Chemistry and Biochemistry

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Chair’s Office:
2040 Urey Hall Addition
(858) 534-3575
http://www-chem.ucsd.edu

Undergraduate Student Affairs
4010 York Hall, Revelle College
(858) 534-0220
(858) 534-6870

Graduate Student Affairs
4010 York Hall, Revelle College
(858) 534-6871

Introduction

The UC San Diego Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry was founded in the 1950s by the late Professor Harold Urey and a group of colleagues who strove to create a department that would stress the fundamentals of chemistry and, at the same time, embrace diverse applications of those principles at the frontiers of knowledge.

Degrees offered include

Biochemistry

Chemistry

Chemistry–Premedical Majors

Either a biochemistry/chemistry major or a chemistry major with appropriate choice of electives provides a strong background for students intending to pursue careers in the medical sciences.

Premedical students are encouraged to complete the three-quarter general chemistry series (Chem. 6A-B-C or 6AH-6BH-6CH) in their first year. Most medical schools require a full year of general chemistry, and may not accept Advanced Placement exam scores to satisfy admissions requirements. Students with Advanced Placement exam scores of 4 or 5 who plan to attend medical school should discuss their academic plan with an academic or career advisor early in their academic career. Students should complete the organic chemistry series (Chem. 140A-B-C) in their sophomore year.

The lower-division biology (BILD 1-2-3) series or equivalent is also required for most medical schools, along with certain upper-division biology courses, some of which may be counted toward the major requirements in chemistry. Students should meet with the department’s undergraduate advisor early in order to plan their courses and discuss their options.

General Chemistry

The General Chemistry Chem. 6 sequence (6A-B-C) is intended for science and engineering majors as well as others who need a quantitative course. It satisfies all preprofessional programs. Chem. 4 is a one-quarter preparation for 6A, which should be taken only by those whose college advisor so recommends. The Honors General Chemistry sequence (6AH-6BH-6CH) is designed for science and engineering majors with strong preparation in science and mathematics. A student intending to major in chemistry can thus begin with 4, 6A, or 6AH depending on the level of preparation. A student intending to major in a discipline other than chemistry should consult his or her advisor in the appropriate department to determine which chemistry course is recommended.

Chem. 11, 12, 13 is a terminal sequence for non-science/non-engineering majors. Chem. 15 is a one-quarter survey course suitable for non-science majors. Students should check with their college advisor to determine applicability toward general-education requirements.

General Information on Undergraduate Major Programs

The minimum passing grade is a D, though students may not graduate with more than one D grade in upper-division required course work and must maintain a minimum of a 2.0 GPA in the major. All courses for the major, except for independent research (Chem. 196 and 199) and chemistry instruction (Chem. 195), must be taken for a letter grade. Chem. 195, 196, and 199 must be taken on a P/NP basis. All chemistry majors, including transfer students, must complete forty-eight units of upper-division chemistry course work at UCSD and fulfill the campus senior residency requirement.

In addition to the requirements, Math. 20F (required for chemical physics majors) and a course in computer programming are also recommended.

Any departure from the requirements outlined below must be approved by petition. This applies to lower- and upper-division requirements.

The suggested programs following each of the major descriptions are only examples.

All undergraduate degree programs, unless otherwise noted, are certified by the American Chemical Society.

Biochemistry/Chemistry Major

The biochemistry/chemistry major deals with the chemical processes in living organisms, including structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins. It is suitable for those planning to go to graduate school as well as medical, dental, veterinary, and other professional schools. It is also suitable at the bachelor’s level for jobs in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical field. Note the requirement for two advanced elective courses in biochemistry. If one does not wish to take so much biochemistry, one should major in chemistry and use some of the five electives to take the desired number of biochemistry courses.  

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 7L, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus (Math. 20A-D, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended and is accessible without Phys. 2C).

