Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Advising Information

DEGREE- UNDERGRADUATE (B.S. in Chemistry, B.S. in Biochemistry, or Minor in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology)

ADVISEMENT

NSS Advisement Center:
New chemistry and biochemistry majors are advised through the NSS Advisement Center.
Department Undergraduate Advisor:
Chemistry and Biochemistry's undergraduate advisor is Dr. Jordan Vincent. To make an appointment, please visit Dr. Jordan Vincent's Advising Scheduler. His email is [email protected] 
Each student will be assigned to a faculty member who will, from then on, serve as that student's faculty advisor. Students should consult with their advisor at least once per year.  

DEGREES OFFERED

The department offers two undergraduate degrees:
B.S. in Chemistry 
B.S. in Biochemistry 
Minor in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology

The Bachelor of Science degrees are designed for those who plan to obtain positions in scientific and industrial laboratories and/or attend graduate or professional schools. Degrees are accredited by the American Chemical Society.

For a description of knowledge, skills, and abilities students will gain after graduating with a degree in chemistry and biochemistry, visit the department's Undergraduate Program Learning Outcomes

*NOTE:  Starting Fall 2018, Cal State LA has adopted new admissions criteria for certain majors, including B.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Biochemistry.  The admissions criteria may be found here. Frequently Asked Questions about being a Pre-Chemistry or Pre-Biochemistry Major.

STUDENT RESOURCES

Orientation sessions are also given to new students - to freshmen and transfer students.  Here is a powerpoint from a recent orientation session: Updated New Student Orientation

SUGGESTED MAJOR COURSE SEQUENCES

Most courses in science and mathematics build directly on subject-matter presented in earlier courses. It is essential to observe all prerequisites listed in a course description. Prerequisites are established for solid academic reasons, and are designed with the student in mind, by ensuring that they are prepared for their classes ahead. Further, mathematics is a critical skill for chemistry and physics. Therefore, students are highly recommended to take mathematics classes at the earliest opportunity in their program