Chemistry and BiochemistryIntroductionThe UCSD 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 B.S. Biochemistry/Chemistry Chemistry B.A. Environmental Chemistry Chemistry–Premedical MajorsEither 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 meical sciences. Premedical students are encouraged to complete the three-quarter general chemistry (CHEM 6A-B-C or 6AH-6BH-6CH) series in their first year. Most medical schools require both 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 adviser early in their academic career. Students should complete the organic chemistry (either the CHEM 140 or CHEM 141) series 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 which may be counted toward the major requirements in chemistry. Students should meet with the department’s undergraduate adviser early in order to plan their courses and discuss their options. General ChemistryThe General Chemistry Chem. 6 sequence (6A-6B-6C) 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 adviser 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 adviser 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 adviser to determine applicability toward general-education requirements. General Information on Undergraduate Major ProgramsThe minimum passing grade is a D, and a minimum of a 2.0 average GPA in the major is required for the degree. All courses for the major, except for independent research (Chem. 199) and chemistry instruction (Chem. 195), must be taken for a letter grade. Chem. 195 and Chem. 199 must be taken on a P/NP basis. All chemistry majors, including transfer students, must complete forty-eight units 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. Biochemistry/Chemistry MajorThe following program is designed for biochemistry and premedical students desiring a strong background in chemistry. The core biochemistry offering is a sequence of three quarters of lecture plus one laboratory in the junior year. This is followed by three advanced biochemistry courses in the senior year. Lower-Division RequirementsThe following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Upper-Division Requirements
Suggested Program for Biochemistry/Chemistry B.S. Major
* Recommended, but not required. Bioinformatics Major from the Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryAlso see the program information listed under Bioinformatics in the catalog. This program 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 by three other departments (computer science and engineering, bioengineering, and biology,) 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 MajorNote that there is a 50-student limit in all combined bioinformatics majors on campus. As a result, admission to the bioinformatics degree is not guaranteed, but is based on a screening process which evaluates potential majors based on academic excellence. Since bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary major, a steering committee involving faculty from the participating departments will select among the best candidates applying and recommended through each department, while insuring active participation of the departments and divisions offering the major. The final decision on admission to the pre-major and major will be made by the bioinformatics steering committee, in consultation with the departments. Chemistry and Biochemistry candidates for the major should enroll as either chemistry (Chem. 25) or biochemistry (Chem. 31) majors until they have completed their screening courses in the first two years and have been admitted to the bioinformatics major. FreshmenFreshmen may apply to the bioinformatics pre-major after completing the initial screening courses:
Once admitted to the pre-major, students may take CSE 11 and 12. On completion of those courses, students may apply for admission to the major. Admission is based on the number of seats available and the applicant’s GPA in the six screening courses (Math. 20B, Math. 20C or 21C, BILD 1, Chem. 6A, CSE 11, CSE 12). Continuing StudentsStudents who have not declared the bioinformatics pre-major, but who have completed the screening courses, may apply for entry to a bioinformatics program after six quarters (the end of the sophomore year). They will be admitted on a space-available basis, after pre-majors have been screened for admission to the major. Transfer StudentsEffective fall 2003, applicants seeking admission to a bioinformatics major must have completed the following courses with a strong GPA that is competitive with that of UCSD students applying for entry into this specialization:
Those who have not completed the equivalent courses may be admitted as pre-majors, using the same criteria that apply for UCSD students, and will be allowed a maximum of three quarters to complete pre-major requirements. Transfer students are therefore encouraged to complete these requirements at the community college. Lower-Division Requirements
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
Suggested Program for the Bioinformatics B.S. from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
