Frequently Asked Questions about
the Undergraduate Chemistry Curriculum
Q: What is the difference between the B.S. and A.B. degrees?
A: The major difference is the required units in science courses. The B.S. program is the more rigorous program and provides a strong foundation in math and physics as well as chemistry. The B.S. program has several options (see below) and is recommended for students planning a professional career in chemistry or related science. The A.B. program has fewer major course requirements, thus allowing students to take more courses in other disciplines. It is recommended for students having strong interests in other areas or cross-disciplinary goals that are not met by one of the emphases within the B.S. program.
Q: Are there any options within the B.S. or A.B. programs?
A: Yes, there are several emphases within the B.S. program. The general B.S. program, which is accredited by the American Chemical Society, is appropriate for students who are interested in chemistry as a profession. The other B.S. programs provide emphasis in three areas of applied chemistry: chemical physics, environmental chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. These emphases are slightly less intense in chemistry, and draw on significant course materials from areas that are relevant to the particular emphasis but outside of a classical chemistry degree.
Q: How does an undergraduate become involved in research?
A: Undergraduate research is an independent study option that offers students the opportunity to conduct state-of-the-art scientific investigations under the supervision of a faculty member. The Department encourages all of its majors to participate in undergraduate research by enrolling in the appropriate course (CHE 99, 199 or 194H). You should first assess the areas of chemistry that most interest you from your course work. You can then compare your interests with the research being carried out by individual faculty, which is described on their web pages. After you have chosen one or more faculty whose research interests you, set up appointments with them to discuss doing undergraduate research in their group. Faculty sometimes prefer undergraduates to have completed relevant courses in the area of the research, but this is not always required. Also, it is generally recommended that students commit to several quarters of research with the same faculty member, since there is often a significant learning curve before productive research results can be obtained. Your instructors in chemistry courses and the chemistry faculty and peer advisers are also good sources of information about undergraduate research opportunities.
Q: Are there employment opportunities for students in the Department?
A: Yes.
The Department hires undergraduates to assist the staff in the dispensaries, stockrooms, administrative offices, and computer, electronics and machine shops. Some faculty hire undergraduates to assist in laboratory work. All available positions are advertised on the student employment web site. Also, depending on the Department’s needs, advanced undergraduates may have the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants in General Chemistry courses.
Q: Are there any summer opportunities connected with the major?
A: Yes.
Undergraduates can do research in the Department with a faculty mentor for course credit or monetary stipend. Also, in some cases advanced undergraduates may be hired as teaching assistants. See the campus Internship & Career Center for other opportunities.
Q: Are there opportunities for outreach and tutoring or teaching?
A: Yes.
The Department’s very active Chemistry Club, which is a student affiliates chapter of the American Chemical Society, hosts several events throughout the year, including the renowned Chemistry Magic Show on Picnic Day and the Chemistry Knowledge Bowl, a Q & A competition between undergraduates and faculty. It also presents chemistry demonstrations at local K-12 schools, and its members often tutor other undergraduates in chemistry courses. You should contact the Chemistry Peer Adviser if you are interested in tutoring other students. The Learning Skills Center also presents opportunities to tutor in chemistry, particularly in CHE 2ABC, 8AB and 118ABC. Their positions are listed on the student employment web site. Contact the Mathematics and Science Teaching Programs if you are interested in exploring K-12 teaching and related internships.
Q: Are financial aid and scholarships available?
A: The Department offers several awards in the form of monetary stipends to continuing students based on academic performance. The University has extensive financial aid and scholarship programs.
Q: How many students are in the major?
A: There are roughly 220 Chemistry majors at any given time, spanning Freshman to Senior status.
Q: How long will it take an incoming freshman to graduate?
A: Both the A.B. and B.S. degrees offered by the Deparment can be completed in four years with the normal course load. Example four-year schedules are available for the A.B. program, the general B.S. program, the emphasis in chemical physics, the emphasis in environmental chemistry, and the emphasis in pharmaceutical chemistry.
Q: Can a transfer student from a community college graduate in two years?
A: Yes.
However, problems may arise when the preparatory courses in chemistry, physics and mathematics have not been completed before transfer to UCD.It is stongly recommended that all preparatory courses are completed before transfer insofar as possible. If the preparatory work has been completed, then transfer students can readily graduate in two years. If the preparatory work has not been completed, then it may not be possible to take the upper division courses required for the degree in a timely manner to graduate in two years.
Q: How do I determine if a course from another school is equivalent to a course at UC Davis?
A: The articulation of courses between a California Community College and UC Davis can be determined through the ASSIST web site. For other course equivalency issues, see a faculty adviser.
Q: What careers can my degree in chemistry lead to?
A: Chemistry graduates with bachelor’s degrees are employed extensively throughout various industries in quality control, research and development, production supervision, technical marketing, and other areas. The types of industries employing these graduates include chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, genetic engineering, biotechnology, food and beverage, petroleum and petrochemical, paper and textile, electronics and computer, and environmental and regulatory agencies. The bachelor’s programs also provide chemistry graduates with the rigorous preparation needed for an advanced degree in chemistry and various professional schools in the health sciences. The B.S. degree provides the best preparation for graduate work in chemistry, which is required for a career in research or higher education.
Q: How many UC Davis Chemistry majors go on to graduate and professional schools?
A: Roughly 25% of the Chemistry Department graduates go on to graduate or professional school. In fact, faculty members at many other academic institutions got their start in Chemistry at UC Davis. These institutions include California Community Colleges, Califonia State Universities, other University of California Campuses, and many other top academic institutions like Iowa State University, the University of Illinois, and Harvard.
Q: What is the role of graduate students in the Chemistry Department?
A: Graduate students serve two roles from the perspective of an undergraduate student. They both teach and mentor. Undergraduates are first exposed to graduate students as teaching assistants in courses, particularly courses with a laboratory and/or discussion component. Those undergraduates pursuing academic research will be mentored by graduate students, as well as by postgraduate researchers and faculty.