CHEMISTRY
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
- COMPLETE COURSE LISTING
- BACHELOR OF ARTS
- BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
- MINOR
- SUBJECT MATTER PROGRAM
- MASTER OF SCIENCE
- CAREER POSSIBILITIES
- FACULTY
- CONTACT
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Chemistry is the area of science in which the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances are studied. The Chemistry Department at Sacramento State offers a BS and BA (including concentrations in Biochemistry or Forensic Chemistry), and MS degree in Chemistry (including a concentration in Biochemistry).
The BS degree is recommended for students intending to pursue graduate work in Chemistry or those desiring a strong technical background for work in the chemical industry or other highly technical areas.
The BA degree is more flexible in terms of upper division electives and is recommended for students interested in the allied health areas, forensic chemistry, or programs with a major component of chemistry. Students planning to teach Chemistry at the secondary school level may obtain a BA in Chemistry.
The graduate program in Chemistry leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree. It provides students an opportunity to receive advanced training in chemistry and biochemistry and to pursue independent research. The MS program enhances a student's overall knowledge in chemistry and experimental skills.
Degrees & Concentrations
BA: Chemistry; Biochemistry; Forensic Chemistry BS: Chemistry BS: Biochemistry
Special Features
- The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society, and students graduating with the BS degree will receive a certificate from the Society.
- Extensive available instrumentation includes a Hewlett- Packard 5890 Series II GC-Mass spectrometer; a Bruker Avance-300 NMR; a Bruker MSL 300MHz wide bore NMR; a Perkin-Elmer 2000 FTIR; a Shimadzu UV-2401 PC spectrometer; an HP 8452A UV-VIS diode array spectrometer; a Shimadzu, RF-5301PC spectrofluorophotometer; Ocean Optics UV spectrometers; a Beckman L2-50 ultracentrifuge; Agilent/HPLC systems; an EPR spectrometer; a Beckman HPLC and system; a Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption spectrometer; Powder XRD; thermoanalyzer; a QuantumCube computational system; several gas chromatographs; and many PC workstations.
- Several science computing labs are available to students.
- The Chemistry faculty strongly believe that students majoring in Chemistry should have an opportunity to participate in basic or applied research and to work closely with faculty in developing their chemical skills and knowledge. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts majors are strongly encouraged to complete an independent research project. All graduate students must enroll in a graduate research course.
- All faculty serve as advisors to students and have a strong commitment to helping students find jobs or gain admission to graduate programs or professional schools. Many of our faculty have personal contacts with industry and government labs in the area and with faculty in various graduate and professional schools.
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
Three BA programs are available: One without a concentration (general) and two with concentrations (Biochemistry or Forensic Chemistry). The common requirements of the three programs are shown below under "Core Requirements."
Advising: The Department believes advising of students is an important function. Members of the Chemistry Department who have a strong interest in advising have been selected to serve as advisors for students wishing to major in chemistry. Each represents a particular area of chemistry: analytical, inorganic, biochemistry, organic, and physical. Each Chemistry major will be assigned to one of these advisors when entering the Chemistry Department, coordinated to the area of each student's expressed interest.
Minimum Grade Requirements: In all courses required for the Chemistry major and minor, a minimum grade of "C-" must be earned with the exception of CHEM 1A which requires a grade of C or better. A minimum grade of "C-" is required in all prerequisite courses with the exception of CHEM 1A which requires a grade of C or better to meet the prerequisite requirement for CHEM 1B if a student has not achieved a "C-" in all prerequisite courses for a particular chemistry course, the instructor of the course will administratively remove the student from class.
Prerequisites: When enrolling in a course, it is required that the student will have met the specific prerequisites listed. A course listed as a prerequisite may have its own set of prerequisites. All must be met prior to enrolling in a chemistry course. Students not meeting the prerequisite requirements for a course will be administratively removed from the class.
Transfer Majors and Minors: Transfer students majoring in Chemistry must complete at least three of the required courses in chemistry while fulfilling the residence requirements of California State University, Sacramento. Transfer students seeking a minor in Chemistry must complete at least one upper division chemistry course at the University.
