General Chemistry BS

Overview

The General Chemistry major is for students who wish to acquire considerable chemical background in preparation for careers in secondary school chemistry teaching. The major may be appropriate for some students who plan to enter other chemistry-related careers that involve teaching chemistry to nonchemists. This major cannot be taken as … For more content click the Read More button below.

The General Chemistry major is for students who wish to acquire considerable chemical background in preparation for careers in secondary school chemistry teaching. The major may be appropriate for some students who plan to enter other chemistry-related careers that involve teaching chemistry to nonchemists. This major cannot be taken as part of a double major or with the Science Education minor. Students must declare the major before reaching 135 units.

Learning Outcomes

Demonstrated mastery of fundamental chemical knowledge in analytical, inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, and biochemistry through in-depth problem solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning

Effective communication of chemical knowledge through written materials, oral presentations, and teaching in a variety of settings

Use of information resources for exploration and investigation of chemistry principles and models

Understanding of the role of chemistry in addressing contemporary societal and global issues

Ability to perform and teach basic laboratory procedures and techniques involving the synthesis of molecules

Ability to perform and teach the measurement of chemical properties, structures, and phenomena

Knowledge of how to handle chemicals in a safe manner following OSHA-approved regulations and procedures

Knowledge of how to use information resources to search and access safety databases

Entry to the Major

Transfer Students

Transfer applicants to the General Chemistry major with 90 or more units must complete the following introductory courses prior to admission to UCLA: one year of general chemistry with laboratory for majors, one and one half years of calculus, and either one year of calculus-based physics with laboratory or one year of organic chemistry for majors.

Entering transfer students who have successfully completed a year course (including laboratory) in general college chemistry intended for science and engineering students should enter course 30A. Transfer students should contact the Undergraduate Office, 4006 Young Hall, for assistance with the articulation of transfer coursework.

Refer to the UCLA transfer admission guide for up-to-date information regarding transfer selection for admission.

Entry to the Major Policies

Major Requirements

Preparation for the Major

Complete a total of 16 to 17 courses as follows:

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Complete the following eight courses:

Honors Courses

Life Sciences

Mathematics

Physics

Select one series from:

Physics 1 Series

Physics 1 Honors Series

Physics 5 Series

The Major

Complete 13 courses as follows: four required chemistry courses, Chemistry 192A or 192B, three chemistry electives, one course from atmospheric and oceanic sciences or earth, planetary, and space sciences, three courses from education, and one course from environmental health sciences or science education.

Chemistry 192A or 192B

Chemistry Electives

Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences or Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences

Education

Select three courses from:

Environmental Health Sciences or Science Education

Honors Program

The core of the program consists of at least one approved undergraduate seminar course from Chemistry and Biochemistry 193A or 193B and three research courses (12 units minimum) from 196A, 196B, or 199, culminating in a thesis.

Undergraduate Seminar

Research

Computing Specialization

Majors may select a specialization in Computing by (1) satisfying all the requirements for a bachelor’s degree in the specified major, and completing three Program in Computing courses and two Computational Chemistry courses.

Program in Computing

Computational Chemistry

Policies

Preparation for the Major Policies

The Major Policies

Honors Program

Admission

The honors program provides exceptional majors with the opportunity to do research culminating in an honors thesis. Junior and senior majors who have completed all university-level coursework, including all preparation courses and requirements for the major, with an overall grade-point average of 3.0 or better and a 3.5 GPA or better in the required major courses, may apply for admission. Students must have the sponsorship of an approved faculty adviser.

For additional information and application forms, students should contact the Undergraduate Advising Office, 4006 Young Hall, early in their educational planning. Completed applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the term in which students plan to begin the honors program.

Requirements

To qualify for graduation with departmental honors, students must satisfactorily complete all requirements for the honors program and the major and obtain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or better in coursework required for the major. On recommendation of the faculty sponsor, and with the approval of the thesis by the departmental honors committee, students are awarded no honors, honors, or highest honors.

Students who have a grade-point average of 3.6 or better, both overall and in the major, and demonstrated exceptional accomplishment on the research thesis are awarded highest honors at the discretion of the departmental honors committee.

General Catalog 2023-24