the biochemical pathways that produce bioactive molecules.
Prerequisite: CHEM 301.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. BIOL 201 recommended.
Fall, Odd.
This course is designed to learn fundamental Cannabis biology, biochemistry, and physiology with more advanced concepts relevant to medicinal uses of cannabinoids in human disorders.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies.
Fall, Odd.
This laboratory course is designed to learn fundamental Cannabis biology, biochemistry, and physiology with more advanced concepts relevant to medicinal uses of cannabinoids in human disorders.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 201L and BIOL 350, and BIOL 351.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. CBC 413 is strongly recommended as corequisite.
Fall, Even.
Theory of bench top and instrumental techniques for the extraction and chemical analysis of natural products from various sources with an emphasis on applications related to cannabis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 419.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Even.
Practical applications of bench top and instrumental techniques for the extraction and chemical analysis of natural products from various sources with an emphasis on applications related to cannabis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 419L.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. CBC 422 is strongly recommended as corequisite.
Fall, Odd.
The chemical and biological processes related to understanding drug action. Provides an overview of these processes and the art and logic of organic medicinal chemistry properties.
Prerequisite: CBC 401.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall.
Presentation of a formal presentation on research or a current topic in the literature using software-based delivery methods.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Work experience in the discipline under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Spring, Even.
Natural products have always contributed extensively towards the development of modern medicine. This course will focus on the plants and their biochemical pathways that produce bioactive molecules.
Prerequisite: CHEM 301.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. BIOL 201 recommended.
Fall.
Effective sourcing, use, and interpretation of the literature. Scientific methodology, writing, and review of research ethics. Development of a science plan.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Admission to MS program.
Fall, Odd.
This course is designed to learn fundamental Cannabis biology, biochemistry, physiology, with more advanced concepts relevant to medicinal uses of cannabinoids in human disorders.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies.
Fall, Odd.
This course is designed to learn fundamental Cannabis biology, biochemistry, physiology, with more advanced concepts relevant to medicinal uses of cannabinoids in human disorders in a laboratory setting.
Prerequisite: BIOL 201 and BIOL 201L.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies.
Fall, Even.
This course focuses bench top and instrumental techniques for the extraction and chemical analysis of natural products from various sources.
Prerequisite: CHEM 419.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Even.
During this course employ laboratory techniques to extract, cleanup, and qualitatively/quantitatively analyze natural products with an emphasis on cannabis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 419L.
Corequisite: CBC 522.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies.
Fall, Odd.
Students are introduced to basic concepts related to the specific disciplines in the pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenomics, and medicinal chemistry.
Prerequisite: BIOL 351 or CHEM 411.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies.
As Needed.
An interdisciplinary seminar on topics appropriate to the application of natural sciences.
Prerequisite: BIOL 510 or CBC 510 or CHEM 510.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Students receiving Military Education Benefits cannot use their benefits for any programs or courses related to cannabis studies. Admission to MS program.
Chemistry (CHEM)
Spring.
Chemistry related to the everyday world. Drugs, food, pollution, pesticides, consumer products, energy, and home health. Principally for non-science majors.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Spring.
Laboratory is optional. Experiments to exemplify the logical steps of problem solving and explore the physical and chemical world.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: CHEM 101 strongly recommended. as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Fall, Spring.
Fundamental laws, theories and principles of chemical reactions. Credit not applicable for chemistry majors or minors.
Prerequisite: MATH 101.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Equivalent math placement score.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Fall, Spring.
Experiments using common chemical equipment and techniques to aid the student in learning what occurs in the chemical laboratory.
Prerequisite: CHEM 111.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Fall, Spring.
For science, engineering and pre-professional curricula. Atomic theory, chemical bonding, periodic properties, states of matter, reactions, oxidation-reduction, stoichiometry, thermochemistry, inorganic nomenclature.
Prerequisite: CHEM 111 and MATH 120.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: One year of high school chemistry strongly recommended. Satisfactory placement score on California Chemistry Diagnostic test may be accepted in place of CHEM 111. Equivalent Accuplacer score may be accepted in place of MATH 120.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Fall, Spring.
General Chemistry Lab I.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: CHEM 121 is strongly recommended as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Fall.
An overview of terrestrial and aquatic environments, the atmosphere, energy, climate change, and natural resources. Emphasis is placed on sustainability needs and challenges.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Spring.
Hands-on standards-based approach to understanding basic concepts of physics and chemistry. Integrated lecture, lab and discussion periods.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Acceptance into Teacher Education Program.
Spring.
Overview of Forensic Science. Crime scene investigation. Evidence collection. Microscopy techniques. Arson analysis. Fingerprints. Serology and DNA use.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC2)
Spring.
Overview of Forensic Science Laboratory. Evidence handling and collection. Microscopy techniques. Arson analysis, Fingerprints. DNA fingerprinting.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: CHEM 160 strongly recommended as corequisite.
(Gen Ed: ST, GT-SC1)
Fall.