1 Certain prerequisite courses are waived for the bioinformatics majors. See the department adviser for details. Chemistry MajorLower-Division RequirementsThe following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Upper-Division Requirements
Suggested Program for Chemistry B.S. Major
Chemical Physics MajorChemical physics 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. Lower-Division RequirementsThe following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
It is recommended that the above requirements be completed by the end of the sophomore year. Upper-Division Requirements
Suggested Program for Chemical Physics B.S. Major
* Chem. 114A (fall quarter) may be substituted. Chemistry/Earth Sciences MajorEarth sciences is a major available in cooperation with UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It requires course work for a major in chemistry, plus additional courses in geology. It will appeal to students who plan to go on to graduate school in related fields, or to those students who plan to go into professional geologic work with their undergraduate degree. Lower-Division RequirementsThe following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Upper-Division Requirements
The specific upper-division earth sciences courses required are:
Suggested Program for Chemistry/Earth Sciences B.S. Major
* Chem. 120B (winter quarter) may be substituted. Chemical Education MajorThis program offers an excellent preparation for teaching physical science in secondary schools, including chemistry, physics, earth science, biology, and mathematics. The chemical education program has American Chemical Society accreditation. The chemical education program is sufficiently intensive that students with this degree should be admissible as graduate students to most universities. This program is also excellent preparation for students interested in a career in science writing. The program is basically a chemistry major with earth science and biochemistry as electives, combined with three courses in the Teacher Education Program. If you are interested in earning a California teaching credential through UCSD, contact the Teacher Education Program for information about the prerequisite and professional preparation requirements. It is recommended that you contact TEP as early as possible in your academic career. Lower-Division RequirementsThe following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Upper-Division Requirements
Suggested Program for Chemical Education B.S. Major
Environmental Chemistry MajorThe environmental chemistry major requires a strong chemistry background, but also includes breadth courses from other disciplines related to environmental concerns. The elective courses allow specialization in a student’s area of interest, such as economics, political science, biology, earth science, or additional chemistry. The program is designed to prepare students to enter the burgeoning industry surrounding waste management or to continue studies in the environmental sciences. Students fulfilling their elective requirements with chemistry and biochemistry courses would be prepared to attend graduate school in a chemical science. The following courses must be taken for a letter grade: Lower-Division Requirements
Upper-Division Requirements
Elective Requirements
Students desiring a B.S. Degree must take three laboratory courses: Chem. 105A, 143B or 143C, and one from the following list: Chem. 105B, 112A, 112B, 123, 143B or 143C. These courses may be used to satisfy number 2 above. Suggested Program for Environmental Chemistry B.A. or B.S. Major
*required for B.S. Degree only Molecular Synthesis MajorThis program offers a thorough training for undergraduate students 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. Lower-Division RequirementsThe following courses must be taken for a letter grade:
Upper-Division Requirements
The specific upper-division courses required are:
Suggested Program for Molecular Synthesis B.S. Major
*Required for B.S. Degree only Pharmacological Chemistry MajorThe 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 training as pharmacists in pharmacy school, but students fulfilling their elective requirements with appropriate courses would be prepared for graduate school to obtain a Ph.D. in pharmacology 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
The Schools of Pharmacy at the University of the Pacific and at the University of Southern California require a course in public speaking for admission to the school. Students planning to apply to UOP or USC should take Introduction to Speech, Theatre THGE 25, or an appropriate course at a community college. Upper-Division Requirements
Suggested Program for Pharmacological Chemistry B.S. Major
* Bio. BICD 101, 111, 131, or BIPN 105. Honors ProgramThe Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers an Honors Program to those students who have demonstrated excellence in any of the seven majors. Students are eligible for Departmental Honors at graduation when they have:
Students who are interested in the Honors Program should contact the Undergraduate Coordinator in 4010 York Hall, and are invited to do so at any time. Education AbroadMajors 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 adviser for details.
