Chemistry, BS, Concentration in Occupational Safety and Health Management
Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering (nsme)
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Department Chair: Sarah Forester
Office: Science Building II, 273
Phone: (661) 654-2030
Email: chemistry@csub.edu
Program Maps for Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering
Program Description
Modern chemistry occupies a central position among the sciences. The goal of chemical science is to discover the fundamental regularities by which matter in its multitude of aggregations interacts with energy in its many forms. Mathematical models and physical principles are utilized in the interpretation of chemical concepts. The organization of chemical knowledge leads to an understanding of natural phenomena in the real world of earth and life sciences.
Biochemistry is a continuously advancing field, vitally important to modern life sciences such as agriculture, biology, microbiology, medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science. This field studies life in all biological systems, i.e., human, animal, plant, microorganisms, and viruses at the molecular level. Biochemistry is the discipline that explains the structures and the activities of living things at a sub-microscopic level combining principles of biology, chemistry, and physics. Biochemical understanding has served as the basis for major developments in health sciences related research, and significantly contributed to the formation of the biotechnology industry. The emerging knowledge has resulted in a revolution of our understanding of life forces and will have a continuously increasing impact on society.
The departmental academic program is designed to provide essential preparation for students to pursue professional careers and/or advanced studies in chemistry or related disciplines, such as Agricultural Chemistry, Biochemistry, Clinical Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, and Forensics Chemistry. The department offers course work for chemistry majors to meet the requirements of medical and other professional schools in the health sciences, including dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine. It also cooperates with other departments and the School of Social Sciences and Education in developing a balanced program of academic and professional preparation for chemistry majors who seek teaching credentials.
The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is on the approved list of the American Chemical Society. A program leading to the chemistry major can be designed to meet the standards prescribed for the certificate of the American Chemical Society by its Committee on Professional Training.
Teaching Credential: Science Teacher Preparation Program Leading to a Degree in Natural Sciences, Primary Concentration in Chemistry
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) has authorized CSUB to offer a single subject matter preparation program in Natural Sciences leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. This course work satisfies the subject matter requirements for a “Secondary Teaching Credential in Science.” The program consists of three components: I. Primary Concentration (major); II. Secondary Concentration (minor); and III. Breadth (cognates). Program completion leads to a BA degree in Natural Sciences with a major in the area of primary concentration and a minor in the secondary concentration. Additional information may be obtained from the Chemistry Department office (661-654-2030).
For a detailed description of the course requirements, please turn to the Natural Sciences section in this catalog.
General Chemistry and Transfer Students
Students who have taken a full year of general chemistry and then transfer to CSUB will typically receive credit for CHEM 1000, 1001, 1100, and 1600. However, topics in CHEM 1100 and CHEM 1600 are covered in greater depth than in a typical general chemistry course and some students elect to take one or both courses even after completing general chemistry.
Academic Regulations
A grade of “C” in chemistry, cognate, and all other major/minor courses is the minimal grade acceptable for progression into subsequent chemistry courses and for graduation. Students who fail to achieve at least a “C” may repeat the course. If a course is satisfactorily completed, the prior unsatisfactory grade will no longer bar a student from continuing in the Chemistry program. Credit, no-credit courses are not acceptable for the major or minor.