California State University, Fresno

Chemistry - Degrees

You are in the official 2002-2003 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Department of Chemistry

Undergraduate Programs

Chemistry Majors: The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in chemistry consists of a total of 124 units including 37-39 units of chemistry. The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry consists of a total of 124 units including a minimum of 46 units in chemistry.

High School Preparation: The high school preparation for majors in the Department of Chemistry should include: algebra (2 years), plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, chemistry, and physics.

Prospective students may elect to take the general chemistry placement test at college entrance. A satisfactory score in this test will permit the student to start the chemistry course sequence with CHEM 1B.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry is intended primarily for those students who plan to take extensive coursework in other areas in addition to chemistry. This degree is suitable for prehealth professional students (premedical, predental, etc.), secondary school teaching credential students, and biochemistry students oriented toward biotechnology and the health professions. This degree is NOT intended for students who anticipate a career in chemistry, or who expect to continue their education in pursuit of graduate degrees.

Note: Chemistry majors may not take courses listed in category A or B below for CR/NC grades.

A. The B.A. Chemistry Major requirements (38-39 units)
Core Program
CHEM 1A, 1B, 102, 106, 108, 128A, 128B, 129A, 155 (30 units)
Emphasis
CHEM 156 (3 units)
Elect two courses from CHEM 129B, 142, 153, 241A, 241B (5-6 units)

B. Additional requirements (32-39 units)
BIOSC 1A, 1B (9 units)
Elect two courses from BIOSC 140A, BIOSC 140B, MICRO 140 or other approved courses (7 units) MATH 75, 76 (MATH 77 strongly recommended)(8 units) PHYS 2A, 2B (or PHYS 4A, 4AL, 4B, 4BL, 4C strongly recommended)(8-11 units)

C. Remaining General Education requirements* (42 units)

D. Electives and remaining degree requirements (8-13 units)
(See Degree Requirements); may be used toward a dual major or minor.

Total (124 units)

__________

* Of the 51 required General Education units, 9 units will be satisfied by the following courses in the major and additional requirements: 3 units of CHEM 1A or PHYS 2A in G.E. Breadth B1; 3 units of BIOSC 1A in G.E. Breadth B2; and 3 units MATH 75 in G.E. Foundation B4. Consult the department chair or faculty adviser for additional details.

The following is an example of a four-year program for the B.A. in Chemistry.

First Semester - Fall
CHEM 1A (5 units)
MATH 75 (4 units)
ENGL 1 (3 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (15 units)

Second Semester - Spring
CHEM 1B (5 units)
MATH 76 (4 units)
PHYS 2A or 4A, 4AL (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Third Semester - Fall
CHEM 128A (3 units)
CHEM 129A (2 units)
PHYS 2B or 4B, 4BL (4 units)
BIOSC 1A (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fourth Semester - Spring
CHEM 128B (3 units)
CHEM 102 (5 units)
BIOSC 1B (5 units)
Electives or General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fifth Semester - Fall*
**CHEM 108 (4 units)
**CHEM 155 (3 units)
BIOSC 140A (4 units)
Electives or General Education (3units)
Total (14 units)

Sixth Semester - Spring
***CHEM 156 (3 units)
BIOSC 140B or MICRO 140 (4 units )
Electives or General Education (6 units)
Total (13 units)

Seventh Semester - Fall
Electives or General Education
Total (15 units)

Eighth Semester - Spring
Electives or General Education
Total (15 units)

Total (120 units)
__________

* It is important to fulfill the upper-division writing skills requirement by exam or W class during the junior year.
** Offered fall semester only.
*** Offered spring semester only.

Bachelor of Science Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry is intended for students who plan a career in chemistry. The B.S. degree is accredited by the American Chemical Society. Students who satisfactorily complete this program are recommended by the department for certification as graduate chemists by the American Chemical Society. The B.S. degree prepares students to enter the job market or for graduate study leading to an advanced degree, such as a Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy.