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Three quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A, B or BH, C or CH).
  2. Two quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 126-127 recommended, or the equivalent).
  3. One quarter of inorganic chemistry (Chem. 120A).
  4. Three quarters of biochemistry (Chem. 114A-C).
  5. Six laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 143AH or 143A, 143B, 105A, either 108 or 109 and one additional chemistry lab from the following: Chem. 100B-BL, 105B, 108 or 109, 123, 143C, or 143D).
  6. Two elective courses from the following list: Chem. 104/204, 113/213, 114D, 116, 118, 124/225, 157/257, 164, 165, 166, 221, 280.
  7. One additional elective course chosen from among all of the upper-division and graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (except non-letter-graded courses) or from the following list of courses offered by the Department of Biology (some biology courses will require additional course work to fulfill prerequisites): BICD 100, BICD 110, BICD 140, BIMM 114, BIMM 120, BIPN 100, BIPN 102, BIPN 140. Other electives, including Chem. 195 and Chem. 199, may be arranged by petition.

Suggested Program for Biochemistry/Chemistry B.S. Major

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

Math. 20B

Chem. 7L
 

BILD 1*

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 140C

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Chem. 143B

Math. 20D

Phys. 2B

Phys. 2D

Phys. 2A

 

 

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Chem. 114B

Chem. 105A

Chem. 127

Chem. 126

Chem. 114C

Phys. 2CL

 

  

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 120A

Elective Lab**

Elective Lab**

Elective

Elective

Elective

*Recommended, but not required.

**One of these must be Chem. 108 or 109.

Bioinformatics Major from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Also see the program information listed under “Bioinformatics” in the catalog.

The Bioinformatics major offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary training in the new and rapidly evolving field of bioinformatics with a strong focus on chemistry and biochemistry. Bioinformatics is the field of advanced computational and experimental methods that model the flow of information (genetic, metabolic, and regulatory) in living systems to provide an integrated understanding of the systems properties of model organisms. This is a new and rapidly evolving field in which large volumes of both qualitative and quantitative data will accrue at an increasing pace, and the bioinformatician must have a substantial mastery of both the sciences and engineering. This interdisciplinary specialization will be offered jointly with computer science and engineering, bioengineering, and biological sciences, each with its own set of requirements and electives. The program offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is aimed at a student interested in applying and developing tools of bioinformatics for the study of chemical processes in biological systems.

Admission to the Bioinformatics Major

Freshmen and transfer students are invited to declare to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for a bioinformatics major. Starting fall 2008 the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has removed the “Impacted/Closed Status” and admission restrictions for freshmen and transfer applicants to the bioinformatics major. This means the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will accept all students that apply to the B.S. Bioinformatics major and are admitted by the UC San Diego Admissions Office.

Furthermore, freshmen and transfer students that start at UC San Diego as undeclared or another major may also switch into the B.S. Bioinformatics major in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (major code CH37), via the Major/Minor link under Tools at http://tritonlink.ucsd.edu to make this change.

It is strongly recommended that students meet with an advisor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry to discuss requirements for the Bioinformatics Program.

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. Calculus and linear algebra (Math. 20A-20C, 20F)
  2. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 7L).
  3. Physics (Phys. 2A-B)
  4. Biology (BILD 1-2)
  5. Computer programming (CSE 11-12)
  6. Mathematics for algorithm and systems (CSE 21/Math. 15B)
  7. Bioinformatics seminar (BILD 94)

The department recommends that students complete an introductory C programming course before taking CSE 11 and CSE 12, either in their first year or during the summer between their first and second years.

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B)
  2. Organic chemistry (Chem. 140C) or structural biochemistry (Chem. 114A)
  3. Metabolic biochemistry (Chem. 114B)
  4. Physical chemistry (Chem. 127 accepted, Chem. 131 and 132 recommended)
  5. Molecular and cellular biochemistry (Chem. 114D)
  6. Two quarters of biochemistry laboratory (Chem. 108-109)
  7. Genetics (BICD 100)
  8. Cell biology (BICD 110)
  9. Two computer science courses (CSE 100 or Math. 176; and CSE 101 or Math. 188)
  10. Two additional upper-division electives offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (each course must be at least four units) with only one quarter of credit allowed for any given course. Recommended courses are: Chem. 100A, 118, and 143A.