Requirements - Bachelor of Arts Degree
Units required for Major: 64 -77
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120
A minimum grade of ''C-'' is required in all courses applied to the Chemistry
major. Grades below "C-" in prerequisite courses do not satisfy prerequisite
requirements.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Core Requirements (39-43 units)
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent, or minimum grade of "C" in CHEM 4) |
|
(5) |
General Chemistry II (CHEM 1A with a passing grade of "C" or better) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lab (CHEM 24, CHEM 124; CHEM 124 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 24, or instructor permission; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 25 recommended) |
|
(4) |
Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus diagnostic test) |
|
(4) |
Calculus II (MATH 30 or appropriate high school based AP credit) |
|
(8-12) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry; MATH 9 recommended for those having an inadequate mathematics background AND |
|
General Physics: Light, Electricity, and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission) OR |
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General Physics: Mechanics (MATH 30, MATH 31 or equivalent certificated high school courses; MATH 31 may be taken concurrently) AND |
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General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (MATH 31, PHYS 11A) |
*Passing a placement exam or obtaining a passing grade of "C" or better in CHEM 4 is required to enroll in CHEM 1A.
Additional Requirements for Concentration
B. Units required: 25-34
Students should choose one of the three following focuses with advice from their Department advisor. Units are in addition to the core requirements above.
No Concentration - General (25 units)(3) |
Physical Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, CHEM 31, MATH 32, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C; PHYS 11C may be taken concurrently) |
|
(3) |
Physical Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 140A) |
|
(3) |
Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 140A, CHEM 140B, or CHEM 142, instructor permission ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
Calculus III (MATH 31) |
(12) Additional courses to a minimum of 24 upper division units in Chemistry, including two lecture courses and two laboratory courses. Elective courses should be selected in consultation with an adviser.
Biochemistry Concentration (32-34 units)(5) |
Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology |
|
(5) |
||
(4-6) |
Physical Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, CHEM 31, MATH 32, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C; PHYS 11C may be taken concurrently) AND |
|
|
Physical Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 140A) OR |
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Introduction to Physical Chemistry (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B, MATH 31) |
||
(3) |
Structure and Function of Biological Molecules (CHEM 124, MATH 26A or MATH 30 is recommended) |
|
(3) |
Metabolism and Regulation of Biological Systems (CHEM 160A or equivalent; one year of organic chemistry) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31, CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(3) |
Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 162 or equivalent, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(6) Electives in Biological Sciences (must be from the following courses): BIO 121, BIO 131, BIO 139, BIO 180 and BIO 184. |
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Note: Students may also complete a BA with a concentration in Biochemistry by taking the general BA curriculum and completing the following additional courses: BIO 1, BIO 2, CHEM 160A, CHEM 160B, CHEM 162, CHEM 164, and 6 units of upper division Biology courses from the approved list.
Forensic Chemistry Concentration (25-28 units)(3) |
Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 25, CHEM 124, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(4) |
Introduction to Physical Chemistry (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B, MATH 31) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry (CHEM 20 or CHEM 124; one year of biological science is recommended) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31; CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Criminal Justice and Society |
|
(3) |
Introduction to Physical Evidence (CRJ 4 and CRJ 102; restricted to declared majors and minors or instructor permission) |
(6-9) A minimum of six units from the following:
Inorganic Chemistry Lecture (CHEM 125, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142 or instructor permission; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently, however, students are encouraged to complete CHEM 140B and CHEM 141 first; Corequisite: CHEM 110L) AND |
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Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 125, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; Corequisite: CHEM 110) |
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Chemical Instrumentation (CHEM 31, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
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Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 140A and CHEM 140B or CHEM 142 or instructor permission, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently) |
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Advanced Biochemsitry Laboratory (CHEM 162 or equivalent, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree
Units required for the Major: 77
Minimum total units required for the BS: 120
A minimum grade of ''C-'' is required in all courses applied to the Chemistry
major. Grades below "C-" in prerequisite courses do not satisfy prerequisite
requirements.