Minor Program in ChemistryA 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 and must be taken for a letter grade. The minimum GPA requirement for the minor is a 2.0. The Graduate ProgramsGraduate students are accepted to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for study toward Plan I (Thesis) and the Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) M.S. in chemistry, the Ph.D. In chemistry and the Ph.D. In chemistry with specialization in bioinformatics. Students interested in the bioinformatics specialization should contact the Student Affairs Office for more information. Master’s of ScienceA Plan I (Thesis) M.S. in chemistry and a Plan II (Comprehensive Examination) M.S. in chemistry are offered. Admissions: UCSD students are admitted for fall, winter, and spring quarter entrance; non-UCSD students are admitted for fall entrance only. Eligibility requirements for admission include a solid training in the chemical sciences based on the undergraduate record, a 3.0 GPA in chemistry courses completed, and a 3.0 overall GPA. The GRE general test is required of all applicants. Foreign applicants must submit either (a) TOEFL and TWE scores or (b) a TSE score. Those who wish to apply to the Thesis Plan must have a letter of support from the proposed thesis adviser. Residency and Time to Degree: Master’s students must register at UCSD for a minimum of three quarters, and complete at least twenty units per academic year. Full-time Comprehensive Examination Plan students can complete the degree in three quarters. Thesis Plan students typically take eighteen to twenty-four months to graduate. Relationship to Doctoral Program: Master’s students who wish to continue their studies as doctoral students in chemistry and biochemistry must request to transfer to that program. Application materials are due mid-January and include current letters of recommendation, current UCSD transcript, and statement of purpose. Transfer is for fall quarter only. Plan I (Thesis)Purpose: To prepare students for research careers or for doctoral or professional studies; the emphasis is on research. Advancement to Candidacy: A minimum of thirty-six units with an overall GPA of 3.0 must be completed. The majority of units taken are for thesis research (Chemistry 299). At least eight units of graduate level chemistry courses must be completed for a letter grade. Four units of teaching apprenticeship are required (Chemistry 500; see Doctoral Program, Teaching and Language Requirement sections). Contact the Student Affairs Office for full information. Thesis: Students must give an oral presentation and defense of their thesis project to a Thesis Committee. A student graduates after the thesis has been defended and the written dissertation approved by his or her committee, department, and OGSR, and filed with the University Archivist. The Thesis Committee consists of at least three faculty: (1) the thesis adviser, (2) a faculty member from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry familiar with the student’s research area, and (3) a faculty member from either this or another department whose research is in an area different from that of the thesis. Plan II (Comprehensive Exam)Purpose: To prepare students for doctoral or professional studies; the emphasis is on course work. Advancement to Candidacy: A minimum of thirty-six units with an overall GPA of 3.0 must be completed. The majority of units taken are in letter-graded graduate chemistry courses. Four units of teaching apprenticeship are required (Chemistry 500; see Doctoral Program, Teaching and Language Requirement sections). Four units of nonthesis research (Chemistry 297) are allowed. Contact the Student Affairs Office for full information. Comprehensive Examination: The purpose of this requirement is to confirm that students have achieved an advanced understanding of, and a comprehensive training in, the chemical sciences. The tests cover a wide range of material, so that students will have a chance to show what they have learned. For master’s students, the department administers the standardized American Chemical Society exams in biochemistry and in analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Students must pass three of the five exams in order to graduate. For doctoral students earning the M.S. on the way to the Ph.D., the Departmental Examination fulfills this requirement. Doctoral ProgramThe goal of the Ph.D. In chemistry is to prepare students for careers in science by expanding their knowledge of chemistry while developing their ability for critical analysis, creativity, and independent study. The program is designed to encourage initiative and to stimulate enjoyment and development of the student’s area of research expertise as well as the broader aspects of scientific inquiry and enlightenment. ResearchStudents choose their research concentration from programs in biochemistry, biophysics, bioinformatics, inorganic, organic, physical, analytical, and theoretical chemistry, surface and materials chemistry, and atmospheric and environmental chemistry. Opportunities for scientific discovery are also abundant through the department’s extensive collaborations with investigators in the physical, biological, and engineering sciences. This includes on-campus collaborations with faculty in the Material Science Program, School of Medicine, and Scripps Institution of Oceanography. There are also off-campus interactions with scientists at nearby research facilities such as the Salk Institute and The Scripps Research Institute. Excellent state-of-the-art facilities and equipment support all the research programs. The department’s Industrial Relations Program interfaces with national and local chemical, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries to encourage technology transfer and to assist postgraduates interested in industrial careers. Research AdviserA first-year adviser guides students until a research adviser is chosen. Most of a student’s