The bioinformatics series comprising the following courses:

  1. Molecular sequence analysis (BIMM 181 or CSE 181 or BENG 181)
  2. Biological databases (Chem. 182 or BIMM 182 or CSE 182 or BENG 182)
  3. Applied genomic technologies (BENG 183)
  4. Computational molecular biology (BIMM 184 or CSE 184 or BENG 184 or Chem. 184)
  5. Bioinformatics lab (BIMM 185)
  6. Probability and statistics (Math. 186)

Suggested Program for the Bioinformatics B.S. from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

BILD 1

Chem. 7L
 

Math. 20B

Math. 20C

   

BILD 94

SOPHOMORE YEAR

CSE 11

Chem. 140A

Chem. 109*

BILD 2

CSE 12

Chem. 140B

Phys. 2A

Phys. 2B

CSE 21/
Math. 15B

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A/140C

Chem. 114B*

Elective

Chem. 114D*

BICD 100

BIMM 181/
BENG 181/
CSE 181

CSE 100/
Math. 176

Math. 186

BICD 110

Math. 20F

CSE 101/
Math. 188

  

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 182/
BIMM 182/
BENG 182/
CSE 182

Chem. 108*

BIMM 185

BENG 183

 

Elective
Chem. 127*

BIMM 184/
BENG 184/
CSE 184

  

*Certain prerequisite courses are waived for the bioinformatics majors. See the department advisor for details.

Chemical Education Major

The chemical education major offers an excellent preparation for teaching physical science in secondary schools, including chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, and mathematics.

Students taking the minimal chemical education program may be admissible as graduate students in chemistry and biochemistry, but are better prepared for admission to teacher education programs at most universities. The ACS-Certified option will ensure admissibility to chemistry graduate programs. This program is also excellent preparation for students interested in a career in science writing.

The program is basically a chemistry major with three courses in chemistry for educators and three courses from Education Studies. Requirements allow some work in earth science and biology or other sciences.

If you are interested in earning a California teaching credential through UCSD, contact Education Studies for information about the prerequisite and professional preparation requirements. It is recommended that you contact Education Studies as early as possible in your academic career.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 7L, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus (Math. 20A-D, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended and is accessible without Phys. 2C).
  4. Biology (BILD 1).
  5. Earth Science (SIO 50).
  6. Introduction to Chemical Education (Chem. 96).

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B).
  2. Two quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 126-127 recommended, or the equivalent).
  3. Three quarters of chemistry for educators (Chem. 187 and two among Chem. 188, Chem. 195 (preferably with Chem. 4), Chem. 196, or Chem. 199)
  4. Advanced chemistry (either Chem. 114A or 120A).
  5. Three laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 143AH or 143A, and 105A).
  6. Three additional elective course chosen from among Chem. 114A, 114B, 114C, 120A, 140C, 149A, 149B, SIO 102, SIO 103, other upper-division and graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, or, by petition, from other natural science departments.
  7. Three courses from Education Studies (EDS 129A-B-C).

For ACS Certification

  1. Take Chem. 114A, 120A, and 140C. Eliminate required electives above.
  2. Three additional labs must be chosen from among Chem. 143B, 143C, 143D, 108, 109, 123, or 105B.
  3. Only one among Chem. 188, Chem. 195 (preferably with Chem. 4), Chem. 196, or Chem. 199 is required.