Note: Chemistry majors may not take courses listed in category A or B below for CR/NC grades.

A. The B.S. Chemistry Major requirements (46 units)
CHEM 1A, 1B, 102, 106, 110A, 110B, 111, 123, 124, 128A, 128B, 129A, 129B, 155

B. Additional requirements (23 units)
MATH 75, 76, 77; PHYS 4A, 4AL, 4B, 4BL, 4C

C. Remaining General Education requirements* (45 units)

D. Electives and remaining degree requirements (10 units)
Recommended: CHEM 130, 140T, 142, 153, 156, 160, 190

Total (124 units)

__________

* Of the 51 required General Education units, 3 units will be satisfied by PHYS 4A and 4AL in G.E. Breadth B1, and 3 units of MATH 75 in G.E. Foundation B4. Consult the department chair or faculty adviser for details.

Advising Note for Chemistry Majors

No General Education Integration or Multicultural/International course with a CHEM designation may be used to satisfy the General Education requirements for majors in the department.

Transfer students are strongly urged to consult their adviser.

Many of the courses listed above have chemistry or other prerequisites. For that reason, the following sample four-year program leading to a B.S. in Chemistry is provided. This sample program emphasizes the need to take sequences in mathematics and physics prior to CHEM 110A. In addition, it specifies certain semesters for some courses that are offered only once a year. Finally, this program is constructed in such a way as to leave adequate time for independent study experience (CHEM 190) in the senior year.

If a student wished to deviate significantly from this sample program, particularly in regard to chemistry, physics, and mathematics requirements, it is very important that an alternate program be developed in consultation with a departmental adviser. Any course substitutions or other changes to degree requirements can only initiated by submitting a written request to the chair of the Chemistry Department.

First Semester -- Fall
CHEM 1A (5 units)
MATH 75 (4 units)
ENGL 1 (3 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (15 units)

Second Semester -- Spring
CHEM 1B (5 units)
MATH 76 (4 units)
PHYS 4A, 4AL (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Third Semester -- Fall
CHEM 128A (3 units)
CHEM 129A (2 units)
MATH 77 (4 units)
PHYS 4B, 4BL (4 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fourth Semester -- Spring
CHEM 128B (3 units)
CHEM 129B (2 units)
CHEM 102 (5 units)
PHYS 4C (3 units)
General Education (3 units)
Total (16 units)

Fifth Semester -- Fall*
**CHEM 110A (3 units)
**CHEM 155 (3 units)
**CHEM 123 (3 units)
CHEM or other elective (2 units)
General Education (5 units)
Total (16 units)

Sixth Semester -- Spring
***CHEM 110B (3 units)
***CHEM 111 (3 units)
***CHEM 124 (2 units)
General Education (8 units)
Total (16 units)

Seventh Semester -- Fall
**CHEM 106 (4 units)
Chemistry or other elective (3 units)
CHEM 190 (recommended) or other elective (3 units)
General Education (4 units)
Total (14 units)

Eighth Semester -- Spring
CHEM 190 (recommended) or other elective (3 units)
Chemistry or other elective (3 units)
General Education (9 units)
Total (124 units)

__________

* It is important to fulfill the upper-division writing skills requirement by exam or W class during the junior year.
** Offered fall semester only.
*** Offered spring semester only.

Bachelor of Arts in Natural Sciences
Degree Requirements

David M. Andrews,
Program Coordinator
(559) 278-2412

Chemistry Option

The B.A. in Natural Sciences serves as a waiver program for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Science. With this credential you are able to teach any introductory science class, i.e., earth, general, life, or physical science along with the courses in your chosen emphasis. Students interested in teaching chemistry in high school may pursue a B.A. in Natural Sciences with a chemistry option (see specific course requirements below). For additional information, see the listing under Natural Science or contact David Andrews, coordinator of the B.A. Natural Sciences Degree and Science Credential Adviser (559) 278-2412.

