Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program at San Francisco State University provides students with a thorough foundation in the principles of chemistry, empowering them with problem-solving abilities in analytical, biochemistry, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry subfields. Graduates gain proficiency in laboratory procedures and effectively communicate scientific results. The program fosters teamwork and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in chemistry and related disciplines.

Program Outline

Program Objectives:

• Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and problem-solving skills in five chemistry sub-disciplines: analytical chemistry, biochemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.
• Proficiency in basic chemistry laboratory procedures: including the use of modern instrumentation for synthesis, separation, isolation, analysis, and characterization of molecules.
• Effective communication of scientific experiment results: through oral reports, technical graphics, and written reports.
• **Retention and synthesis of prior learning in advanced classes.

• Ability to search the chemical literature for relevant research: read and understand technical literature related to the discipline.
• **Application of classroom knowledge to address laboratory challenges.

• Articulation of the relationship between chemistry and related fields: such as biological science, materials science, and environmental science.
• **Teamwork skills and contributions to problem-solving in chemistry.

• **Understanding of key experiments that led to the development of chemical theories and models.

High school preparation for the program should include:

• Two years of algebra
• One year of geometry
• One-half year of trigonometry
• One year of chemistry
• One year of physics

Other:

• **Minimum 70 units required for the program.

• **All courses must be completed with letter grades (CR/NC not allowed).

• **Minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for the major program.

• **Grades of C or better are required in chemistry prerequisite courses.

• **Graduate-level courses in chemistry or related disciplines may be substituted for electives with prior advisor approval.

• **Community college courses cannot be substituted for elective requirements.

• **CHEM 343 cannot be used as an elective if used as a substitute.

• **CHEM 699 Independent Study is available by petition only.

• **Up to 2 units of CHEM 685 can be used towards the elective requirement.

• **Units for CHEM 699 Independent Study must be taken in the same semester to count towards the elective requirement.