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for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Chemistry

Undergraduate Programs

Chemistry Majors: The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry consists of a total of 120 units including 38-39 units of chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry consists of a total of 120 units including a minimum of 46 units in chemistry.

High School Preparation: The high school preparation for majors in the Department of Chemistry should include: algebra (2 years), plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, chemistry, and physics.

Prospective students may elect to take the general chemistry placement test at college entrance. A satisfactory score in this test will permit the student to start the chemistry course sequence with CHEM 1B.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is intended primarily for those students who plan to take extensive coursework in other areas in addition to chemistry. This degree is suitable for prehealth professional students (premedical, predental, etc.), secondary school teaching credential students, and biochemistry students oriented toward biotechnology, forensic science, and the health professions. This degree is NOT intended for students who anticipate a career in chemistry, or who expect to continue their edu-cation in pursuit of graduate degrees.

Note: Chemistry majors may not take courses listed in category A or B below for CR/NC grades.

A. The B.A. Chemistry Major requirements (38-39 units)
Core Program
CHEM 1A, 1B, 102, 108, 128A, 128B, 129A, 155* (30 units)
Emphasis
CHEM 156 (3 units)
Elect two courses from CHEM 129B, 153, 241A, 241B (5-6 units)

B. Additional requirements (32-39 units)
BIOL 1A, 1B, 1BL (9 units)
Elect 7 units from BIOL 102, 103, 104, 120 or other approved courses (7 units)
MATH 75, 76 (MATH 77 strongly recommended) (8-12 units)
PHYS 2A, 2B (or PHYS 4A, 4AL, 4B, 4BL, 4C strongly recommended) (8-11 units)

C. Remaining General Education requirements* (42 units)

D. Electives and remaining degree requirements (8-13 units)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward a double major or minor.

Total (124 units)

__________

* Of the 51 required General Education units, 9 units will be satisfied by the following courses in the major and additional requirements: 3 units of CHEM 1A or PHYS 2A in G.E. Breadth B1; 3 units of BIOL 1A in G.E. Breadth B2; and 3 units MATH 75 in G.E. Foundation B4. Consult the department chair or faculty adviser for additional details.

 

The following is an example of a four-year program for the B.A. in Chemistry.

First Semester - Fall
CHEM 1A (5 units)
MATH 75 (4 units)
ENGL 5B or 10 (3 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (15 units)

Second Semester - Spring
CHEM 1B (5 units)
MATH 76 (4 units)
PHYS 2A or 4A, 4AL (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Third Semester - Fall
CHEM 128A (3 units)
CHEM 129A (2 units)
PHYS 2B or 4B, 4BL (4 units)
BIOL 1A (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fourth Semester - Spring
CHEM 128B (3 units)
CHEM 102 (5 units)
BIOL 1B, BIOL 1BL (5 units)
Electives or General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fifth Semester - Fall*
**CHEM 108 (4 units)
**CHEM 155 (3 units)
BIOL 102 (4 units)
Electives or General Education (3 units)
Total (14 units)

Sixth Semester - Spring
***CHEM 156 (3 units)
BIOL 103 and 104 or BIOL 120 (4 units )
Electives or General Education (6 units)
Total (13 units)

Seventh Semester - Fall
Electives or General Education
Total (15 units)

Eighth Semester - Spring
Electives or General Education
Total (15 units)

Total (120 units)
__________

* It is important to fulfill the upper-division writing skills requirement by exam or W class during the junior year.
** Offered fall semester only.
*** Offered spring semester only.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is intended for students who plan a career in chemistry. The B.S. is accredited by the American Chemical Society. Students who satisfactorily complete this program are recommended by the department for certification as graduate chemists by the American Chemical Society. The B.S. prepares students to enter the job market or for graduate study leading to an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Note: Chemistry majors may not take courses listed in category A or B below for CR/NC grades.

A. The B.S. Chemistry Major requirements (46 units)
CHEM 1A, 1B, 102, 106, 110A, 110B, 111, 123, 124, 128A, 128B, 129A, 129B, 155

B. Additional requirements (23 units)
MATH 75, 76, 77; PHYS 4A, 4AL, 4B, 4BL, 4C

C. Remaining General Education requirements* (45 units)

D. Electives and remaining degree requirements (6 units)
Recommended: CHEM 140T, 153, 156, 160, 190

Total (120 units)

__________

* Of the 51 required General Education units, 3 units will be satisfied by PHYS 4A and 4AL in G.E. Breadth B1, and 3 units of MATH 75 in G.E. Foundation B4. Consult the department chair or faculty adviser for details.

