The Chemistry and Biochemistry Program in the College of Creative Studies is ideal for students who are eager to get into the laboratory and start independent research projects. CCS students are encouraged to become involved in independent research early in their undergraduate careers, working alongside graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. Students in this program can extend their study to a level of inquiry usually associated with graduate programs. Indeed, it is common for our undergraduate students to publish their work in leading scientific journals. The program aims to educate students for careers as professional researchers in chemistry and biochemistry. CCS seminar and laboratory courses are designed to prepare students for such work by enriching the basic courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
As with any worthwhile endeavor, research projects take time. The College of Creative Studies is uniquely organized to provide time for students to engage in independent research. The general education requirements in CCS are reduced and simplified so that students may stay focused on chemistry or biochemistry. Undergraduate students in CCS are allowed many of the same privileges given to graduate students such as extended add/drop deadlines and library due dates. CCS students are able to take any chemistry or biochemistry class, including graduate level courses without meeting the prerequisites. This flexibility enables students to experience science at a high level earlier on. In addition, summer research fellowships specifically for CCS students are available each year encouraging students to work full time over the summer months on their research project.
Graduates of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Program in CCS typically attend top ranking graduate or professional schools upon completion of their degree. Faculty at UCSB recognize CCS students as some of the best students on campus and are enthusiastic to have them work in their research groups.
Please contact Dr. Leroy Laverman by email (
) or phone (805)893-5265 if you have any questions about the College of Creative Studies. Additional information about the College including descriptions of current courses can be found on the web at http://www.ccs.ucsb.edu/courses/
Example Core Course Schedule for CCS B.S. Chemistry
Fall
Winter
Spring
Course
(Units)
Course
(Units)
Course
(Units)
Year 1
Chem 2A
Chem 2AC
Math 3A*
(3)
(1)
(4)
Chem 2B
Chem 2BC
CS Chem 103
Math 3B
Phys 1
(3)
(1)
(1)
(4)
(4)
Chem 2C
Chem 2CC
CS Chem 103
Math 3C
Phys 2
(3)
(1)
(1)
(4)
(4)
Year 2
Chem 109A
Chem 6A
Phys 3
Phys 3L
Math 5A
(4)
(2)
(3)
(1)
(4)
Chem 109B
Chem 6B**
Phys 4
Phys 4L
Math 5B
(4)
(2)
(3)
(1)
(4)
Chem 109C
Chem 6C**
(4)
(2)
Year 3
Chem 113A
Chem 150
Chem 142A
(4)
(3)
(3)
Chem 113B
Chem 116AL
(4)
(3)
Chem 113C
Chem 116BL
(4)
(3)
Year 4
Chem 173A
Chem 116CL
(3)
(3)
Chem 173B
UD Electives
(3)
(9+)
UD Electives
(12+)
* Students may start higher up in the math sequence depending on math entrance scores.
** The organic lab courses 6B and 6C are replaced with a special research based organic lab course for CCS students
GE, elective and research courses are not listed.
Students are encouraged to take 199 research courses throughout their curriculum.
Students must complete a minimum of 12 additional upper division chemistry electives to earn the B.S. degree in addition to the College and University GE requirements.
Must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 units per quarter to be considered a full time student. Most CCS chemistry students take 18+ units per quarter.
This is a sample curriculum. In order to guarantee that you are on track for graduation, be sure to see your undergraduate advisor on a regular basis.
