Chemistry and Biochemistry, Department of

Introduction
Degree Descriptions
Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Teaching Credential
Programs and Courses Offered

Department Chair

Peter de Lijser

Department Office/Website

McCarthy Hall 580
657-278-3621
chemistry.fullerton.edu

Faculty

Kelvin Billingsley, Julia Chan, Joya Cooley, Daniel Curtis, Peter de Lijser, Allyson Fry-Petit, Barbara Gonzalez, Michael Groves, John Haan, A. Scott Hewitt, Paula Hudson, Niroshika Keppetipola, Sissi Li, Zhuangjie Li, Maria Linder, Beena Matthew, Marcos Ortega, Stevan Pecic, Andrew Petit, Madeline Rasche, Nicholas Salzameda, Fu-Ming Tao, Sachel Villafañe-Garcia

Introduction

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry plans its curriculum to provide thorough instruction in the basic principles and concepts of chemistry and biochemistry for students who will: (1) advance to graduate work in chemistry or biochemistry; (2) teach in the science programs of secondary schools; (3) seek employment in industry or government; (4) advance to medical, dental, or pharmacy training; or (5) pursue a degree or minor in support of a career in other areas such as physics, biology, geology, business or computer science.

To qualify for any of the bachelor’s degrees, a student must earn a “C” (2.0) or better in all courses required for the major, including prerequisites in related sciences or mathematics.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is currently on the approved list of The American Chemical Society (ACS), and students have the opportunity to earn ACS certification of the B.S. degree in Chemistry.

Degree Descriptions

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is designed to be a rigorous and contemporary curriculum that is responsive to future developments, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and diversity of the chemical sciences, thus enabling students to become successful professionals, scholars, scientifically literate citizens and leaders. The curriculum provides a hands-on approach where students learn by doing. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of chemistry in biological science and the degree is capped by an authentic research experience, preparing students for scientific careers, graduate studies or professional programs. Students preparing for health-related fields (e.g., medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine) or those who desire an advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) in biochemistry, biology or the health sciences receive excellent preparation from this degree program.

The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry is designed to be a rigorous and contemporary curriculum that is responsive to future developments, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and diversity of the chemical sciences, thus enabling students to become successful professionals, scholars, scientifically literate citizens and leaders. The curriculum provides a hands-on approach where students learn by doing. Special emphasis is placed on an authentic research experience, preparing students for scientific careers, science education, graduate studies or professional programs. The degree is commonly pursued by students interested in pre-professional programs (e.g., medicine, dentistry, forensic science, business administration, law), and it also provides career alternatives in chemistry.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry is designed to be a rigorous, contemporary, and calculus-based curriculum that is responsive to future developments, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and diversity of the chemical sciences, thus enabling students to become successful professionals, scholars, scientifically literate citizens and leaders. The curriculum provides a hands-on approach where students learn by doing. Special emphasis is placed on an authentic research experience, preparing students for scientific careers, graduate studies or professional programs. The degree is approved by the American Chemical Society and ideal for students who desire an advanced degree (M.S., Ph.D.) in chemistry. It also provides excellent preparation for those individuals in pre-professional programs (e.g., medicine, dentistry, forensic science, business administration, law) or those interested in teaching careers.

The Masters of Arts in Chemistry degree is primarily a course work-based degree where students spend the majority of their time taking advanced level classes. In addition, they will analyze literature in their selected research area to generate a proposal that will bolster their critical thinking skills by analyzing literature data and proposing the next steps in a research project. The degree culminates in the presentation of a written proposal and a public oral defense. The skills learned in the program prepare students for a career in teaching, industry or entry into health professional programs. Many obtain their degree to gain entry into high school or community college teaching, technical librarianship, positions that utilize extensive scientific writing and professional schools. Those with significant research experience who are already employed in the industrial sector pursue the M.A. degree to strengthen their theoretical chemistry background. Others use the M.A. degree as a stepping stone to gain entry into health professional schools by enhancing their entrance preparation. Since the program does not require a culminating laboratory-based research thesis, the degree can be completed in two years, including summers. Therefore, it will be highly attractive to those who wish to obtain a Master’s degree in a shorter period of time.

The Masters of Science in Chemistry degree is primarily a research-based degree where students spend the majority of their time in a research laboratory working on an independent research project. In addition to taking a number of advanced-level classes, students carry out sophisticated experiments and gain valuable critical thinking skills by analyzing data and planning the next steps in the project. The degree culminates in the presentation of a written thesis and a public oral defense. The skills learned in the program prepare students for a career in teaching, industry or graduate school. Because of its broad scope, contemporary chemistry offers exciting employment opportunities in rapidly growing fields, such as materials science, polymers, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical/medicinal chemistry, chemical education research and environmental science. Graduates with a Master’s degree in chemistry are prepared to enter any of these fields or others, since chemistry is the central science with connections to physics and mathematics, biology and medicine, and environmental sciences.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Recommended Program in General Education

Because of high unit requirements for chemistry degree programs, students majoring in chemistry are strongly urged to consult with an adviser at the Academic Advisement Center in UH-123 prior to designing their general education programs. There is a three-unit exemption in general education for B.S. Chemistry degree majors for which the undergraduate Chemistry adviser must be consulted.

Upper-Division Baccalaureate Writing Requirement

Chemistry and biochemistry majors meet the coursework portion of the university’s upper-division writing requirement by passing ENGL 301 , ENGL 360 or ENGL 363 with a “C” or better.

Teaching Credential

The Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry may be effectively combined with subject matter studies necessary for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in science. Undergraduates are encouraged to contact the Center for Careers in Teaching (657-278-7130, fullerton.edu/cct) and the science subject area coordinator for the Single Subject Credential program (http://ed.fullerton.edu/sced/future-students/credential-progrms/credentials-offered/science).

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Chemistry, B.A.

Bachelor of Science

Master of Arts

Chemistry, M.A.

Master of Science

Non-Degree

Chemistry Minor

Courses

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Courses are designated as CHEM in the class schedule.