Note: Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (44 units)
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent, or minimum grade of "C" in CHEM 4) |
|
(5) |
General Chemistry II (CHEM 1A with a passing grade of "C" or better) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lab (CHEM 24, CHEM 124; CHEM 124 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(4) |
Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus diagnostic test) |
|
(4) |
Calculus II (MATH 30 or appropriate high school based AP credit) |
|
(4) |
Calculus III (MATH 31) |
|
(4) |
General Physics: Mechanics (MATH 30, MATH 31 or equivalent certificated high school courses; MATH 31 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
||
(4) |
General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (MATH 31, PHYS 11A) |
*Passing a placement exam or obtaining a passing grade of "C" or better in CHEM 4 is required to enroll in CHEM 1A.
B. Required Upper Division Courses (33 units)
(3) |
Inorganic Chemistry Lecture (CHEM 125, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142 or instructor permission; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently, however, students are encouraged to complete CHEM 140B and CHEM 141 first; Corequisite: CHEM 110L) |
|
(2) |
Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 125, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; Corequisite: CHEM 110) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 24, or instructor permission; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 25 recommended) |
|
(3) |
Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 25, CHEM 124, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(4) |
Chemical Instrumentation (CHEM 31, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(3) |
Physical Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, CHEM 31, MATH 32; PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B or PHYS 11A, PHYS 11B, PHYS 11C; PHYS 11C may be taken concurrently) |
|
(3) |
Physical Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 140A) |
|
(3) |
Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 140A, CHEM 140B, CHEM 142 , ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently) |
|
(3) |
Structure and Function of Biological Molecules (CHEM 124; MATH 26A or MATH 30 is recommended) |
(6) Additional courses from the following to a minimum total of 33 upper division units in Chemistry. Elective courses should be selected in consultation with an advisor.
Organic Synthesis (CHEM 124) |
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Senior Research (One upper division chemistry laboratory class, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course, instructor permission and department chair permission) |
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An appropriate upper division mathematics or physics course approved by advisor and department chair. |
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Requirements - Bachelor of Science Degree - Biochemistry
Units required for Major: 81 - 85
Minimum total units required for the BS: 120
Note: Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry will not be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement. Students who change major may be subject to the University’s Foreign Language Graduation Requirement.
A minimum grade of ''C-'' is required in all courses applied to the Biochemistry
major. Grades below "C-" in prerequisite courses do not satisfy prerequisite
requirements.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Lower Division Courses (46- 50 units)
(5) |
Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecology |
|
(5) |
||
(5) |
General Chemistry I (High school chemistry and college algebra; sufficient performance on the college algebra diagnostic test, or equivalent, or minimum grade of "C" in CHEM 4) |
|
(5) |
General Chemistry II (CHEM 1A with a passing grade of "C" or better) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture I (CHEM 1B) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lab (CHEM 24, CHEM 124; CHEM 124 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
Quantitative Analysis (CHEM 1B) |
|
(4) |
Calculus I (MATH 29 or four years of high school mathematics which includes two years of algebra, one year of geometry, and one year of mathematical analysis; completion of ELM requirement and Pre-Calculus diagnostic test) |
|
(4) |
Calculus II (MATH 30 or appropriate high school based AP credit) |
|
(8-12) |
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound (Recently completed three years of high school algebra and geometry; and a college course in algebra and trigonometry; MATH 9 recommended for those having an inadequate mathematics background) AND |
|
General Physics: Light, Electricity, and Magnetism, Modern Physics (PHYS 5A or instructor permission) OR |
||
General Physics: Mechanics (MATH 30, MATH 31 or equivalent certificated high school courses. MATH 31 may be taken concurrently) AND |
||
General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics (MATH 31, PHYS 11A) |
*Passing a placement exam or obtaining a passing grade of "C" or better in CHEM 4 is required to enroll in CHEM 1A.