Core requirements (37 units)
Biology (12 units)
BIOSC 1A, 1B, 130

Chemistry (10 units)
CHEM 1A, 1B

Geology (see note 1) (8 units)
GEOL 1 and 3 (or 15), GEOL 168

Natural Science (3 units)
NSCI 106

Physical Science (4 units)
PSCI 21

Chemistry Option (39 units)
PHYS 2A, 2B (see note 2) (8 units)
PSCI 168 or GEOL 155 (3 units)
MATH 75 (4 units)
MATH 76 (4 units)
CHEM 8 or 128A (3 units)
CHEM 102, 108*, 128B, 129A, 139, 155 *(17 units)

General Education requirements (51 units)

Electives and remaining degree requirements (see notes 3,4) (5 units)

Total (see note 3) (120 units)

__________

* Offered fall semester only.

Advising Notes for the Natural Sciences Major

GEOL 15 is part of the Humans and the Natural Environment. See the Natural Science Interdisciplinary Courses section in this catalog. GEOL 15 is equivalent to GEOL 1 and 3.
Substitutions may be made with the permission of the appropriate department chair. PHYS 4A-B-C with labs 4AL, 4BL is recommended instead of PHYS 2A-B for those students well-prepared for physics.
This total assumes that students in this option will maximize the 12 units required for the major that also may be applied to fulfill General Education requirements as follows: CHEM 1A (3 units), BIOSC 1A or BIOL 15 (3 units), GEOL 168 (3 units), and MATH 75 (3 units). Consult your major adviser for details.
Students should be sure to take sufficient upper-division units in their General Education courses and electives to satisfy the graduation requirements of 40 upper-division units and upper-division writing skills.

Chemistry Minor

A Minor in Chemistry for a bachelor's degree requires at least 21 units, of which at least 7 are upper-division. Specific course requirements are General Chemistry (CHEM 1A and 1B or 3A), Organic Chemistry (CHEM 8 and 109 or 128A-B and 129A), and Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 105).

Those students requiring additional upper-division chemistry units may choose from courses such as: CHEM 125, 150, 151, 153, 155, and 156.

Note: The Chemistry Minor also requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.

Graduate Program

The mission of the graduate program in chemistry is guided by the mission of the university; it seeks to provide comprehensive undergraduate and graduate degree instruction for qualified students, and to contribute to the needs and well being of the people of the San Joaquin Valley and California.

The California State University, Fresno graduate program in chemistry is primarily oriented toward two groups of students: students who are preparing themselves for employment in chemistry-based occupations (including teaching) and students interested in additional training in chemistry and biochemistry to prepare for advanced Ph.D. graduate work.

For students in the first category, the program stresses strengthening the student's chemistry background while also providing advanced training in both theory and research - training that is very beneficial in today's competitive job market. Furthermore, the program also strives to meet local and regional needs for individuals with advanced training in chemistry and biochemistry, needs that are strongly tied to the agricultural nature of the valley.

For students in the second category, the program's emphasis on improving chemistry background and basic research skills prepares students for work at the Ph.D. level and enhances their chances for success.

Master of Science Degree Requirements

The Master of Science degree program in Chemistry assumes undergraduate preparation equivalent to a California State University, Fresno B.S. in chemistry. Each new student is required to take the Diagnostic Placement Examinations in four fields of chemistry (physical, organic, analytical, and inorganic or biochemistry) to provide a basis for program planning. These are taken at the beginning of the first semester of residence. Twenty-one of the 30 units required for the degree must be in chemistry.

Graduate-Level Writing Proficiency Requirement

Students will have satisfied this requirement if they have graduated from an institution that has an official upper-division writing proficiency requirement. Students will have to demonstrate that such a requirement was in force at the time of their graduation.

Students will have satisfied this requirement if they pass an upper-division course which has been designated as fulfilling the upper-division writing proficiency requirement, or if they have passed the appropriate California State University, Fresno standard examination in writing proficiency.

