Chemistry Course Listing

Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2021-2022, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2021. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.

The Chemistry Major

The chemistry major is designed to qualify students for admission to graduate school in chemistry, positions as chemists; admission to medical, dental, and pharmacy schools; or secondary teaching.

The Major  

In addition to 32.5 units of upper-division work in chemistry, students must complete of 100 hours of faculty-directed research and CHEM 396.  Electives may be chosen from other chemistry and biochemistry courses for which prerequisites have been met. Students completing the chemistry major curriculum also earn an American Chemical Society-certified degree.

 CHEM 496 or CHEM 498 may not be applied toward the 32.5 unit requirement. Those planning for graduate work in chemistry are recommended to complete the ACS-certified degree and to take additional upper-division Electives in chemistry, mathematics or physics depending on the area of interest.

Preparation for the Major

Major Requirements

Recommended Program of Study

The following paradigm is included as a guide only, and should not be interpreted in a rigid sense. It is designed for students intending to obtain an ACS-certified degree. There is some flexibility to meet individual needs. Elective courses in chemistry may be taken at any time as long as the course prerequisites have been satisfied. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to ensure that their needs and interests will be met.  Students who are pre-professional should contact their advisor and the health professions advisor early in their studies to ensure all prerequisites are met. 

Recommended Program of Study: Integrated Teacher Preparation Program (ITPP) Pathway 

The Integrated Teacher Preparation Program (ITPP) provides paths to 4-year science and math degrees that include a teaching credential and preparation for the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET). Students who are interested in middle or secondary education (grades 6-12) in California may earn a degree in chemistry while simultaneously completing requirements for a teaching credential. The degree integrates content knowledge and laboratory practices in the discipline, evidence-based teaching/learning theories, teaching performance expectations, and pre-student teaching clinical practice while satisfying baccalaureate degree requirements and CTC single subject credential program standards. There is some flexibility to meet individual needs. Students are encouraged to consult the ITPP website (http://www.sandiego.edu/itpp) and advisors (itpp@sandiego.edu) to ensure that their needs and interests will be met.

In addition to all courses for the chemistry major, students completing the ITPP pathway must also take the following:

The following paradigm is included as a guide only, and should not be interpreted in a rigid sense.  Elective courses in chemistry may be taken at any time as long as the course prerequisites have been satisfied.