B. Required Upper Division Courses (29 units)
(4) |
General Genetics (BIO 1 and BIO 2; declared Biological Sciences, Biochemistry or Chemistry major or instructor permission) |
|
(3) |
Organic Chemistry Lecture II (CHEM 24, or instructor permission; concurrent enrollment in CHEM 25 recommended) |
|
(3) |
Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 25, CHEM 124, ENGL 20, or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
|
(3) |
Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 140A, CHEM 140B, or CHEM 142 , or instructor permission; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently) |
|
(4) |
Introduction to Physical Chemistry (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, PHYS 5A , PHYS 5B, MATH 31) |
|
(3) |
Structure and Function of Biological Molecules (CHEM 124, MATH 26A or MATH 30 is recommended) |
|
(3) |
Metabolism and Regulation of Biological Systems (CHEM 160A or equivalent course; one year of organic chemistry) |
|
(3) |
General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31, CHEM 160A, or CHEM 161; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; either CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 may be taken concurrently) |
|
(3) |
Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 162 or equivalent; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
C. Upper Division Elective Courses (6 units)
(3) Units of Chemistry from approved list
Inorganic Chemistry Lecture (CHEM 125, CHEM 140B, or CHEM 142, instructor permission; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently, however, students are encouraged to complete CHEM 140B and CHEM 141 first; Corequisite: CHEM 110L) |
||
Organic Synthesis (CHEM 124) |
||
Chemical Instrumentation (CHEM 31, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142, instructor permission; ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course) |
||
Senior Research (One upper division chemistry laboratory class, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course, and instructor and department chair permission) |
||
Selected Topics in Chemistry (Enrollment in MS Chemistry graduate program or instructor permission) |
||
Protein Biochemistry (One semester of Biochemistry) |
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Nucleic Acids Chemistry (Undergraduate course in biochemistry) |
(3) Units of Biological Sciences from approved list.
|
General Microbiology (BIO 10 or both BIO 1 and BIO 2; CHEM 20 or CHEM 24) |
|
Pathogenic Bacteriology (BIO 139) |
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Introduction to Scientific Inquiry |
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Requirements - Minor
Units Required: 24 of chemistry, 6 of which must be upper
division chemistry.
A course in quantitative analytical chemistry and a lower division organic
laboratory course must be completed as part of the minor.
A minimum grade of "C-" is required in all courses applied to the Chemistry
minor.
Requirements - Subject Matter Program (Pre-Credential Preparation)
Due to policy changes from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the federal No Child Left Behind Mandate, the Science Subject Matter Program was under review at the time of this 2008-2010 catalog printing and is subject to revision. As a result, it is important to consult a credential advisor for current details.
Currently there is a need in K-12 education for chemistry majors. Chemistry majors who have an interest in teaching should contact the credential advisor in the department (Dr. Jeffrey Paradis, Sequoia Hall 444C, 278-6987, paradis@csus.edu or the Department Chair (Sequoia Hall 506) to plan an academic program and to explore ways to become involved in teaching.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The graduate program in Chemistry focuses on three related areas: development of general analytical techniques, synthesis and chemical separations of organic and biochemical materials, and applications of analytical techniques to fields such as biotechnology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. A student's ability to work in a laboratory environment requiring analytical or biochemical skills will be enhanced and his/her overall knowledge in chemistry will be strengthened. A culminating research project in collaboration with a chemistry faculty member is required. This experience will further develop the laboratory and creative thinking skills of a student.
Course Requirements: The program centers on a core of four courses designed to increase a student's knowledge and skills in applications of analytical techniques, general instrumentation techniques, chemical separation techniques, and analysis of spectra with applications in the field of biochemistry and organic chemistry primarily. Electives are offered to permit students to expand further their knowledge and skills in chemistry. A minimum overall and semester GPA of 3.00 must be maintained to sustain good standing in the graduate program. A grade of "C" or better in individual courses is required for graded work to be credited toward fulfillment of the master's degree. Students not meeting these requirements are subject to probationary status and potential disqualification from the program. In addition, students must regularly attend seminars offered approximately once a week each semester. Each student will give one seminar during his/her tenure as a graduate student that is on a literature topic not related to his/her thesis topic and another on his/her thesis results. Participation in seminar expands a student's knowledge of current research in chemistry and also assists in developing his/her oral presentation skills.
