Chemistry, B.S.

School of Natural Sciences

Explore Chemistry, B.S.

What's possible when you explore life at the molecular level?
Anything.

Chemistry is a central science. The study of chemistry gives us an understanding of unifying themes of natural and synthetic materials and how they shape the environment and technology.

As a chemistry major at Fresno Pacific University, you'll cover a range of topics – like organic chemistry, physics and calculus – and study under professors whose specialization ranges from pharmaceutical science to chemical engineering.

The bachelor of science degree is the more traditional route with a focus on the foundations, preparing you for graduate studies and culminating in a research capstone.

From the laboratory to the classroom, courses will teach you the principles of chemistry. Through the study of chemistry, you’ll learn what matters.

Program Highlights

  • Engage in off-campus summer and study abroad programs
  • Join the on-campus, environmental 'Shalom Club' to work on the campus garden
  • Participate in trips around California with classmates
  • Work one-on-one with faculty to choose from a broad range of topics for your capstone thesis

Emphases*

Biochemistry

This optional emphasis in the Chemistry, B.S. program will prepare you to study the intersection of biology and chemistry, and explores life at the molecular level. Studying biochemistry is a way to build an interdisciplinary knowledge in the sciences. A Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in biochemistry can lead to jobs in research, medicine, biotech and/or forensic sciences. You will have the opportunity to be tutors or teaching assistants in the chemistry or biology departments, gaining additional useful experience that is beneficial in applying for graduate schools.

* The Chemistry, B.S. does not require that students choose an emphasis.

Catalog

Department Chair: Alan Thompson, Ph.D.

Overview

The chemistry major provides students with an understanding of the unifying themes, as well as the diversity, of natural and synthetic materials and their importance within the environment and technology. Students are prepared for positions in industry and government or for advanced study in a variety of scientific disciplines.

Students may choose from two-degree programs: the Bachelor of Arts degree or the Bachelor of Science degree. The B.A. degree is appropriate for students who desire greater flexibility in their undergraduate coursework. This flexibility may be used to incorporate a minor, a second major, a study abroad program or additional elective coursework. The B.S. degree is appropriate for those who seek greater depth of foundational coursework in supporting fields, additional breadth within the major and a research capstone along with the option of studying and completing a Biochemistry emphasis.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate understanding of moral/ethical/environmental issues including the stewardship of natural resources related to Chemistry.
  2. Understand the major concepts, theories, and experimental evidence of and be able to solve problems in: Analytical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.
  3. Develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving approaches using scientific methods to: identify relevant factors to define problems, develop and evaluate methods, employ appropriate statistical analysis and instrumentation, and draw reasonable conclusions.
  4. Design and conduct experiments –both individually and in small groups– using appropriate strategies such as: collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and present quantitative & qualitative data and incorporate them into the broader context of health sciences knowledge. 
  5. Acquire familiarity with the process of chemical research through the formal participation in an undergraduate research project that involves: project management, methods development, data analysis, and written contribution to the discipline in the form of a presentation or publication.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Lower Division Major Prerequisites

  • CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
  • CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
  • MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4

Required Courses (51 Units)

Chemistry Core

  • BCHM 421 - Biochemistry Credits 3
  • BCHM 421L - Experimental Techniques in Biochemistry Lab Credits 1-2

  • General Emphasis students only required to take 1 unit

  • CHEM 310 - Organic Chemistry I Credits 3
  • CHEM 312L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits 1
  • CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry II Credits 3
  • CHEM 313L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits 1
  • CHEM 350 - Analytical Chemistry Credits 3
  • CHEM 350L - Analytical Chemistry Lab Credits 2
  • CHEM 450 - Instrumental Analysis Credits 2
  • CHEM 450L - Instrumental Analysis Lab Credits 2
  • CHEM 460 - Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics Credits 2
  • CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Dynamics Credits 2
  • CHEM 460L - Physical Chemistry: Experimental Techniques Credits 1-2

  • General emphasis students required to take 2 units

  • CHEM 496 - Chemistry Research Credits 1 - 4

  • Must be taken for a minimum of 3 units

  • CHEM 498 - Chemistry Senior Thesis Credits 1

Supporting Courses

  • CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
  • CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
  • MATH 220 - Calculus II Credits 4
  • MATH 230 - Calculus III Credits 4
  • PHYS 130 - University Physics I Credits 3
  • PHYS 130L - University Physics I Lab Credits 1
  • PHYS 131 - University Physics II Credits 3
  • PHYS 131L - University Physics II Lab Credits 1

Emphasis Courses (15-16 Units)

  • CHEM 321 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits 3
  • CHEM 321L - Inorganic Chemistry Lab Credits 1
  • CHEM 462 - Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics Credits 2

Math Electives

Select two of the following:

  • MATH 335 - Linear Algebra Credits 3
  • MATH 345 - Numerical Analysis Credits 3
  • MATH 360 - Probability and Statistical Methods Credits 3
  • MATH 365 - Differential Equations Credits 3

Chemistry Elective

Select one of the following:

  • BCHM 451 - Advanced Biochemistry Credits 3
  • CHEM 340 - Environmental Chemistry Credits 3 and
  • CHEM 340L - Environmental Chemistry Lab Credits 1

Emphases Catalog*

Biochemistry

Department Chair: Alan Thompson, Ph.D.

