BA in Chemistry (Biochemistry)

Degree Roadmaps (2YR) (4YR)

Units required for Major: 64-77
Total units required for BA: 120

Program Description

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."

Safety

Due to the potential hazards some chemicals may present, safety is an essential element of all Chemistry laboratory classes, including independent research.  All students must adhere to the Department of Chemistry Laboratory Safety Policies.  Failure to adhere to the Safety Policies may constitute grounds for withdrawal from a course and/or dismissal from the program. 

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.

Prerequisite Requirements

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.

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.

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.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements (39-43 Units)
CHEM 1AGeneral Chemistry I 1,25
CHEM 1BGeneral Chemistry II5
CHEM 24Organic Chemistry Lecture I3
CHEM 25Organic Chemistry Laboratory3
CHEM 31Quantitative Analysis4
CHEM 124Organic Chemistry Lecture II3
MATH 30Calculus I 14
MATH 31Calculus II4
Select one of the following sequences:8 - 12
General Physics: Mechanics, Heat, Sound
General Physics: Light, Electricity and Magnetism, Modern Physics
General Physics: Mechanics
General Physics: Heat, Light, Sound, Modern Physics
General Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
Total Units39-43
1

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

2

Passing a placement exam or obtaining a passing grade of "C" or better in CHEM 4 is required to enroll in CHEM 1A.

Concentration in Biochemistry (32-34 units)

BIO 1Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology 15
BIO 2Cells, Molecules and Genes5
Select one of the following:4 - 6
Physical Chemistry Lecture I
Physical Chemistry Lecture II
Introduction to Physical Chemistry
CHEM 160AStructure and Function of Biological Molecules3
CHEM 160BMetabolism and Regulation of Biological Systems3
CHEM 162General Biochemistry Laboratory3
CHEM 164Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory3
Select 6 units of Electives in Biological Sciences (must be from the following courses):6
Molecular Cell Biology
Systemic Physiology
General Microbiology
Advanced Molecular Biology
General Genetics
Total Units32-34
1

Course also satisfies General Education (GE)/Graduation Requirement.

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 1Biodiversity, Evolution and Ecology5
BIO 2Cells, Molecules and Genes5
CHEM 160AStructure and Function of Biological Molecules3
CHEM 160BMetabolism and Regulation of Biological Systems3
CHEM 162General Biochemistry Laboratory3
CHEM 164Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory3
Select 6 units of upper division Biology courses from the approved list6
Total Units28

General Education Requirements1

Area A: Basic Subjects (9 Units)
A1 - Oral Communication3
A2 - Written Communication3
A3 - Critical Thinking3
Area B: Physical Universe and Its Life Forms (3 Units)
B1 - Physical Science 20
B2 - Life Forms 20
B3 - Lab (Note: Lab experience to be taken with one of the following: B1, B2 or B5) 20
B4 - Math Concepts 20
B5 - Additional Course (Any B to reach 12 units) - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area C: Arts and Humanities (12 Units)
C1 - Arts3
C2 - Humanities3
C1/C2 - Area C Course3
C1/C2 - Area C Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area D: The Individual and Society (9 Units)
Area D Course3
Area D Course3
Area D Course - Take upper-division course to complete Area & upper division requirements.3
Area E: Understanding Personal Development (3 Units)
Area E Course3
Area F: Ethnic Studies (3 Units)
Area F Course3
Total Units39
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

Required in Major; also satisfies GE.

Graduation Requirements1

Graduation Requirements (required by CSU) (9 Units)
American Institutions: U.S. History3
American Institutions: U.S. Constitution & CA Government3
Writing Intensive (WI)3
Graduation Requirements (required by Sacramento State) (12 Units)
English Composition II3
Race and Ethnicity in American Society (RE)3
Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement 26
1

To help you complete your degree in a timely manner and not take more units than absolutely necessary, there are ways to use single courses to meet more than one requirement (overlap). For further information, please visit the General Education page.

Note: There is no way to list all possible overlaps so please consult with a professional advisor. The Academic Advising Center can be visited online, by phone (916) 278-1000, or email.

2

If not satisfied before entering Sacramento State, it may be satisfied in General Education Area C2 (Humanities). "C- or better required." The alternative methods for satisfying the Foreign Language Proficiency Requirement are described here: https://www.csus.edu/college/arts-letters/world-languages-literatures/foreign-language-requirement.html