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 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
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.

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 6BL, 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. Two quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 126-127 recommended; 131–133 acceptable).
  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 112A or 112B and one additional chemistry lab from the following: Chem. 100B-BL, 105B, 112A or 112B, 123, 143C, or 143D).
  6. Two elective courses from the following list: Chem. 107, 113/213, 114D, 115/215, 124/225, 116/216, 118, 152/252, 154/254, 155/255, 156/256, 157/257.
  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 coursework to fulfill prerequisites): BICD 100, BICD 110, BICD 140, BIMM 114, BIMM 120, BIPN 100, BIPN 102, BIPN 140. Other electives 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. 20C

Chem. 6BL
 

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. 126

Chem. 127

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. 112A or 112B.

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

There is a fifty-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 (major code Chem. 25) or biochemistry (major code Chem. 31) majors until they have completed their screening courses in the first two years and have been admitted to the bioinformatics major.

Freshmen

Freshmen 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-C, BILD 1, Chem. 6A, CSE 11, CSE 12).

Continuing Students

Students 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 Students

Effective 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.

The following courses must be taken for a letter grade:

Lower-Division Requirements

  1. Calculus and linear algebra (Math. 20A-20C, 20F)
  2. General chemistry including laboratory (Chem. 6A-C or 6AH-CH, and 6BL).
  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. 112A-112B)
  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, 115, 118, and 143A.
    The bioinformatics series comprising the following courses:
  11. Molecular sequence analysis (BIMM 181 or CSE 181 or BENG 181)
  12. Biological databases (Chem. 182 or BIMM 182 or CSE 182 or BENG 182)
  13. Applied genomic technologies (BENG 183)
  14. Computational molecular biology (BIMM 184 or CSE 184 or BENG 184 or Chem. 184)
  15. Bioinformatics lab (BIMM 185)
  16. 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. 6BL
 

Math. 20B

Math. 20C

   

BILD 94

SOPHOMORE YEAR

CSE 11

Chem. 140A

Chem. 112B*

BILD 2

CSE 12

Chem. 140B

Phys. 2A

Phys. 2B

CSE 21/
Math. 15B

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A/140C

Chem. 114B*

Elective

BICD 100

Chem. 114D*

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. 112A*

BIMM 185

BENG 183

Chem. 127*

Elective
 

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.

The chemical education program is sufficiently intensive that students with this degree should be admissible as graduate students in chemistry, biochemistry, and teacher education programs at 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 from Education Studies.

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 6BL, 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).

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Three quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-C).
  2. Two quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 126-127 recommended; 131-133 acceptable).
  3. One quarter of inorganic chemistry (Chem. 120A).
  4. One quarter of biochemistry (Chem. 114A).
  5. Six laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 143AH or 143A, 143B, 105A, and two of the following: 100B-BL, 105B, 112A, 112B, 123, 143C, or 143D).
  6. 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).
  7. One earth science course (SIO 102 or 103). Other biology or chemistry courses may be arranged by petition.
  8. Chem. 195, 196, or 199. Chem. 195 is recommended.
  9. EDS 129A-B-C.

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. 6BL

 

Math. 20B

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. 126

Chem. 127

Phys. 2CL

SIO 50

Elective Lab

Elective

 

SIO 102/103

 

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Chem. 105A

Elective Lab

Chem. 120A

Chem. 195/196/
199

EDS 129C

EDS 129A

EDS 129B

 

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 6BL, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus and linear algebra (Math. 20A-F, or equivalent).
  3. 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, 112A, 112B, 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. 6BL

 

 

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. 131

Chem. 132

Chem. 100B-BL

Chem. 143C

Phys. 2CL

Chem. 133

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 6BL, 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, 112A, 112B, 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. 6BL
   

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. 131

Chem. 132

Chem. 133

Phys. 2D

Phys. 2CL

  

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Elective Lab

Elective

Elective Lab

Elective

Elective

Chemistry/Earth Sciences Major

The Chemistry/Earth Sciences major is available in cooperation with UCSD’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. It requires course work for a major in chemistry, plus additional courses in earth sciences. 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 earth sciences careers with their undergraduate degree.

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 6BL, 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). Phys. 2C is recommended as preparation for the upper-division Earth Sciences sequence, but it is not required for the major.
  4. SIO 50.

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B).
  2. Three quarters 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 labs: Chem. 100A, 100B-BL, 143AH or 143A, 105A, SIO 162, and one of the following: Chem. 105B, 112A, 112B, 123, 143B, 143C, or 143D.
  5. Four Earth Sciences courses (SIO 100, 102, 103, and 120).
  6. One additional course from the following list: SIO 252A, 259, 260, 261, SIO 251/SIO 155 or SIO 247, Chem. 149A, 149B, 170, 171, 173, 174/SIO 141. Petrology is essential for geology students. SIO 251/SIO 155 or SIO 247 should be taken by students planning to go on to graduate school or to go into professional earth sciences careers with their undergraduate degrees. Students are encouraged to take at least one quarter of Chem. 199.

Suggested Program for Chemistry/Earth Sciences 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. 6BL

SIO 50

 

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 100B-BL

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Phys. 2B

Math. 20D

Phys. 2A

Phys. 2CL

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 131

Chem. 132

Chem. 105A

Phys. 2D

SIO 102

Chem. 133

SIO 103

SIO 120

 

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A*

SIO 162

Elective

Chem. 120A

 

Elective Lab

SIO 100

 

 

* Chem. 120B (winter quarter) may be substituted.