Suggested Program for Chemical Education B.S. Major

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

BILD 1

Chem. 96

 

Math. 20B

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 7L

Chem. 140A

Chem. 140B

Math. 20D

Chem. 100A

Chem. 143A

Phys. 2A

Phys. 2B

Phys. 2D

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 127

Chem. 126

Phys. 105A

Phys. 2CL

Chem. 187

Chem. 120A

SIO 50

Elective

Elective

SENIOR YEAR

Elective

Chem. 196/199

Chem. 188

Chem. 195

EDS 129B

EDS 129C

EDS 129A

 

 

Chemical Physics Major

The chemical physics major applies the concepts and quantitative methods of physics to the descriptions of atoms and molecules, analyzes matter as a statistical assembly of molecular building blocks, and develops and exploits physical (largely spectroscopic), experimental tools with which to test and refine such theories.

The chemical physics major is designed as a preparation for graduate work in chemistry, physics, or other interdisciplinary areas.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 7L, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus and linear algebra (Math. 20A-F, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended).

It is recommended that the above requirements be completed by the end of the sophomore year.

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B).
  2. One year of physical chemistry (Chem. 131-133).
  3. Two quarters of inorganic chemistry (Chem. 120A-B). Chem. 114A can substitute for Chem. 120B.
  4. Six upper-division chemistry labs: Chem. 100A, 100B-BL, 143AH or 143A, 143B or 143C, 105A and one of the following: 105B, 108, 109, 123, 143B, 143C, or 143D.
  5. Molecular spectroscopy (Chem. 135).
  6. Partial differential equations (Math. 110).
  7. Two quarters of physics (Phys. 110A-B, or Phys. 100A-B).
  8. One additional course in physical chemistry or related areas as approved by the department. Chem. 199 may be petitioned.

Suggested Program for Chemical Physics B.S. Major

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

Math. 20B

Chem. 7L

 

 

Math. 20C

 

 

Phys. 2A

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 140A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 100A

Math. 20D

Chem. 143AH

Math. 20F

Phys. 2B

Math. 20E

Phys. 2D

 

Phys. 2C

 

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 133

Chem. 131

Chem. 100B-BL

Chem. 143C

Phys. 2CL

Chem. 132

Phys. 110A/
100A

Phys. 110B/
100B

Math. 110

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 105A

Elective Lab

Chem. 135

Chem. 120A

Chem. 120B*

Elective

*Chem. 114A (fall or winter quarter) may be substituted.

Chemistry Major

The chemistry major provides a broad introduction for the biochemistry, organic, physical, or inorganic student as well as those who prefer not to specialize. This major will enable a student to pursue further studies in chemistry or in related fields of science, medicine, or engineering.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 7L, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus (Math. 20A-D, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended and is accessible without Phys. 2C).

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Three quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-C).
  2. Three quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 131–133).
  3. Two quarters of inorganic chemistry Chem. (120A-B).
  4. One quarter of biochemistry (Chem. 114A).
  5. Six laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 143AH or 143A, 143B, 105A and two of the following: Chem. 100B-BL, 105B, 108, 109, 123, 143C, or 143D).
  6. Three additional four-unit upper-division or graduate courses in chemistry and biochemistry or related areas. One of Chem. 195 or 199 may be petitioned.

Suggested Program for Chemistry B.S. Major

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

Math. 20B

Chem. 7L
   

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 140C

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Chem. 143B

Math. 20D

Phys. 2A

Phys. 2B

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 120A

Chem. 120B

Chem. 105A

Chem. 133

Chem. 131

Chem. 132

Phys. 2D

Phys. 2CL

  

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Elective Lab

Elective

Elective Lab

Elective

Elective

Environmental Chemistry Major

Students have an option of earning a B.S. in environmental chemistry that is ACS-Certified or not. The ACS-Certified version is recommended for those who intend to apply to graduate school in chemistry. The noncertified program is designed to prepare students to enter the industrial, governmental, or legal workforce, or to continue studies in some of the environmental sciences.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade, except where that is not permitted:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 7L, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus (Math. 20A-D, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended and is accessible without Phys. 2C)

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B).
  2. Physical chemistry (Chem. 131-133 recommended, or Chem. 126-127).
  3. Four advanced laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 100B-BL, 105A, and 143AH or 143A).
  4. Two quarters of environmental chemistry (Chem. 149A-B).
  5. Atmospheric chemistry (Chem. 173) and marine chemistry (Chem. 174).
  6. Electives: Any four with at least two upper-division among: Chem. 114A, 120A, 140C, 143C, 166, BILD 1, 2, 3, BIEB 121, 140, 144, 176, ESYS 101, SIO 50, 101, 102, 103, 144, Math. 183, or others (including labs) by petition. One of 195 or 199 by petition.