Students will have satisfied this requirement if they demonstrate satisfactory English competency on term papers required in one of the following graduate level chemistry courses: CHEM 211, 215, 220, 222, 241A, 242, 226, 227, 230, 235, 260, or 280. The term papers will be graded for English competency. Before taking the course, the student must petition the Chemistry Department Graduate Committee to have papers in a particular course accepted as fulfilling the English requirement.

If a student does not satisfy the writing skills requirement by other means, the student will be required to take ENGL 160W or some other course accepted as equivalent by the Chemistry Department Graduate Committee.

Under the direction of a graduate adviser, each student prepares and submits a coherent program individually designed according to Plan A or Plan B listed below. Other courses may be specified after examination of the student's record and performance on the departmental diagnostic examinations.

Plan A
M.S. Degree with Thesis

Courses in chemistry, including at least 24 units in 200 series (see specific requirements) (24 units)
Approved electives in chemistry or related fields (6 units)
Total (30 units)

Specific requirements: CHEM 201 (1 unit); 280 (at least 2 units); 295 (2 units); 299 (4 units); and 3 units each from 4 of the 5 following groupings: (i) CHEM 211 or 215, (ii) 220 or 222, (iii) 225, 226, or 227, (iv) 230 or 235, (v) 241A or 242. CHEM 260 recommended.

Other courses may be specified after examination of the student's record and his or her performance on the departmental diagnostic examinations.

Plan B
M.S. Degree with Comprehensive Examination

Courses in chemistry, including at least 24 units in 200 series (see specific requirements) (24 units)
Approved courses in chemistry or related fields may include biology, engineering, geology, mathematics, physics, etc.) according to the student's objective (6 units)
Total (30 units)

Specific requirements: CHEM 201 (1 unit); 280 (at least 2 units); 295 (2 units); and 3 units each from 4 of the 5 following groupings: (i) CHEM 211 or 215, (ii) 220 or 222, (iii) 225, 226, or 227, (iv) 230 or 235, (v) 241A or 242.

Other courses may be specified after examination of the student's record and his or her performance on the departmental diagnostic examinations.

Instead of a thesis, a student must successfully complete a final comprehensive examination consisting of two parts: (a) a general written examination in chemistry; (b) an examination dealing with a specific area of chemistry. See department for Policy Statement -- Plan B Comprehensive Examination.

Biotechnology Certificate Program

California State University, Fresno offers a Certificate of Advanced Study Program in Biotechnology. This intensive one-year postbaccalaureate program emphasizes molecular biology and a wide range of laboratory skills at the forefront of modern biotechnology. The biotechnology field is growing rapidly, and as new products and applications are commercialized, there is increased need for highly skilled personnel capable of working in both research and production areas. Enrollment is limited to 12 to 15 students per year, who work closely with faculty in a variety of lecture and laboratory courses. Among the techniques studied are purification of biological macromolecules, gene splicing, DNA sequencing, culturing of mammalian cells, hybridoma production, and plant cell culturing and cloning.

The Certificate Program can lead to potential careers in expanding fields, such as drug and hormone production in the pharmaceutical industry, monoclonal antibody production for medical diagnostics, crop improvement, industrial bioprocessing and medical research. The program also provides a background for further postgraduate studies in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology and agricultural biotechnology. Some of the courses may also be used at California State University, Fresno as components of master's degree programs in biology, chemistry, plant science, and related departments.

Courses include: Molecular Biology (BIOL/CHEM 241A-B), Techniques in Protein Purification (BIOL/CHEM 242), Nucleic Acid Technology Lab (BIOL/CHEM 243), Cell Culture/Hybridoma Laboratory (BIOL/CHEM 244), Micropropagation (PLANT 108), and Seminar in Molecular Biology/Biotechnology (BIOL/CHEM 248).