Environmental Chemistry Major

Students have the option of earning the B.A. or the B.S. in the Environmental Chemistry major. The B.S. is ACS certified and is recommended for those who intend to apply to graduate school.

The 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 secondary area of interest, such as economics, political science, biology, earth sciences, or additional chemistry.

The program is designed to prepare students to enter the industrial, governmental, or legal workforce, or to continue studies in the environmental sciences. Students fulfilling their elective requirements with chemistry and biochemistry courses would be prepared to attend most graduate schools in chemical sciences.

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 6BL, or equivalent).
  2. Calculus (Math. 20A-D, or equivalent).
  3. Calculus-based physics (Phys. 2A-B and 2D or equivalent). Phys. 2CL (or Phys. 2BL or 2DL) is required for a B.S. degree.

Upper-Division Requirements

  1. Two quarters of organic chemistry (Chem. 140A-B).
  2. Two quarters of physical chemistry (Chem. 126-127 recommended; 131-133 acceptable).
  3. One quarter of inorganic chemistry (Chem. 120A) or a third quarter of organic chemistry (Chem. 140C or 141C).
  4. One quarter of biochemistry (Chem. 114A).
  5. Three laboratory courses (Chem. 100A, 100B-BL, and 143AH or 143A).
  6. Two quarters of environmental chemistry (Chem. 149A-B).
  7. Atmospheric chemistry (Chem. 173).

Elective Requirements

  1. Four non-science elective courses chosen from the following list (at least one course must be upper-division): Econ. 1, Econ. 2, Econ. 3, Econ. 131, Econ. 132, Econ. 133, Econ. 145, HIUS 154, Phil. 148, Phil. 164, Poli. SCI 160AA, Poli. SCI 160AB, Poli. SCI 162, Soc. 185, USP 2, USP 124, USP 144, USP 171. Environmental chemistry students must complete their elective requirements through coursework and cannot substitute examination scores such as Advanced Placement examinations for these courses.
  2. Three science elective courses chosen from the following list (at least two courses must be upper-division): Chem. 105A, Chem. 105B, Chem. 112A, Chem. 112B, Chem. 114B, Chem. 114C, Chem. 120A, Chem. 120B, Chem. 123, Chem. 140C or 141C, Chem. 143B, Chem. 143C, Chem 143D, Chem. 170, Chem. 171, Chem. 174, Chem. 199, SIO 40, SIO 50, SIO 102, SIO 103, SIO 141, BILD 1, BILD 2, BILD 3, BIEB 120, BIEB 121, BIEB 176, BIEB 178, BIEB 179, MAE 118A-B, MAE 127.
  3. Students desiring an ACS certified 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. 142C, or 142D. These courses may be used to satisfy number 2 above.

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. 6BL
 

Phys. 2A

Math. 20C

SOPHOMORE YEAR

Chem. 100A

Chem. 140B

Chem. 100B-BL

Chem. 140A

Chem. 143AH

Phys. 2D

Math. 20D

Phys. 2B

 

JUNIOR YEAR

Chem. 126

Chem. 127

Chem. 173

Chem. 149A

Chem. 149B

Elective

Elective

Elective

Elective

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 114A

Elective

Elective

Chem. 120A*

 

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 6BL, 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. Polymer, bioorganic, or bioinorganic chemistry (Chem. 107 or 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. 6BL
   

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. 131

Chem. 123

Chem. 133

Chem. 143C*

Chem. 132

  

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. 6BL, 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 112A, 112B, 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/112A/112B, if not already taken), are required. Any of these courses would satisfy #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. 6BL
 

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

Chem. 143C*

Econ. 1/3

BILD 3

Phys. 2D

BILD 2

Phys. 2CL

SENIOR YEAR

Chem. 126

Chem. 127

Chem. 118

Elective

Bio. lab**

  

* Chem. 112A or 112B may be substituted.
** 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 Opportunies 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.

The Graduate Programs

Graduate 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 Science

A 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 a TOEFL score; TWE scores are strongly recommended. Those who wish to apply to the Thesis Plan must have a letter of support from the proposed thesis advisor.

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 (Chem. 299). At least eight units of graduate level chemistry courses must be completed for a letter grade. Four units of teaching apprenticeship are required (Chem. 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 advisor, (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 (Chem. 500; see Doctoral Program, Teaching and Language Requirement sections). Four units of nonthesis research (Chem. 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 Program

The 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.

Research

Students 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 Materials Science Program, School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 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 advisor

A first-year faculty advisor guides students until a research advisor is chosen. Most of a student’s efforts in graduate school are directed toward research for the doctoral dissertation, and selection of a research advisor 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 Work

Entering 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 Examination

In 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 Examination

By 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 advisor, provides consultation and evaluation for the dissertation project.

Dissertation

The 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.

Teaching

Experience 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 Requirement

Students 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 Limits

In 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.

Seminars

Seminars 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 Support

The 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 on training grants or on research assistantships by their thesis advisors.

Admissions

The department seeks bright, motivated doctoral 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 doctoral 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.

Ph.D. in Chemistry with Specialization in Computational Science

As of fall 2007, the UCSD campus is offering a new comprehensive Ph.D. specialization in Computational Science that will be available to doctoral candidates in participating science, mathematics, and engineering departments at UCSD.

This Ph.D. specialization is designed to allow students to obtain standard basic training in their chosen field of science, mathematics, or engineering with a specialization in computational science integrated into their graduate studies. Prospective students must apply and be admitted into the Ph.D. program in Chemistry/Biochemistry described previously. (See the Department of Chemistry/Biochemistry for more information.)

Joint Doctoral Program with San Diego State University

The 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.