Mission Statement
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry provides rigorous undergraduate and master’s-level educational programs that prepare graduates for success in medical, industrial and academic careers. The department offers American Chemical Society (ACS)-certified Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Chemistry. Other students may add a minor in Chemistry to their existing degree. We also offer research-based Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry. All of our graduate students and a significant number of our undergraduates conduct research with faculty, often resulting in coauthored research publications and presentations at local, regional, national or international meetings. For more detailed information, please visit the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry website.
About the Department
Chemistry is often called the central science for its role in connecting all the physical sciences at both the fundamental and applied levels. It is the study of atoms, molecules, chemical changes (reactions), structure and properties of matter. For example, chemistry and biochemistry provide a molecular-level understanding of the function of all living things, the properties of materials for electronic devices and the processes that make modern pharmaceuticals effective. Chemistry is critical to every aspect of daily life, and biochemistry has become a critical tool for medicine and public health.
Faculty are engaged in all areas of the field: analytical, biochemical, education, inorganic, materials, organic and physical chemistry. The department offers small classes, individualized attention and hands-on learning using state-of-the-art chemical instrumentation. Experience with modern instrumentation gives graduates an advantage in the job marketplace, and research experience provides an asset in graduate and professional school applications. The B.S. degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS), and all of the department’s degrees (B.A., B.S. and M.S.) are pathways into professional, government, medical and academic careers.
Academic Advisement
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry requires its majors to meet with faculty advisors prior to enrollment every semester. The department assigns a faculty advisor to each student. Students may also seek advisement from the department office during weekly walk-in or phone-in advising hours. Please contact the department office with questions about advising, undergraduate or graduate programs, course articulations, approval of elective courses in fulfillment of the degree, and tutoring help.
Careers
A degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry opens doors to careers in medicine, industry, government and academia. Graduates find careers in manufacturing, research and development, quality-control laboratories, pharmacology, environmental protection, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and many other areas related to the chemical and biochemical sciences. In addition, degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry can act as springboards into professional programs, including doctoral, medical, dental and pharmacy schools. Master’s degrees provide preparation for Ph.D. programs and qualify graduates to teach at the secondary and community college levels.
Accreditation
The Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS).
Clubs and Societies
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry sponsors the CSUN Chemistry and Biochemistry Club, which organizes numerous events, professional development and community activities throughout the academic year. The department also has a student chapter of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), which has regular social and professional activities for students.
Contact
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chair: Simon Garrett
Eucalyptus Hall (EH) 2102
(818) 677-3381
chemistry@csun.edu