The Environmental Chemistry emphasis provides students with tools to: (1) understand the processes governing chemical transformation in soil, water, and air; (2) analyze for the key chemicals in the environment; and (3) make meaningful predictions about the fates of these chemicals. This emphasis draws on subjects beyond a classical chemistry degree, including courses in atmospheric science, soil microbiology, environmental toxicology, and mineralogy.
Graduates will be able to successfully pursue their career objectives in advanced education in graduate programs in areas such as atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry, toxicology, and environmental chemistry, and in a range of scientific careers, including regulatory agencies, environmental consulting firms, and industries concerned with the environmental impact and fate of their products.
The minimum number of units required for the Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry (Environmental) is 99 units.
Preparatory Subject Matter: 47-50 Units
General Chemistry (15 units):
Choose a series:
- CHE 2A-2B-2C
- CHE 4A-4B-4C
Physics (12-15 units):
Choose a series:
- PHY 7A-7B-7C
- PHY 9A-9B-9C
Calculus (12 units):
Choose a series:
- MAT 17A-17B-17C
- MAT 19A-19B-19C
- MAT 21A-21B-21C
Biological Science (4 units):
- BIO 002; please read below for more information on the new biology requirement and enrollment process
Statistics (4 units):
Choose one:
- STA 13 or STA 13Y
- STA 32
- STA 100
Depth Subject Matter: 52-64 Units
Water Chemistry (3 units)
- CHE 100
Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis (8 units):
- CHE 105-115
Inorganic Chemistry (3 units)
- CHE 124A
Physical Chemistry (6-12 units):
Choose a series:
- CHE 107A-107B
- CHE 110A-110B-110C
Organic Chemistry (12-13 units):
Choose a series:
- CHE 118A-118B-118C
- CHE 128A-128B-128C and CHE 129A-129B
Environmental Science and Policy (4 units):
- ESP 110 (Winter Offering)
Environmental Toxicology (4 units):
- ETX 101
Upper Division Electives (9-14 units):
Choose three:
- ATM 160
- ESM 120
- EPS 146
- EPS 148
- EPS 150A
- ESP 161
- ETX 102A
- ETX 102B
- ETX 120
- ETX 131
- ETX 135
- ETX 146
- ETX 180
- HYD 134
- SSC 102
- SSC 111
Upper Division Chemistry Elective(s) (3 units):
- At least 3 upper-division units in Chemistry. CHE 199 or 194H strongly encouraged; may include units earned from CHE 197T.
Total Units for the Major: 99-114
Notes on BIO 2 Coursework and Enrollment
Beginning in Fall 2026, the BIS 2ABC series will be discontinued and replaced by BIO 123.
In light of this change, the Chemistry Department will require Applied Chemistry (Environmental) students to take BIO 2 (equivalent of BIS 2A). Students are not required to take BIO 2L alongside the lecture. If you wish to take BIO 2L, you will need to take BIO 1 and 1L beforehand.
If you have not taken BIO 1 (or BIS 2B), you will need to submit a prerequisite petition stating "My major only requires BIO 2" in order to register for the course.
However, if you have any interest in applying to a post-graduate program that requires a year of biology coursework, you will need to begin with BIO 1 and follow the listed prerequisites in order.
If you would like to discuss your coursework and enrollment in BIO 2, please schedule an Academic Advising Appointment with a Staff or Peer Advisor.