Thesis/Research: All students are required to complete a thesis involving research in a laboratory environment. This work may be done on campus with a chemistry faculty member or at an employer's work site providing the work involves producing a new contribution to the field of chemistry. A chemistry faculty member must be identified as an advisor for a project at an employer's work site.
Advising: Following admission to the program, students are advised by the graduate coordinator or by a faculty member who has agreed to supervise the student in a thesis project. Normally students are expected to consult with several faculty members before deciding on a thesis project. Students who are fully qualified to enter the graduate program can normally finish their degree in two years.
Financial Aid/Employment: Financial aid is available from several sources. The Financial Aid Office at California State University, Sacramento is available to assist students who need help meeting the cost of attending the University. You must complete a free application for federal aid in order to apply. Please refer to the section in the University Catalog that discusses financial aid. Qualified graduate students may be assigned as teaching associates. Teaching associates teach undergraduate chemistry laboratories and are responsible for both leading a discussion and supervising a laboratory. Good communication skills are needed for these positions. To be eligible for a teaching associate position a student must be a classified graduate student in good standing, possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, have good English communication skills and pass a general chemistry examination. Only a limited number of positions are available. Please contact the Department Chair for current information. Employment in the University as a student assistant or in other positions is another way of earning income.
Foreign Language: Other than satisfying the Sacramento State foreign language requirement, a foreign language is not required for the degree. However, students planning additional graduate studies are encouraged to take courses in French, German, or Russian since proficiency in one of these is usually required in doctoral programs.
Chemical Safety/Safety in Chemical Laboratory Classes: Safety is an essential element of all Chemistry laboratory classes. Because hazardous chemicals are essential and their use is common and necessary, safety instruction is an integral part of chemistry laboratory classes. Materials Safety Data Sheets are available in the Chemistry Service Center and online using computers on the fourth and fifth floors of Sequoia Hall.
Contact Lenses: Chemistry Department policy states that contact lenses are prohibited in all chemistry laboratories; prescription glasses should be worn instead. In addition, safety goggles are required in all laboratories. Laboratory aprons are recommended.
Noncompliance with Safety Rules: Failure to comply with proper procedures and safety cautions may subject the student to disciplinary action. Any student showing persistent disregard for safety may have his/her grade lowered, and risk being withdrawn with a final grade of "F."
Laboratory Fees: Students enrolling in chemistry laboratory courses or supervisory courses involving laboratory research are required to pay a laboratory fee for each course. In addition, if a student breaks an item in a laboratory, s/he is required to replace it or pay a breakage cost. An administrative hold is placed on a student's academic record if either is not paid. Details are given at the first class meeting.
Repeating a Chemistry Course: Students repeating a Chemistry course must repeat an equivalent course in both units and content.
Admission Requirements
Admission as a classified graduate student in Chemistry requires:
- a BA degree in Chemistry, or its equivalent;
- a minimum 2.5 GPA overall, in the last 60 units, and in chemistry, math, and physics courses; and
- two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential for successful graduate study.
Students who do not meet the admission requirements because they are missing several courses required for a BA degree may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. The missing undergraduate courses must be completed before a student can become a classified graduate student.
Admission Procedures
Students desiring to apply to the chemistry graduate program should first contact the Chemistry Department Graduate Coordinator or Department Chair. Information about the graduate program will be discussed with you.
Besides a Departmental application applicants must also complete a separate university application by the posted application deadline for the term applying. For more admissions information and application deadlines, please visit http://www.csus.edu/gradstudies/:
- an online application for admission; and
- two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other then Sacramento State.
Approximately six weeks after receipt of all items listed, an admission decision will be mailed to the applicant.
Placement Examinations
- All new graduate students must take two placement exams administered at the beginning of each semester by the Chemistry Department. Students are expected to take an exam in organic and physical chemistry. These exams cover topics commonly found in undergraduate courses.
- Exam results are used to determine undergraduate deficiencies in these areas of chemistry. All deficiencies must be removed by either taking and passing with a grade of "B" an appropriate undergraduate course or by taking again and passing the placement exam.
