CHEMISTRY
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics

BACHELOR OF ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
MINOR
SUBJECT MATTER PROGRAM
MASTER OF SCIENCE
CAREER POSSIBILITIES
FACULTY
CONTACT
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Chemistry is the area of science in which the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of substances are studied. The Chemistry Department at Sacramento State offers a BS, BA (including concentrations in Biochemistry or Forensic Chemistry), and MS degree in Chemistry (including a concentration in Biochemistry).

The BS degree is recommended for students intending to pursue graduate work in Chemistry or those desiring a strong technical background for work in the chemical industry or other highly technical areas.

The BA degree is more flexible in terms of upper division electives and is recommended for students interested in the allied health areas, forensic chemistry, or programs with a major component of chemistry. Students planning to teach Chemistry at the secondary school level may obtain a BA in Chemistry.

The graduate program in Chemistry leads to a Master of Science (MS) degree. It provides students an opportunity to receive advanced training in chemistry and biochemistry and to pursue independent research. The MS program enhances a student's overall knowledge in chemistry and experimental skills.

Concentrations

BA: Biochemistry - The BA degree with a concentration in Biochemistry provides increased training in biochemistry, an area that requires a balanced knowledge of chemistry and biology. The concentration will allow chemistry majors to specialize in the interdisciplinary area of biochemistry and medicine.

BA: Forensic Chemistry - The BA degree with a concentration in Forensic Chemistry provides a strong background in chemistry and an opportunity to take appropriate courses in the Criminal Justice Division.

• The Department of Chemistry is accredited by the American Chemical Society, and students graduating with the BS degree will receive a certificate from the Society.
• Extensive available instrumentation includes a Hewlett- Packard 5890 Series II GC-Mass spectrometer; a Bruker Avance-300 NMR; a Bruker MSL 300MHz wide bore NMR; a Perkin-Elmer 2000 FTIR; a Shimadzu UV-2401 PC spectrometer; an HP 8452A UV-VIS diode array spectrometer; a Shimadzu, RF-5301PC spectrofluorophotometer; Ocean Optics UV spectrometers; a Beckman L2-50 ultracentrifuge; Agilent/HPLC systems; an EPR spectrometer; a Beckman HPLC and system; a Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption spectrometer; Powder XRD; thermoanalyzer; a QuantumCube computational system; several gas chromatographs; and many PC workstations.
• Several science computing labs are available to students.
• The Chemistry faculty strongly believe that students majoring in Chemistry should have an opportunity to participate in basic or applied research and to work closely with faculty in developing their chemical skills and knowledge. Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts majors are strongly encouraged to complete an independent research project. All graduate students must enroll in a graduate research course.
• All faculty serve as advisors to students and have a strong commitment to helping students find jobs or gain admission to graduate programs or professional schools. Many of our faculty have personal contacts with industry and government labs in the area and with faculty in various graduate and professional schools.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

In all courses required for the Chemistry major and minor, a minimum grade of "C-" must be earned with the exception of Chemistry 1A which requires a grade of C or better. A minimum grade of "C-" is required in all prerequisite courses with the exception of Chemistry 1A which requires a grade of C or better to meet the prerequisite requirement for CHEM 1B if a student has not achieved a "C-" in all prerequisite courses for a particular chemistry course, the instructor of the course will administratively remove the student from class.

Prerequisites: When enrolling in a course, it is required that the student will have met the specific prerequisites listed. A course listed as a prerequisite may have its own set of prerequisites. All must be met prior to enrolling in a chemistry course. Students not meeting the prerequisite requirements for a course will be administratively removed from the class.

Transfer Majors and Minors: Transfer students majoring in Chemistry must complete at least three of the required courses in chemistry while fulfilling the residence requirements of California State University, Sacramento. Transfer students seeking a minor in Chemistry must complete at least one upper division chemistry course at the University.

REQUIREMENTS - BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE

Units required for Major: 64-71
Minimum total units required for the BA: 120
A minimum grade of ''C-'' is required in all courses applied to the Chemistry major. Grades below "C-" in prerequisite courses do not satisfy prerequisite requirements.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

A. Core Requirements (39-43 units)

*Passing a placement exam or obtaining a passing grade of "C" or better in CHEM 4 is required to enroll in CHEM 1A.


Additional Requirements for Concentration

B. Units required: 25-28

Students should choose one of the three following focuses with advice from their Department advisor. Units are in addition to the core requirements above.

Note: Students may also complete a BA with concentration in Biochemistry by taking the general BA curriculum and completing the following additional courses: CHEM 160A, CHEM 160B, CHEM 162, CHEM 164, BIO 10, and 6 units of upper division Biology courses from the approved list.