efforts in graduate school are directed toward research for the doctoral dissertation, and selection of a research adviser is of utmost importance. To assist students with this critical decision, all chemistry and biochemistry faculty present research seminars in the fall quarter. Students then rotate in laboratories or consult with faculty to discuss research opportunities. Although students have until the end of the first year to join a laboratory, most start their research studies by mid-year. Placement Examinations and Course WorkEntering students take written placement examinations in analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. The purposes of these exams are to assist with advising and to assure that students have the breadth and level of competence needed for graduate studies. Deficiencies must be remedied in the first year. Three of five exams must be passed, including the one in the student’s research area. First-year students normally take at least six of the graduate courses listed below based on the results of their placement examinations, their research programs, and their specialized interests. Chem. 250 and Chem. 500 are required. Undergraduate courses and courses offered through other departments may also be taken, depending on the student’s research area. By the second year, the emphasis is on thesis research, and a lighter load of courses is taken, although participation in seminars and informal study groups continues. Departmental ExaminationIn the winter quarter of the second year, a student’s progress in research and graduate studies is evaluated through the departmental examination, which includes presentation and critical discussion of a recent research article. Students are also evaluated on their general knowledge of their particular field of study. Students may also be asked about progress on their dissertation. Qualifying ExaminationBy the end of the third year, students defend the topic, preliminary findings, and future research plans of their dissertation. Passing this defense qualifies the student to advance to candidacy for the dissertation. A dissertation committee composed of five faculty, one of whom is the research adviser, provides consultation and evaluation for the dissertation project. DissertationThe dissertation is normally completed in the fourth or fifth year. This body of research is expected to make an innovative contribution to the field of chemistry. Ph.D. candidates present a seminar summarizing their research accomplishments and defend their thesis in an oral examination before their dissertation committee. TeachingExperience in teaching is a vital and integral part of every graduate student’s training, and all students participate in the instructional activities of the undergraduate curriculum. Course credit for the teaching apprenticeship is earned by enrolling in Chem. 500. Excellence in teaching is stressed, and the department provides a thorough training program covering the fundamentals of teaching as well as other useful information and techniques for effective instruction. Further training is provided by the campus’s Center for Teaching Development. Faculty and the students taught evaluate the performance of teaching assistants every quarter and awards are bestowed annually for outstanding performance as a teaching assistant. Language RequirementStudents whose native language is not English must demonstrate a mastery of English adequate to complete the teaching requirement. Deficiencies must be remedied by the end of the first year of academic residency. For native English speakers, there is no foreign-language requirement. Time LimitsIn accordance with UCSD policy, students must advance to candidacy by the end of four years. Total university support cannot exceed six and one-third years. Total registered time at UCSD cannot exceed seven and one-third years. SeminarsSeminars by researchers from other universities, national laboratories, and industry are another basic and important aspect of the graduate curriculum. Seminars are presented weekly in biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Department colloquia are given on topics of general interest to the department. Seminars are also sponsored by many other departments and institutes. Financial SupportThe department supports all first-year students in good academic standing from a variety of sources, including teaching and research assistantships, training grants, fellowships, and awards. A stipend is paid in addition to fees and, if applicable, tuition. Continuing students who do not have fellowships or awards are normally supported as research assistants by their thesis advisers. AdmissionsThe department seeks bright, motivated students and welcomes all such applications. To make admissions decisions, the department considers an applicant’s statement of purpose and research interests, GRE scores on the general test plus either the advanced chemistry or advanced biochemistry test, undergraduate record, quality of the undergraduate university, letters of recommendation, and research experience and publications. Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit TOEFL scores; TWE scores are strongly recommended. Admissions to the graduate program is for fall quarter. Applications received by mid-January receive priority consideration. Students who have a master’s degree with strong course records and with research experience are encouraged to apply. They normally pass the Qualifying Examination and graduate at an accelerated pace. Joint Doctoral Program with San Diego State UniversityThe Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCSD and the Department of Chemistry at San Diego State University offer a joint program of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. Degree in chemistry. More information is available in the current edition of the Bulletin of the Graduate Division of San Diego State University. |
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