For ACS Certification

  1. Increase electives by one to a total of five.
  2. For three of the electives, choose Chem. 140C, 114A, and 120A,
  3. For two of the electives, choose two labs from among Chem. 143B, 143C, 143D, 108, 109, 123, 105B.

Recommended, but not Required, Electives

Suggested Program for Environmental Chemistry B.A. or B.S. Major (B.S. and ACS certification require additional courses)

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

Math. 20B

Chem. 7L
 

Phys. 2A

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Phys. 2CL

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Phys. 2D

Math. 20D

Phys. 2B

 

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 133

Chem. 131

Chem. 132

Chem. 149A

Chem. 149B

Chem. 173

Elective

Elective

Elective

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 105A

Chem. 100B-BL

Chem. 174

Elective

 

 

*Chem. 140C may be substituted.

Molecular Synthesis Major

The molecular synthesis major offers a thorough training in all aspects of the molecular synthesis of organic, inorganic, and biological substances, and with a fundamental understanding of their structure and reactivity. This major provides an excellent preparation for employment in biotechnology, diagnostic, electronic, and pharmaceutical enterprises as well as for graduate programs in organic, bioorganic, and inorganic chemistry.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-6C or 6AH-CH and 7L, or equivalent)
  2. Calculus (Math. 20A-D, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended and is accessible without Phys. 2C).

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Three quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-C).
  2. Three quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 131-133).
  3. Two quarters of inorganic chemistry (Chem. 120A-B).
  4. One quarter of biochemistry (Chem. 114A).
  5. Six laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 143A or 143AH, 143B, 143C, or 143D, 105A, and 123).
  6. Synthetic methods (Chem. 152).
  7. Structural or mechanistic organic chemistry (Chem. 154 or 156).
  8. Bioorganic or bioinorganic chemistry (Chem. 124 or 157).
  9. One additional course from the following: Chem. 114B, 114C, 155, 185, or 199.

Suggested Program for Molecular Synthesis B.S. Major

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

Math. 20B

Chem. 7L
   

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 140C 

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Chem. 143B

Math. 20D

Phys. 2B

Phys. 2CL

Phys. 2A

  

Phys. 2D

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 120A

Chem. 120B

Chem. 105A

Chem. 133

Chem. 123

Chem. 132

Chem. 143C*

Chem. 131

  

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Chem. 154/156

Chem. 107/124/157

Chem. 152

Elective

  

*Chem. 143D may be substituted.

Pharmacological Chemistry Major

The pharmacological chemistry major provides a strong background in chemistry and includes most courses required by California pharmacy schools. The major is intended primarily to prepare students for pharmacy school (Pharm.D.). Students fulfilling their elective requirements with appropriate courses would be prepared for graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. in pharmacology, biochemistry, or other areas of science. Degree recipients would also be prepared for most jobs in the biotechnology and chemical industries.

Pharmacological chemistry students are strongly encouraged to complete a full year of general chemistry and a full year of lower-division biology. As with some medical programs, some pharmacy programs may require a full year of these courses and may not accept tests such as the Advanced Placement exam to satisfy these requirements.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. Biology (BILD 1, 2 and 3, and either BICD 101, 111, 131, or BIPN 105 or BIMM 121). Alternatively, a year of biology with laboratory at a community college may be petitioned.
  2. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and Chem. 7L, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics including laboratory. (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent, and either 2BL, 2CL, or 2DL. Phys. 2CL is recommended and is usually the course required by pharmacy schools. It is accessible without Phys. 2C).
  4. Calculus (Math. 20A–D, or equivalent).
  5. Economics (Econ. 1 or 3 or equivalent).
  6. Pharmacology seminar (Chem. 92).

