Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

Chemistry: BS

Biochemistry: BS

Polymers and Coatings Science (PCS): MS (Description)

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry ranks high among American colleges and universities in the number of chemists and biochemists graduated annually. Our graduates are sought after by Ph.D. programs and by industry.

You can select from two degree programs, Chemistry or Biochemistry. In either program you will use computers and sophisticated equipment and instrumentation early in your studies. The curriculum integrates the practical and theoretical aspects of chemistry in a way that provides you with a comprehensive knowledge base and a special confidence in using modern scientific equipment.

The department's 25 full-time faculty members have a wide range of research interests and you can be a partner with them in these creative enterprises. In addition, a large number of advanced specialty courses are available as electives. You can nurture your developing interests with courses in drugs and poisons, immunochemistry, clinical analysis, environmental chemistry, geochemistry, and polymer chemistry. You can tailor your program through these electives and, if you choose biochemistry, pursue topics including enzymes, metabolism, nucleic acids, molecular biology, and protein techniques.

We offer a unique concentration in Polymers and Coatings with generous support from and important interactions with industry; the only such program in the West. And, if you are interested in the rapidly expanding field of biotechnology, you may want to pursue our biotechnology minor along with your degree.

Please send comments or questions to cosam@calpoly.edu

Date of Last Update: September 10, 2009