Overview

This program prepares students to study the intersection of biology and chemistry, and explores life at the molecular level. Studying biochemistry is a way for students to build an interdisciplinary knowledge in the sciences. A Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in biochemistry can lead to jobs in research, medicine, biotech and/or forensic sciences. Extensive laboratory experience is acquired, making use of advanced instrumentation and techniques. Many students do research projects, either over the summer or in directed studies throughout the school year. Students are also given the opportunity to be tutors or teaching assistants in the chemistry or biology departments, thereby gaining additional useful experience that is often beneficial in applying for graduate schools. 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate understanding of moral/ethical/environmental issues including the stewardship of natural resources related to Chemistry.
  2. Understand the major concepts, theories, and experimental evidence of and be able to solve problems in: Analytical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry
  3. Develop critical thinking skills and problem-solving approaches using scientific methods to: identify relevant factors to define problems, develop and evaluate methods, employ appropriate statistical analysis and instrumentation, and draw reasonable conclusions
  4. Design and conduct experiments –both individually and in small groups– using appropriate strategies such as: collect, organize, analyze, interpret, and present quantitative & qualitative data and incorporate them into the broader context of health sciences knowledge. 
  5. Acquire familiarity with the process of chemical research through the formal participation in an undergraduate research project that involves: project management, methods development, data analysis, and written contribution to the discipline in the form of a presentation or publication.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

Degree Pathway

Chemistry - Biochemistry Emphasis, B.S. Four Year Pathway  

Lower Division Major Prerequisites

  • BIOL 111 - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Credits 3
  • BIOL 111L - General Biology: Cells and Physiology Lab Credits 1
  • CHEM 103 - General Chemistry I Credits 3
  • CHEM 103L - General Chemistry I Lab Credits 1
  • MATH 205 - Introductory Statistics Credits 3
  • MATH 206L - Introductory Statistics Lab Credits 1

Required Courses (55 Units)

Chemistry Core

  • BCHM 421 - Biochemistry Credits 3
  • BCHM 421L - Experimental Techniques in Biochemistry Lab Credits 1-2

  • Biochemistry emphasis students required to take 2 units

  • CHEM 310 - Organic Chemistry I Credits 3
  • CHEM 312L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory I Credits 1
  • CHEM 311 - Organic Chemistry II Credits 3
  • CHEM 313L - Organic Chemistry Laboratory II Credits 1
  • CHEM 350 - Analytical Chemistry Credits 3
  • CHEM 350L - Analytical Chemistry Lab Credits 2
  • CHEM 450 - Instrumental Analysis Credits 2
  • CHEM 450L - Instrumental Analysis Lab Credits 2
  • CHEM 460 - Physical Chemistry: Thermodynamics Credits 2
  • CHEM 461 - Physical Chemistry: Kinetics and Dynamics Credits 2
  • CHEM 460L - Physical Chemistry: Experimental Techniques Credits 1-2

  • Biochemistry emphasis students only required to take 1 unit

  • CHEM 496 - Chemistry Research Credits 1 - 4

  • Must be taken for a minimum of 3 units

  • CHEM 498 - Chemistry Senior Thesis Credits 1

Supporting Courses

  • BIOL 121 - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Credits 3
  • BIOL 121L - General Biology: Diversity and Ecology Lab Credits 1
  • CHEM 104 - General Chemistry II Credits 3
  • CHEM 104L - General Chemistry II Lab Credits 1
  • MATH 210 - Calculus I Credits 4
  • MATH 220 - Calculus II Credits 4
  • PHYS 120 - General Physics I Credits 3 and
  • PHYS 120L - General Physics I Lab Credits 1 OR
  • PHYS 130 - University Physics I Credits 3 and
  • PHYS 130L - University Physics I Lab Credits 1
  • PHYS 121 - General Physics II Credits 3 and
  • PHYS 121L - General Physics II Lab Credits 1 OR
  • PHYS 131 - University Physics II Credits 3 and
  • PHYS 131L - University Physics II Lab Credits 1

Emphasis Courses (13-15 Units)

  • BCHM 451 - Advanced Biochemistry Credits 3

Chemistry Elective

Select one of the following:

