Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Chemistry] From California Polytechnic State University

The baccalaureate curriculum in chemistry includes required courses in general chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry. Advanced undergraduates choose electives from courses that cover a broad range of specialized topics, such as environmental chemistry, nutritional biochemistry, advanced organic and physical chemistry, pharmacology, and polymer chemistry.

The curriculum emphasizes laboratory work, especially current techniques and the use of instrumentation in all fields of chemistry. The program provides opportunities for independent research under faculty guidance, including a requirement for a senior project. A senior project may consist of pure or applied research in chemistry, or it may involve interdisciplinary work with another field such as art, biology, agriculture, civil or environmental engineering, psychology, or soil science. Under the department's cooperative education program, bachelor's degree candidates may work full-time in industry or government for one or two quarters, for pay and academic credit.

Career opportunities for chemists lie in traditional areas such as environmental analysis, the health professions, industrial research and production, pharmacology, toxicology, product quality control, and teaching at the secondary or university level. Newer opportunities lie in related areas such as library science, market research, patent law, and safety engineering.