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Advising Note for Chemistry Majors

1. No General Education Integration or Multicultural/International course with a CHEM designation may be used to satisfy the General Education requirements for majors in the department.

Transfer students are strongly urged to consult their adviser.

Many of the courses listed above have chemistry or other prerequisites. For that reason, the following sample four-year program leading to a B.S. in Chemistry is provided. This sample program emphasizes the need to take sequences in mathematics and physics prior to CHEM 110A. In addition, it specifies certain semesters for some courses that are offered only once a year. Finally, this program is constructed in such a way as to leave adequate time for independent study experience (CHEM 190) in the senior year.

If a student wished to deviate significantly from this sample program, particularly in regard to chemistry, physics, and mathematics requirements, it is very important that an alternate program be developed in consultation with a departmental adviser. Any course substitutions or other changes to degree requirements can only initiated by submitting a written request to the chair of the Chemistry Department.


First Semester -- Fall
CHEM 1A (5 units)
MATH 75 (4 units)
ENGL 5B or 10 (3 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (15 units)

Second Semester -- Spring
CHEM 1B (5 units)
MATH 76 (4 units)
PHYS 2A or 4A, 4AL (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Third Semester -- Fall
CHEM 128A (3 units)
CHEM 129A (2 units)
MATH 77 (4 units)
PHYS 4B, 4BL (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fourth Semester -- Spring
CHEM 128B (3 units)
CHEM 129B (2 units)
CHEM 102 (5 units)
PHYS 4C (3 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fifth Semester -- Fall*
**CHEM 110A (3 units)
**CHEM 155 (3 units)
**CHEM 123 (3 units)
CHEM or other elective (1 unit)
General Education (5 units)
Total (15 units)

Sixth Semester -- Spring
***CHEM 110B (3 units)
***CHEM 111 (3 units)
***CHEM 124 (2 units)
General Education (8 units)
Total (16 units)

Seventh Semester -- Fall
**CHEM 106 (4 units)
Chemistry or other elective (3 units)
CHEM 190 (recommended) or other elective (3 units)
General Education (4 units)
Total (14 units)

Eighth Semester -- Spring
CHEM 190 (recommended) or other elective (3 units)
General Education (9 units)
Total (12 units)

 

TOTAL = 120 UNITS

__________

* It is important to fulfill the upper-division writing skills requirement by exam or W class during the junior year.
** Offered fall semester only.
*** Offered spring semester only.

Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences
Degree Requirements

David M. Andrews,
Program Coordinator
559.278.5174

Chemistry Option

The B.A. in Natural Sciences serves as a waiver program for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science. Please contact Mr. Jaime Arvizu, College of Science and Mathematics counselor, for advising and more information at 278-5173.

Core requirements (36 units)
Biology (12 units)
BIOL 1A, 1B, 1BL, 101

Chemistry (10 units)
CHEM 1A, 1B

Geology (7 units)
EES 1 and 168

Natural Science (3 units)
NSCI 106

Physical Science (4 units)
PSCI 21

Chemistry Option (35-36 units)
PHYS 2A, 2B (see note 1) (8 units)
MATH 75 (4 units)
MATH 76 (4 units)
CHEM 128A (3 units)
CHEM 102 or 105, 108, 128B, 129A, 150 or 155* (16-17 units)

General Education requirements (51 units)

Electives and remaining degree requirements (see notes 2,3) (9-10 units)

Total (see note 2) (120 units)

__________

* Offered fall semester only.

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Advising Notes for the Natural Sciences Major

1. Substitutions may be made with the permission of the appropriate department chair. PHYS 4A-B-C with labs 4AL, 4BL is recommended instead of PHYS 2A-B for those students well-prepared for physics.
2. This total assumes that students in this option will maximize the 12 units required for the major that also may be applied to fulfill General Education requirements as follows: CHEM 1A (3 units), BIOL 1A (3 units), EES 168 (3 units), and MATH 75 (3 units). Consult your major adviser for details.
3. Students should be sure to take sufficient upper-division units in their General Education courses and electives to satisfy the graduation requirements of 40 upper-division units and upper-division writing skills.

 

Chemistry Honors Program

The Department of Chemistry Honors Program includes major components in the areas of research, service, and scientific communication culminating in the presentation of an independent research project. The program provides the opportunity for highly qualified chemistry students to sharpen their analytical abilities, refine their writing and presentation skills, and expand their knowledge of chemistry. These components are typically completed over the course of two years.

Applications for the department honors program are accepted in the spring semester for the following academic year. Minimum criteria for application to the program includes completion of two semesters of organic chemistry (may be enrolled in 128B during the application period), an overall GPA of at least 3.25, and a letter of recommendation from the faculty mentor.

