Chemistry & Biochemistry

The CCS Chemistry & Biochemistry Major is ideal for students who desire to get into the laboratory to work on research projects. There are numerous opportunities for undergraduate students to become involved with exciting research at UCSB early in their academic careers working alongside graduate students and faculty. The program prepares students for careers as professionals in the chemical and biochemical sciences and is particularly suited for students seeking to attend graduate or professional school.

Students may apply for funding from CCS to support their research or creative activities through the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship and/or the Traveling Undergraduate Research Fund.

Curriculum

Students in the major may focus on either the chemistry or biochemistry track. CCS Chemistry and Biochemistry courses are designed to enrich the major courses offered by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. In addition, graduate level courses may be taken with faculty approval. 

The flexibility of CCS allows students to proceed through the curriculum in a manner best suited for their unique interests and enables students to experience science at an elevated level earlier on. In all cases, close faculty advising is key to ensuring student success.

For a full list of major requirements, please download the appropriate major sheet on the right of the page.