Most California pharmacy schools require a course in public speaking for admission to the school. Students planning to apply to these programs should take Public Speaking, TDGE 25, or an appropriate course at a community college.

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 126-127 recommended; 131–133 acceptable).
  2. Three quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-C).
  3. Three quarters of biochemistry (Chem. 114A-B-C).
  4. Four laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 143AH or 143A, 143B and either 108, 109, or 143C).
  5. One quarter of pharmacology and toxicology (Chem. 118).
  6. One chemistry elective course chosen from among all the upper-division and graduate courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (except non-letter graded courses).

If ACS certification is desired, Chem. 120A, plus two additional laboratory courses (Chem. 105A and a lab chosen from Chem. 100B-BL, 105B, 123, or 143C/108/109, if not already taken), are required. Any of these courses would satisfy number 6 above.

Suggested Program for Pharmacological Chemistry B.S. Major (ACS certification requires additional courses)

Many courses have enforced prerequisites or are offered once per year.

FALL

WINTER

SPRING

FRESHMAN YEAR

Chem. 6A

Chem. 6B

Chem. 6C

Math. 20A

Math. 20B

Chem. 7L
 

BILD 1

Chem. 92
   

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 140C

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Chem. 143B

Math. 20D

Phys. 2A

Phys. 2B

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Chem. 114B

Chem. 114C

Phys. 2D

Econ. 1/3

BILD 3

 

BILD 2

Phys. 2CL

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 127

Chem. 126

Chem. 118

Lab*

Bio. lab**

  

*Chem. 108 or 109 or 143C.
**BICD 101, 111, 131, or BIPN 105 or BIMM 121 (some have prerequisites that must be taken in an earlier quarter).

Honors Program

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers an Honors Program to those students who have demonstrated excellence in any of the nine majors. Students are eligible for Departmental Honors at graduation when they have

  1. Achieved a GPA of 3.2 overall and 3.4 in chemistry courses.
  2. Completed a minimum of eight units of Chem. 199, distributed over at least two quarters. A student who registers for 199 and subsequently fails to complete the Honors Program may apply up to four units to any major that normally allows 199 as elective credit. A student who has successfully petitioned to use a Chem 199 course to fulfill elective credit may not use that course to fulfill honors requirements as well.
  3. Submitted a final honors research report to three UCSD faculty members, including their research advisor, for approval.
  4. Presented an oral report about their research before a group of at least three faculty. This can be at an undergraduate research conference or at a seminar involving honors students and faculty.

Students who are interested in the Honors Program should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office in 4010 York Hall, and are invited to do so at any time.

Education Abroad

Majors are encouraged to explore the programs that allow students to study abroad or at other U.S. universities for a term or longer. See an advisor for details.

Chemistry and Biochemistry majors are encouraged to participate in the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP) and UCSD’s Opportunities Abroad Program (OAP). Subject to approval by our faculty, courses taken through EAP/OAP may be accepted for credit toward the major. Students interested in studying abroad should see a departmental program advisor to discuss appropriate courses and programs for their plan of study.

Minor Program in Chemistry and Biochemistry

A typical minor in chemistry consists of three lower-division lecture courses and at least one laboratory course, followed by a minimum of five upper-division courses, including at least one laboratory course, focused in physical, inorganic, organic, environmental chemistry, or biochemistry. Lower-division course requirements may not be satisfied by advanced placement credit, though transfer units may be used to satisfy lower-division minor requirements.

Upper-division courses required by a student’s major may not be applied toward a minor.

Upper-division courses for the minor must be taken at UCSD in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and must be taken for a letter grade. The minimum overall GPA requirement for the minor is a 2.0.