Chemistry and Biochemistry

http://www.cpp.edu/~sci/chemistry-biochemistry/

Michael Page, Chair

The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers a flexible program of studies designed to prepare students for careers in private industry and government or for highly diverse graduate study. Students may direct their efforts into all the major areas of chemistry or into certain interdisciplinary areas. This is accomplished by choosing one of three rigorous subplans of study leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) subplan emphasizes the chemistry-physics interface. The curriculum of this subplan leads to the more traditional careers and graduate training in chemistry.

The Biochemistry subplan stresses the growing body of knowledge at the chemistry-life sciences interface. Beyond the core curriculum, students may pursue programs in the chemistry of plants, animals or microbes (biochemistry, clinical chemistry, pre-medicine, pre-dentistry, pre-pharmacy, etc.).  Upon consultation with a departmental advisor, the student may select courses from a list of restricted electives thereby achieving a program meeting that individual’s career goals.

The General subplan is designed for those students who desire the most flexibility in their curriculum, especially for those whose career goals are in the chemical industries or business/chemistry interface.  This option also allows California Community College transfer students who have completed an Associate degree in chemistry to complete their bachelor degree within 60 units.

The Chemistry program is approved by the American Chemical Society, and the baccalaureate degree earned by following the ACS Subplan is certified by the A.C.S. as having met its standards for professionalism at the undergraduate level. Students following the General Subplan may also earn A.C.S. certification for their degree, provided that a suitable pattern of electives is chosen. Students should consult with departmental advisors to determine which courses are required in their subplan for certification of their degree.

Chemistry majors can earn elective units of credit for approved work experience under the heading of Cooperative Education. For information contact the Center for Community Engagement 909-869-3434 or visit http://www.cpp.edu/~cce/co-op-education.

The department also offers a minor in chemistry to students from other majors. This should be of special interest to non-chemistry majors whose curriculum already involves substantial chemistry requirements, such as chemical engineering, food science and pre-professional majors.

For those planning a career as a secondary school teacher (either middle school or high school), a Single Subject Credential in science is required. Before entering into a single subject credential program, students must demonstrate subject matter competency by either passing the appropriate state-approved examination (CSET) or completing a state approved subject matter preparation program in Chemistry. Prospective teachers are encouraged to contact the Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (CEMaST) early in their academic programs at cemast@cpp.edu or 909-869-4063.

The department is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments such as FT-NMR, GCs, LCs, GC-MS, LC-MS, FT-IR, Micro DSC, ITC, stopped flow spectrophotometer, atomic absorption spectrometers, a single crystal Xray diffractometer, fluorimeters, and general electrochemical work stations.

Students interested in becoming members of the American Chemical Society may join the Student Members of the American Chemical Society (SMACS). Additional information can be obtained from the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

Programs

• Chemistry, B.S. - American Chemical Society Subplan/Option: 120 units
• Chemistry, B.S. - Biochemistry Subplan/Option: 120 units
• Chemistry, B.S. - General Chemistry Subplan/Option: 120 units

• Chemistry Minor: 25 units

• Chemistry, M.S.: 30 units

Courses

The notations F, Sp, Su, and even or odd indicate which semester(s) of even or odd numbered calendar years the course is normally offered. Courses not designated “even” or “odd” are offered each year. Some courses may be taken with the consent of the instructor. 

• CHM 5990 - Special Topics for Graduate Students (1-3)
• CHM 5990A - Special Topics for Graduate Students Activity (1-3)
• CHM 5990L - Special Topics for Graduate Students Laboratory (1-3)
• CHM 6910 - Directed Research (1-3)
• CHM 6920 - Independent Research (1-3)
• CHM 6940 - Master’s Thesis Research (1-2)
• CHM 6960 - Master’s Thesis (1-2)
• CHM 6990 - Master’s Degree Continuation (0)