Forensic Chemistry Concentration (25-28 units)
(3)	CHEM 125	Advanced Organic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 25, CHEM 124, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course)
(4)	CHEM 142	Introduction to Physical Chemistry (CHEM 1B, CHEM 24, PHYS 5A, PHYS 5B, MATH 31)
(3)	CHEM 161	General Biochemistry (CHEM 20 or CHEM 124)
(3)	CHEM 162	General Biochemistry Laboratory (CHEM 31; CHEM 160A or CHEM 161 either may be taken concurrently, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course)
(3)	CRJ 1	Introduction to Criminal Justice and Society
(3)	CRJ 146	Introduction to Physical Evidence (CRJ 4)
(6-9) A minimum of six units from the following:
	CHEM 110	Inorganic Chemistry Lecture (CHEM 125, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142 or instructor permission; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently, however, students are encouraged to complete CHEM 140B and CHEM 141 first; Corequisite: CHEM 110L) AND
	CHEM 110L	Advanced Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 125, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; Corequisite: CHEM 110)
	CHEM 133	Chemical Instrumentation (CHEM 31, CHEM 140B or CHEM 142, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course)
	CHEM 141	Physical Chemistry Laboratory (CHEM 140A and CHEM 140B or CHEM 142, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course; CHEM 140B may be taken concurrently)
	CHEM 164	Advanced Biochemsitry Laboratory (CHEM 162 or equivalent, ENGL 20 or an equivalent second semester composition course)

Units required for the Major: 77
Minimum total units required for the BS: 122
A minimum grade of ''C-'' is required in all courses applied to the Chemistry major. Grades below "C-" in prerequisite courses do not satisfy prerequisite requirements.
Note: Additional units may be required to meet the Sacramento State foreign language requirement.
Courses in parentheses are prerequisites.

*Passing a placement exam or obtaining a passing grade of "C" or better in CHEM 4 is required to enroll in CHEM 1A.

Units Required: 24 of chemistry, 6 of which must be upper division chemistry.
A course in quantitative analytical chemistry and a lower division organic laboratory course must be completed as part of the minor.
A minimum grade of "C-" is required in all courses applied to the Chemistry minor.

REQUIREMENTS - SUBJECT MATTER PROGRAM
(Pre-Credential Preparation)

Due to policy changes from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the federal No Child Left Behind Mandate, the Science Subject Matter Program was under review at the time of this 2008-2010 catalog printing and is subject to revision. As a result, it is important to consult a credential advisor for current details.

Currently there is a need in K-12 education for chemistry majors. Chemistry majors who have an interest in teaching should contact the credential advisor in the department (Dr. Jeffrey Paradis, Sequoia Hall 444C, 278-6987, paradis@csus.edu) or the Department Chair (Sequoia Hall 506) to plan an academic program and to explore ways to become involved in teaching.

GRADUATE PROGRAM

The graduate program in Chemistry focuses on three related areas: development of general analytical techniques, synthesis and chemical separations of organic and biochemical materials, and applications of analytical techniques to fields such as biotechnology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, environmental chemistry, materials chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. A student's ability to work in a laboratory environment requiring analytical or biochemical skills will be enhanced and his/her overall knowledge in chemistry will be strengthened. A culminating research project in collaboration with a chemistry faculty member is required. This experience will further develop the laboratory and creative thinking skills of a student.

Course Requirements: The program centers on a core of four courses designed to increase a student's knowledge and skills in applications of analytical techniques, general instrumentation techniques, chemical separation techniques, and analysis of spectra with applications in the field of biochemistry and organic chemistry primarily. Electives are offered to permit students to expand further their knowledge and skills in chemistry. In addition, students must regularly attend seminars offered approximately once a week each semester. Each student will give one seminar during his/her tenure as a graduate student that is on a literature topic not related to his/her thesis topic and another on his/her thesis results. Participation in seminar expands a student's knowledge of current research in chemistry and also assists in developing his/her oral presentation skills.

Thesis/Research: All students are required to complete a thesis involving research in a laboratory environment. This work may be done on campus with a chemistry faculty member or at an employer's work site providing the work involves producing a new contribution to the field of chemistry. A chemistry faculty member must be identified as an advisor for a project at an employer's work site.

Advising: Following admission to the program, students are advised by the graduate coordinator or by a faculty member who has agreed to supervise the student in a thesis project. Normally students are expected to consult with several faculty members before deciding on a thesis project. Students who are fully qualified to enter the graduate program can normally finish their degree in two years.

Financial Aid/Employment: Financial aid is available from several sources. The Financial Aid Office at California State University, Sacramento is available to assist students who need help meeting the cost of attending the university. You must complete a free application for federal aid in order to apply. Please refer to the section in the university catalog that discusses financial aid. Qualified graduate students may be assigned as teaching associates. Teaching associates teach undergraduate chemistry laboratories and are responsible for both leading a discussion and supervising a laboratory. Good communication skills are needed for these positions. To be eligible for a teaching associate position a student must be a classified graduate student in good standing, possess a minimum GPA of 3.0, have good English communication skills and pass a general chemistry examination. Only a limited number of positions are available. Please contact the Department Chair for current information. Employment in the university as a student assistant or in other positions is another way of earning income.

