Catalogue 2010-11

• USC College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
• Chemistry
  • Undergraduate Degrees
  • Graduate Degrees
  • Courses of Instruction

Undergraduate Degrees

Chemistry Major Requirements (B.A.)

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

Required courses, Lower division		Units
CHEM 105aLbL	General Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLbL	Advanced General Chemistry	4-4
MATH 125	Calculus I	4
MATH 126	Calculus II	4
MATH 225	Linear Algebra and Linear Differential Equations, or
MATH 226	Calculus III	4
PHYS 151L	Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics	4
PHYS 152L	Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 153L	Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics	4

Required courses, Upper division		Units
CHEM 300L	Analytical Chemistry	4
CHEM 325abL	Organic Chemistry	4-4
CHEM 430ab	Physical Chemistry	4-4

one course from among:		Units
CHEM 332L	Physical Chemical Measurements	4
CHEM 423L	Advanced Laboratory Techniques in Organic and Inorganic Chemistry	4
CHEM 453	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry	4
CHEM 490	Directed Research	2-8

One additional upper division science elective

Physical Sciences Major Requirements (B.S.)

Required courses, Lower division		Units
CHEM 105aLbL	General Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLbL	Advanced General Chemistry	4-4
GEOL 105L	Planet Earth	4
PHYS 151L	Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics and Thermodynamics	4
PHYS 152L	Fundamentals of Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism	4
PHYS 153L	Fundamentals of Physics III: Optics and Modern Physics	4

Required courses, Upper division		Units
Astronomy elective*		4
Chemistry elective*		4
Earth Sciences elective*		4
Physics elective*		4
Three additional electives from these fields*		4

other courses		Units
MATH 125	Calculus I	4
MATH 126	Calculus II	4
MATH 226	Calculus III	4
Total units		64

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry

This degree is offered jointly by the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry. An honors option is also available. See the Department of Biological Sciences for the complete description.

Biotechnology Minor

The College of Letters, Arts and Sciences departments of biological sciences and chemistry and the Marshall School of Business jointly offer the cross-departmental minor in biotechnology. This minor brings essential knowledge in the basic sciences together with the corporate skills needed in a rapidly growing industry. The minor is especially well suited for the business, biology, chemistry or engineering student seeking a career in business and/or the biomedical/biotechnical sciences. See Biological Sciences for course requirements.

Chemistry Minor

A chemistry minor is available for students who wish to broaden their exposure to the chemical sciences. In addition to a core of five chemistry courses (year-long sequences in general chemistry and organic chemistry and a one semester course in analytical chemistry), students must take one upper division chemistry elective in either advanced organic or advanced inorganic chemistry.

Biology majors must take CHEM 300L, CHEM 426 and CHEM 453.

Required courses, Lower division		Units
CHEM 105aLbL	General Chemistry, or
CHEM 115aLbL	Advanced General Chemistry	4-4

Required courses, Upper division		Units
CHEM 300L	Analytical Chemistry	4
CHEM 322aLbL	Organic Chemistry, or
CHEM 325aLbL	Organic Chemistry	4-4
CHEM 426	Advanced Organic Chemistry, or
CHEM 453	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry	4

Grade Point Average in Major Subject

A grade of C- or higher is required in each chemistry course specifically listed as a degree requirement. The GPA for all chemistry courses required for a department major or a physical sciences major must be C (2.0) or higher. The GPA for all upper division chemistry courses must also be C (2.0) or higher.

Honors Programs

An honors program in chemistry is available. Please consult with departmental advisors for additional information.

An honors program in biochemistry is offered. See the Department of Biological Sciences for requirements.

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