Program Requirements: (1) Completion of the requirements for a B.A. or B.S. in Chemistry, (2) continuing major GPA of 3.25 or better, (3) regular attendance at the department seminar, and (4) CHEM 165SH [3 units], 160H [3 units], 180H [1 unit], 199 [3 units].

Successful students will graduate with a B.S. or B.A. in Chemistry with Honors Distinction, an inscribed bronze medallion awarded at the department graduation event, and special recognition at the department and college graduation events.

 

Chemistry Minor

A Minor in Chemistry for a bachelor's degree requires at least 21 units, of which at least 7 are upper-division. Specific course requirements are General Chemistry (CHEM 1A and 1B or 3A), Organic Chemistry (CHEM 8 or 128A-B and 129A), and Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 105).

Those students requiring additional upper-division chemistry units may choose from courses such as the following: CHEM 125, 150, 153, 155, and 156.

Note: The Chemistry Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.

Graduate Program

The mission of the graduate program in chemistry is guided by the mission of the university; it seeks to provide comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree instruction for qualified students, and to contribute to the needs and well being of the people of the San Joaquin Valley and California.

The California State University, Fresno graduate program in chemistry is primarily oriented toward two groups of students: students who are preparing themselves for employment in chemistry-based occupations (including teaching) and students interested in additional training in chemistry and biochemistry to prepare for advanced Ph.D. graduate work.

For students in the first category, the program stresses strengthening the student's chemistry background while also providing advanced training in both theory and research - training that is very beneficial in today's competitive job market. Furthermore, the program also strives to meet local and regional needs for individuals with advanced training in chemistry and biochemistry, needs that are strongly tied to the agricultural nature of the valley.

For students in the second category, the program's emphasis on improving chemistry background and basic research skills prepares students for work at the Ph.D. level and enhances their chances for success.

Master of Science Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree program in Chemistry assumes undergraduate preparation equivalent to a California State University, Fresno B.S. in chemistry. Each new student is required to take the Diagnostic Placement Examinations in four fields of chemistry (physical, organic, analytical, and inorganic or biochemistry) to provide a basis for program planning. These are taken at the beginning of the first semester of residence. Twenty-one of the 30 units required for the degree must be in chemistry.

(See also Admission to Graduate Standing, Advancement to Candidacy, Program Requirements, and Criteria for Thesis and Project.)

Graduate-Level Writing Proficiency Requirement

The completion of the following two components will satisfy the writing requirement:

1. successful completion of CHEM 260 with a grade of B or better, and
2. completion of a formal paper on the student's research to be submitted at the beginning of the fall semester of the second year. The paper should be of sufficient length (at least 2,000 words) to allow proper evaluation by a two-member review committee that includes the research director.

Master of Science Program Development

Under the direction of a graduate adviser, each student prepares and submits a coherent program individually designed according to Plan A or Plan B listed in the copy that follows. Other courses may be specified after examination of the student's record and performance on the departmental diagnostic examinations.

Plan A
M.S. with Thesis

• Courses in chemistry, including at least 24 units in 200 series (see specific requirements) (24 units)
• Approved electives in chemistry or related fields (6 units)
• Total (30 units)

Specific requirements: CHEM 201 (1 unit); 280 (at least 2 units); 295 (2 units); 299 (4 units); and 3 units each from 4 of the 5 following groupings: (i) CHEM 215, (ii) 220 or 222, (iii) 225, or 227, (iv) 230 or 235, (v) 241A or 242. CHEM 260 recommended.

Other courses may be specified after examination of the student's record and his or her performance on the departmental diagnostic examinations.

Plan B
M.S. with Comprehensive Examination

• Courses in chemistry, including at least 24 units in 200 series (see specific requirements) (24 units)
• Approved courses in chemistry or related fields may include biology, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, etc.) according to the student's objective (6 units)
• Total (30 units)

Specific requirements: CHEM 201 (1 unit); 280 (at least 2 units); 295 (2 units); and 3 units each from 4 of the 5 following groupings: (i) CHEM 215, (ii) 220 or 222, (iii) 225 or 227, (iv) 230 or 235, (v) 241A or 242.

Other courses may be specified after examination of the student's record and his or her performance on the departmental diagnostic examinations.

Instead of a thesis, a student must successfully complete a final comprehensive examination consisting of two parts: (a) a general written examination in chemistry; (b) an examination dealing with a specific area of chemistry. See department for Policy Statement -- Plan B Comprehensive Examination.

 

Biotechnology Certificate Program

California State University, Fresno offers a Certificate of Advanced Study Program in Biotechnology. See Biotechnology for more information.

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