2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Humboldt State University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Chemistry, B.S.


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The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry fulfills the requirements for professional training established by the American Chemical Society, a national certifying agency.  The B.S. degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry (also fulfills requirements of the American Chemical Society), prepares students for careers in biochemistry and various related fields. These curricula are designed to prepare students for research positions in industry and governmental agencies. The B.S. degree also prepares students who intend to continue their study into the graduate level. 
The Department of Chemistry emphasizes hands-on learning. Our instruction and facilities are top-notch, with a modern computational chemistry laboratory available to majors, as well as other analytical and applied instrumentation, including GC-MS, AA, FT-IR, HPLC and a modern multi-nuclear FT-NMR.

A major factor influencing employability is preparation. How well a student investigates job alternatives, gains additional educational and experiential background to qualify for areas of increasing employability, and goes about applying for these position openings has a pronounced influence on employability. The student who is aware of, and interested in, specialty areas with increasing employment opportunities can benefit by preparing himself/herself for those employment areas. By looking into what course work, skills, and experiences an employer looks for, students can better prepare for forthcoming position openings. In general, the chemistry student with additional skills or a highly specialized emphasis has special advantages in the job market. Students also have a strong chance of increasing employability by strengthening their skills with additional course work from related disciplines.

A bachelor’s degree requires a total of 120 unitsFor a description of degree requirements to be fulfilled in addition to those listed below for the major, please see “Bachelor’s Degree Requirements ”. The Upper Division Area B General Education requirement is met by the coursework within the chemistry major.

Requirements for the Major (78-83 units)

Students must complete all courses in the major with a C- or better.

Core Courses (57 Units)


The following core courses are required for all chemistry (BS) majors.

Chemistry, B.S. Program Learning Outcomes


Students completing this program will have demonstrated:

  • understanding of what chemistry reveals about the nature of physical reality
  • proficiency in abstract reasoning
  • sound abilities in written and oral communications
  • understanding of and use of physical and mathematical models
  • understanding of the relationship of experimental observation to chemical theory and knowledge
  • proficiency in spatial perception
  • critical independent thinking
  • chemical knowledge and skills needed in chemistry as well as in other disciplines
  • breadth, depth, and rigor characteristic of a professional chemist
  • proficiency and skill in performing laboratory techniques and in making and interpreting laboratory observations
  • understanding of the theory and operation of fundamental modern laboratory instruments.

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