Foreign Language: Other than satisfying the Sacramento State foreign language requirement, a foreign language is not required for the degree. However, students planning additional graduate studies are encouraged to take courses in French, German, or Russian since proficiency in one of these is usually required in doctoral programs.

Chemical Safety/Safety in Chemical Laboratory Classes: Safety is an essential element of all Chemistry laboratory classes. Because hazardous chemicals are essential and their use is common and necessary, safety instruction is an integral part of chemistry laboratory classes. Materials Safety Data Sheets are available in the Chemistry Service Center and online using computers on the fourth and fifth floors of Sequoia Hall.

Contact Lenses: Chemistry Department policy states that contact lenses are prohibited in all chemistry laboratories; prescription glasses should be worn instead. In addition, safety goggles are required in all laboratories. Laboratory aprons are recommended.

Noncompliance with Safety Rules: Failure to comply with proper procedures and safety cautions may subject the student to disciplinary action. Any student showing persistent disregard for safety may have his/her grade lowered, and risk being withdrawn with a final grade of "F."

Laboratory Fees: Students enrolling in chemistry laboratory courses or supervisory courses involving laboratory research are required to pay a laboratory fee for each course. In addition, if a student breaks an item in a laboratory, s/he is required to replace it or pay a breakage cost. An administrative hold is placed on a student's academic record if either is not paid. Details are given at the first class meeting.

Repeating a Chemistry Course: Students repeating a Chemistry course must repeat an equivalent course in both units and content. 

Admission as a classified graduate student in Chemistry requires:

• a BA degree in Chemistry, or its equivalent;
• a minimum 2.5 GPA overall, in the last 60 units, and in chemistry, math, and physics courses; and
• two letters of recommendation from persons qualified to judge the applicant's potential for successful graduate study.

Students who do not meet the admission requirements because they are missing several courses required for a BA degree may be admitted with conditionally classified graduate status. The missing undergraduate courses must be completed before a student can become a classified graduate student.

Students desiring to apply to the chemistry graduate program should first contact the Chemistry Department Graduate Coordinator or Department Chair. Information about the graduate program will be discussed with you.

Applications are accepted as long as room for new students exists. However, students are strongly urged to apply by April 1 for the following fall or October 1 for the following spring in order to allow time for admission before registration. All prospective graduate students, including Sacramento State graduates, must file the following with the Office of Graduate Studies, River Front Center 206, (916) 278-6470:

• an online application for admission; and
• two sets of official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, other then Sacramento State.

Approximately six weeks after receipt of all items listed, an admission decision will be mailed to the applicant.

Placement Examinations:

• All new graduate students must take two placement exams administered at the beginning of each semester by the Chemistry Department. Students are expected to take an exam in organic and physical chemistry. These exams cover topics commonly found in undergraduate courses.
• Exam results are used to determine undergraduate deficiencies in these areas of chemistry. All deficiencies must be removed by either taking and passing with a grade of "B" an appropriate undergraduate course or by taking again and passing the placement exam.
• A placement exam can be taken only twice; if the exam is not passed after the second attempt, the appropriate undergraduate course must be completed.

After completing at least 40 percent of the graduate degree course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, a student may submit an application for Advancement to Candidacy, which indicates the proposed program of graduate study is acceptable to the student, faculty advisor and graduate coordinator. This procedure may begin as soon as the classified graduate student has:

• removed any deficiencies in admission requirements;
• completed at least 12 units of 200-level courses with a minimum 3.0 GPA;
• passed the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE), or secured approval of a WPE waiver, and by completion of one semester of CHEM 294; and
• obtained advisor's approval of thesis topic.
  
  

Units required: 30
Minimum GPA: 3.0

REQUIREMENTS - MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE - BIOCHEMISTRY CONCENTRATION

Units required: 30
Minimum GPA: 3.0

A. Required Courses (14 units)

B. Electives (6 units)

C. Culminating Requirements (10 units)

Forensic Chemist · Analytical Chemist · Biochemist · Inorganic Chemist · Organic Chemist · Physical Chemist · Polymer Chemist · Medicinal Chemist · Medicine · Dentistry · Pharmacy · Pharmacology · Patent Law · Food Technology · Agriculture · Technical Sales Representative · Environmental Quality Regulation · Teaching Art Restoration . Biotechnologist . Pharmaceutical Sales

FACULTY Brad Baker, Susan Crawford, Roy Dixon, Rodney Feazell, Benjamin Gherman, James Hill, Cynthia Kellen-Yuen, Jeff Mack, Mary McCarthy-Hintz, Kathie McReynolds, James Miranda, Jeffrey Paradis, James Ritchey, Linda Roberts, Tom Savage, John Spence CONTACT INFORMATION Susan Crawford, Department Chair Evelyn Bradley-Owens, Administrative Support Coordinator Sequoia Hall 506 (916) 278-6684 www.chem.csus.edu

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