This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2020-2021

Program: B.S., Chemistry

Program Description

The B.S. degree in Chemistry is designed to prepare students who desire to (1) pursue graduate work in chemistry, (2) work in industry or government laboratories, or (3) work in the fields of technical sales, hazardous materials testing and handling, chemical literature or chemical patents.

The curriculum for the B.S. degree in Chemistry has been reviewed by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and meet its requirements for approved programs.

Program Requirements

1. Lower Division Required Courses (36 units)

2. Upper Division Required Courses (40 units)

CHEM 321/L Chemical Analysis I and Lab (2/2)
CHEM 333/L Organic Chemistry I and Lab (4/1)
CHEM 333R Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry I (1)
CHEM 334/L Organic Chemistry II and Lab (3/1)
CHEM 334R Problem Solving in Organic Chemistry II (1)
CHEM 351 Physical Chemistry I (4)
CHEM 351L Physical Chemistry Lab (1)
CHEM 352 Physical Chemistry II (4)
CHEM 352L Physical Chemistry II Lab (1)
CHEM 401 Inorganic Chemistry (3)
CHEM 401L Inorganic Chemistry Lab (1)
CHEM 411 Synthesis (3)
CHEM 422/L Chemical Analysis II and Lab (2/2)
CHEM 464 Principles of Biochemistry (4)
CHEM 495A Directed Undergraduate Research (1)
or CHEM 499A Independent Study (1) with presentation of a seminar

3. Upper Division Electives (3 units)

Chemistry electives selected with approval of the major advisor from 400- or 500-level courses in Chemistry other than CHEM 495 and CHEM 499.

4. General Education (48 units)

Undergraduate students must complete 48 units of General Education as described in this Catalog.
9 units are satisfied by the following courses in the major: CHEM 101 satisfies B1 Physical Science; CHEM 101L satisfies B3 Science Laboratory Activity; MATH 150A satisfies Basic Skills B4 Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning; and CHEM 333 satisfies B5 Scientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning.

Total Units in the Major: 79

General Education Units: 39

Additional Units: 2

Total Units Required for the B.S. Degree: 120

Contact

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Chair: Simon Garrett
Eucalyptus Hall (EH) 2102
(818) 677-3381

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  1. Demonstrate basic knowledge in the following areas of chemistry: analytical, biochemistry inorganic, organic and physical.
  2. Organize and communicate scientific information clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
  3. Effectively utilize the scientific literature, including the use of modern electronic search and retrieval methods, to research a chemistry topic or to conduct chemical research.
  4. Work effectively and safely in a laboratory environment, including the ability to follow experimental chemical procedures and maintain a proper lab notebook.
  5. Effectively utilize modern chemical instrumentation to obtain data and perform research.
  6. Perform qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis, including the application of computer technology for such analyses.
  7. Describe the impact of chemistry on our world, including the environment, the economy and medicine.
  8. Demonstrate an ability to determine the scientific validity of a claim that pertains to consumer products, the environment or the life sciences.