- A placement exam can be taken only twice; if the exam is not passed after the second attempt, the appropriate undergraduate course must be completed.
Advancement to Candidacy
After completing at least 40 percent of the graduate degree coursework with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, a student may submit an application for Advancement to Candidacy, which indicates the proposed program of graduate study is acceptable to the student, faculty advisor and graduate coordinator. This procedure may begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:
- removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
- completed at least 12 units of 200-level courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA;
- taken the Writing Placement for Graduate Students (WPG) or taken a Graduate Writing Intensive (GWI) course in their discipline within the first two semesters of coursework at California State University, Sacramento or secured approval for a WPG waiver and;
- obtained advisor's approval of thesis topic.
Requirements - Master of Science Degree
Units required: 30
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Core Courses (14 units)
(3) |
Spectrometric Identification of Compounds |
|
(3) |
Separation Methods in Chemistry |
|
(3) |
Chemical Separations Laboratory (CHEM 230) |
|
(3) |
Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (CHEM 24, CHEM 25, CHEM 124 or instructor permission) |
|
(2) |
Seminar in Chemistry (Four semesters required) |
B. Electives (6 units)
(6) Select two of the following:
Applications of Computational Chemistry (CHEM 140A and CHEM 140B or CHEM 142 or instructor permission) |
||
Selected Topics in Chemistry (Enrollment in MS Chemistry graduate program or instructor permission) |
||
Protein Biochemistry (One semester of biochemistry) |
||
Upper division course approved by graduate advisor and department chair (e.g., BIO 180, CHEM 110, CHEM 128, CHEM 141). A maximum of 2 units of upper division undergraduate coursework may be used toward fulfilling electives. |
||
C. Completion Requirements (10 units)
(1-6) |
Special Problems |
|
(2-4) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and chair permission of his/her thesis committee) |
Requirements - Master of Science Degree - Biochemistry Concentration
Units required: 30
Minimum GPA: 3.0
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.
A. Required Courses (14 units)
(3) |
Protein Biochemistry (One semester of Biochemistry) |
|
(3) |
Nucleic Acids Chemistry (Undergraduate course in biochemistry) |
(6) Select two of the following:
|
Spectrometric Identification of Compounds |
|
Separation Methods in Chemistry |
||
Chemical Separations Laboratory (CHEM 230) |
||
Advanced Instrumentation Laboratory (CHEM 24, CHEM 25, CHEM 124 or instructor permission) |
||
(2) |
Seminar in Chemistry (Four semesters required) |
B. Electives (6 units)
Graduate and upper division Chemistry and Biology courses selected with approval of graduate advisor and department chair (e.g., CHEM 145/ 245, CHEM 250, BIO 222, BIO 223, BIO 224, BIO 245). A maximum of 2 units of upper division undergraduate coursework may be used toward fulfilling electives. |
C. Culminating Requirements (10 units)
(1-6) |
Special Problems |
|
(2-4) |
Culminating Experience (Advanced to candidacy and chair permission of his/her thesis committee) |
Career Possibilities
Students in our program learn both fundamental theory and practical application in all areas of chemistry (inorganic, analytical, organic, physical, biochemical) and they gain substantial experience operating highly sophisticated instrumentation. This prepares students for a wide variety of careers. Examples include: environmental chemistry, toxicology, materials science, government and industry laboratories, biotechnology, agricultural technology, high school science teaching, medicine, dentistry, optometry and other related health sciences, pharmacy and pharmacology, patent law, computational chemistry, forensic analysis, sales representative for instrument, chemical and pharmaceutical companies, art restoration and more.
Faculty
Susan Crawford, Roy Dixon, Benjamin Gherman, Cynthia Kellen-Yuen, Claudia Lucero, Jeff Mack, Mary McCarthy-Hintz, Kathie McReynolds, James Miranda, Jeffrey Paradis, James Ritchey, Linda Roberts, Tom Savage, John Spence
Contact Information
Linda Roberts, Department Chair
Michelle Williams, Administrative Support Coordinator
Sequoia Hall 506
(916) 278-6684
www.csus.edu/chem