BA in Chemistry

Chemistry involves the understanding of the structure and reactivity of matter from atomic- and molecular-level perspectives.  Degrees in Chemistry involve training in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Elective courses are also available allowing students to pursue interests in materials, biological, and other advanced areas of chemistry.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is designed for students whose career interests require a strong background in Chemistry or Biochemistry but are also interested in acquiring expertise in other disciplines.  The coursework for this degree provides broad training and does not include extensive advanced laboratory training.  The degree is appropriate for students interested in applying to professional programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and other health allied fields.

Admissions

See Admissions for information about entrance pathways and application instructions.

Degree Requirements

BA Chemistry Checklist (PDF)

*note clicking on a subject (EX. CHEM) will take you to the course catalog for that subject, hovering on a course number will tell you the title and clicking on a course number will take you to the MyPlan course description of the course, clicking on "choose one" will take you to the information about course sequences.

Mathematics (choose one sequence)

Physics (choose one sequence)

The calculus-based series is recommended. NOTE: One credit lab is included with each course in the calculus-based physics series. If algebra-based physics is taken, students must take one lab from below:

  • One quarter of physics laboratory: 117, 118, 119 (1)

General Chemistry (choose one sequence)

Organic Chemistry (choose one sequence)

Inorganic Chemistry

Analytical Lab

  • CHEM 321 (5) Quantitative Analysis

Advanced Chemistry

Advanced Chem Lab

  • CHEM 317 (4) Inorganic Chem Lab or 461 (3) Physical Chemistry Lab

Sample Schedule

Research credits counted as electives, not major requirements in this example.

Year Autumn Courses Winter Courses Spring Courses
1st Year Chem 142 (5)
Math 124 (5)
Electives (5)
Chem 152 (5)
Math 125 (5)
SSc (5)*
Chem 162 (5)
Math 126 (5)
English Composition (5)
2nd Year Chem 237 (4)
Phys 121 (5)
Foreign Language 101 (5)
Chem 238 (4)
Chem 241 (3)
Phys 122 (5)
Foreign Language 102 (5)
Chem 239 (4)
Chem 242 (3)
Phys 123 (5)
Foreign Language 103 (5)
3rd Year Chem 312 (3)
Chem 321 (5)
A&H "W" (5)*
Electives (5)
Chem 452 (3)
A&H (5)*
Electives (5)
Chem 453 (3)
A&H (5)*
Electives (5)
4th Year Advanced Chem Course (3)
SSc "W" (5)*
A&H (5)*
Electives (5)
Advanced Chem Course (2-3)
SSc (5)*
Electives (5)
Chem 317 (4) or 461 (3)
SSc (5)*
Electives (5)

* Arts and Humanities (A&H), Social Science (SSc). They are general education requirements. Students are expected to understand and complete all general education requirements as detailed in the General Catalog.

Undergraduate advisers can help set up individual schedules according to students’ needs and constraints.

Grade Point Average Requirements

  • This degree requires 180 credits.
  • Minimum grade of 1.7 in chemistry courses required for the degree.
  • A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required for all chemistry courses counted toward the degree.

    Continuation Policy

    Beginning Spring quarter 2010, students enrolled in degree programs in biochemistry and chemistry must maintain both a cumulative GPA and individual-course grades consistent with requirements for their degree. Students pursuing B.S. degrees must maintain a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.50 and minimum 2.0 for individual courses required for the major. Students pursuing a B.A. degree must maintain a minimum cumulative major GPA of 2.00 and minimum 1.7 for individual courses required for the major. Failure to maintain these GPA and grade standards results in the student being placed on departmental academic probation for one quarter, and dropped from the major if marked improvement in academic performance is not achieved. Students who experience extraordinary circumstances may petition for one or more additional probationary quarters.

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