Chemistry majors entering the program are introduced to principles of academic communication and professionalism relevant to freshman year. Chemistry careers, study skills, and academic advisement are also included.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Survey of organic chemistry chemical structure, reactivity and functional groups are presented in context of relevance to society.
Prerequisite: CHEM 111.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Survey of organic chemistry laboratory course. Basic organic laboratory techniques and skills, both micro and macro scale are presented.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: CHEM 211 strongly recommended as corequisite.
As Needed.
Development of laboratory skills for comparative/visual forensic analysis. Topics include fingerprinting, bloodstain pattern analysis, fiber comparisons, and firearms analysis. A more in-depth examination of CHEM 160L topics.
Prerequisite: CHEM 111 or CHEM 121 and CHEM 160 and CHEM 160L.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: CHEM 260 is strongly recommended as corequisite.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate first or second-year student.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (3).
Fall, Spring.
For majors and pre-professional students requiring a strong background in organic chemistry. Organic reactions and mechanisms as related to molecular structure.
Prerequisite: CHEM 122.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Survey of biochemistry. For pre-health professional students. Intermediary metabolism is taught at an intermediate level and in the context of human nutrition and clinical applications.
Prerequisite: CHEM 301.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: CHEM 302 strongly recommended as prerequisite.
Fall.
Volumetric and gravimetric analysis integrated with instrumental analysis, both optical and electrometric methods.
Prerequisite: CHEM 122.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Chemical thermodynamics, chemical dynamics (kinetics), chemical structure and statistical mechanics.
Prerequisite: CHEM 322.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Spring.
Chemistry majors in the third year of the program and above review principles of academic communication, professionalism, as well as academic progress and skills in relation to industrial/academic career preparation.
Prerequisite: CHEM 170.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of department chair.
Fall, Spring.
Laboratory preparation, instruction, safety, and methods under the guidance of an instructor.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (2).
As Needed.
Surveys of both print and web-based chemical and biochemical literature.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (2).
Fall, Even.
Topics of advanced organic chemistry, including organic reactions, mechanisms, natural products, and spectroscopy.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring, Even.
An advanced study of topics of spectroscopy focusing on the structure determination of compounds. Emphasis on IR, NMR, MS, and UV-VIS spectroscopies.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Chemistry of constituents of living matter, including proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids. An introduction to enzymes and coenzymes.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Requisite Information: Permission of instructor.
Fall.
A foundations in inorganic chemistry survey course, which includes atomic and molecular structure, symmetry, simple solids, acid-base theory, oxidation-reduction reactions, coordination chemistry, and physical methods.
Prerequisite: CHEM 122.
Corequisite: CHEM 420L.
Registration Information: None.
Fall.
Inorganic laboratory techniques, inorganic qualitative analysis, synthesis and characterization.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: CHEM 420.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Chemical process in air, water and soil. Air, water analysis and treatment, pollution.
Prerequisite: CHEM 321.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Faculty directed research project for undergraduate student.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (4).
Fall.
Presentation of a formal presentation on chemical research or a current topic in the chemical literature using software-based delivery methods.
Prerequisite: CHEM 370.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (2).
As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Work experience in the chemistry discipline under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Even.
Topics of advanced organic chemistry including organic reactions, mechanisms, natural products, spectroscopy, and industrial applications.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring, Even.
An advanced study of topics of spectroscopy focusing on the structure determination of compounds. Emphasis on IR, NMR, MS, and UV-VIS spectroscopies.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Study of synthetic polymers including synthesis, mechanisms of formation, structure elucidation, reactivity, properties, and industrial application. Biopolymers also will be considered.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
An interdisciplinary seminar on topics appropriate to the application of natural sciences.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing.
Fall.
Chemistry of constituents of living matter, including proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acid and lipids. An introduction to enzymes and coenzymes.
Prerequisite: CHEM 302.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Chemical processes in the air, water and soil. Air, water soil analysis and treatment. Special emphasis upon the problems and effects of industrial and other pollution.
Prerequisite: CHEM 321.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.
Spring, Even.
Emphasizes latest developments in applied analytical chemistry, including advanced theory, wet chemical methods, and the design and application of advanced instrumentation.
Prerequisite: CHEM 321 and CHEM 419 and CHEM 419L or CHEM 519 and CHEM 519L.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
As Needed.
Econ importance & special characteristics of chem industry. Feedstocks, intermediates, & products. Case studies illistarting various topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring.
Laboratory preparation, instruction and methods under the guidance and supervision of an instructor.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable (4).
As Needed.
This one-credit course is designed to help prepare students for the rigors of academic writing at the graduate and professional levels.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: None.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Graduate internship presentation, satisfactory report, and examination for completion of MS degree option within the Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Permission of instructor.
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Thesis presentation and satisfactory written thesis for completion of MS degree option within the Graduate Programs in Natural Sciences.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Permission of instructor.
As Needed.
Special Topics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Faculty directed research project for graduate students.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Independent Study.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
Fall, Spring, Summer.
Volunteer or paid work experience under the combined supervision of the selected organization and a faculty member.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).
As Needed.
Thesis Research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisite: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).