Chemistry Major

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• Develop a rigorous understanding of fundamental chemical concepts and techniques
• Gain practical experience with a wide variety of chemistry instruments and knowledge to interpret obtained data
• Develop an ability to communicate ideas in chemistry to general audiences and specialists
• Understand a broad range of chemical principles and knowledge in analytical, biochemical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry
• Gain chemical knowledge and critical thinking skills to solve theoretical and practical problems in chemistry
• Demonstrate laboratory skills appropriate to the study of chemistry:
  • Acquire, interpret and analyze data using manual and instrumental methods
  • Carry out basic synthetic reactions
  • Maintain a laboratory notebook
  • Work confidently and safely in a laboratory
• Organize and present scientific information in written and oral form assisted by the use of computer technology such as word processing, spreadsheets, chemical structure drawing programs, chemical information retrieval services
• Understand the importance of chemistry in an industrial, economic, environmental and social context
• Develop the ability to succeed in pursuing further studies or employment in chemistry or multi-disciplinary areas involving chemistry

Major Requirements (59 units)

Chemistry Required Courses

Statement on Repeating Courses

All students majoring in Chemistry must earn a minimum grade of C in the core Chemistry courses (General Chemistry lecture and lab I& II, Organic Chemistry I& II, Organic Chemistry Lab I& II, and Analytical Chemistry) and all supporting courses (Calculus and Analytical Geometry I& II and Physics lecture and lab I& II). Courses required for a Chemistry major can only be repeated once. If the minimum grade is not attained by the second attempt, the student will be disqualified from the Chemistry major.

Upper Division Courses (20 units)

• CHEM 320 - Inorganic Chemistry I
• CHEM 340 - Physical Chemistry I
• CHEM 341 - Physical Chemistry II
• CHEM 350 - Biochemistry I

• or

• CHEM 356 - Fundamentals of Biochemistry
• CHEM 410 - Integrated Laboratory

Additional Course

Complete at least 2 units. Choose from one of the following:

• CHEM 310 - Kitchen Science
• CHEM 311 - Environmental Chemistry
• CHEM 332 - Medicinal Chemistry
• CHEM 333 - Advanced Organic Chemistry Lab
• CHEM 334 - Advanced Organic Synthesis
• CHEM 351 - Biochemistry II
• CHEM 397 - Research Methods & Practice
• CHEM 386 - Special Topics in Chemistry
• CHEM 686 - Graduate Special Topics

Curriculum Sample:

See our myUSF page.