  • CHEM 321 - Inorganic Chemistry Credits 3 and
  • CHEM 321L - Inorganic Chemistry Lab Credits 1
  • CHEM 340 - Environmental Chemistry Credits 3 and
  • CHEM 340L - Environmental Chemistry Lab Credits 1
  • CHEM 462 - Physical Chemistry: Quantum Mechanics Credits 2

Biology Electives

Select two of the following:

  • BIOL 312 - Ecology Credits 3 and
  • BIOL 312L - Ecology Lab Credits 1
  • BIOL 340 - Microbiology Credits 3 and
  • BIOL 340L - Microbiology Lab Credits 1
  • BIOL 441 - Cell and Molecular Biology Credits 3 and
  • BIOL 441L - Cell and Molecular Biology Lab Credits 1
  • BIOL 450 - Genetics Credits 3 and
  • BIOL 450L - Genetics Lab Credits 1
* The Chemistry, B.S. does not require that students choose an emphasis.

Possibilities Await
With an FPU Education

Whether you're a high school student, transfer student or parent, you'll find all the resources you need including application steps, tuition & financial aid, transfer and orientation information.

First Steps to Admission

  • Submit an application for admission (online or printable mail-in)
    * Admission applications are free, no discount codes required.
  • Send official copies of your transcripts to FPU.
  • Complete the FAFSA. It can be completed starting October 1st. (FAFSA Code: 001253)
Recommended High School Courses for Admission
  • 4 years of college preparatory English
  • 3 years of college preparatory mathematics
  • 2 years of social studies
  • 1 year of laboratory science
  • 1 year of performing art
  • 3 years of the same foreign language with a C- or better
Things to Keep in Mind

Fresno Pacific University’s accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2-3.6. Please speak with an admission counselor to discuss your eligibility.

All application materials should be submitted online or mailed to:

Office of Undergraduate Admission
Fresno Pacific University
1717 S. Chestnut Ave. #2005
Fresno, CA 93702
ugadmis@fresno.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) Information

Chemistry (AS-T) to Chemistry, B.S.

BS courses fulfilled through ADT:

  • All lower-division General Education requirements fulfilled
  • BS co-requisites and major courses fulfilled through ADT:
    • BIOL 111     General Biology: Cells and Physiology (4) [replaces BIOL-100]
    • CHEM 103    General Chemistry I (4)
    • CHEM 104    General Chemistry II (4)
    • MATH 210    Calculus I (4)
    • PHYS 130     University Physics I (4)
    • PHYS 131     University Physics II (4)
  • This program is offered as daytime traditional

ADT Guarantee is the completion of BA/BS degree in 68 units

Non-traditional Admission

Steps for Re-application

For those students who have applied to FPU’s traditional undergraduate program within the past 2 years and did not attend. Students who applied more than 2 years ago will need to resubmit a full application for admission:

  1. Fill out the re-application form
  2. Submit any missing documents or updated transcripts
Steps for Re-admission

Former FPU students who have not been enrolled in and/or have not submitted a leave of absence form for the previous semester are required to re-apply for admission to FPU:

  1. Fill out the re-admission form
  2. Submit official transcripts from other educational institutions attended during absence from FPU
Steps for Non-matriculated Admission

Students interested in taking classes, usually for personal or professional development, or to transfer to another institution, and is not interested in a degree from FPU. Non-degree students are not eligible for federal, state or institutional aid. Other requirements, class limits and pre-requisites may apply. See the academic catalog for more information:

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating Non Matriculating/Non-Degree status non-matriculation application
  2. Submit proof of high school graduation or equivalent
  3. Some classes may require a pre-requisite course. If required, a college transcript will need to be provided
  4. Personal essays are not required
Auditing a class

Students wishing to audit a class at FPU may apply for audit status. Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and students will not receive course credit.

  1. Fill out the Application for Admission indicating audit status
  2. Personal essays are not required

Four-Year Graduation Guarantee

Four-year graduation guarantee graphic

Earning a degree in four years allows you to get a head start on achieving your goals of entering the work force or starting graduate school. FPU guarantees graduation within four years in the traditional undergraduate areas of study. We commit to providing the courses, advising, instruction and preparation. If you fulfill your responsibilities and are unable to graduate in four years, you will receive the needed courses the following semester at no cost in tuition or fees.

Incoming requirements

This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements of 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major with no minor.

  • Where options between courses are available, students are not guaranteed their first choice.
  • This guarantee does not apply to “fifth-year” programs (teacher education credential requirements) or minimum units beyond graduation requirements (CPA qualifications, etc.) beyond the basic four-year bachelor’s degree.
  • The guarantee does not apply to transfer students or to FPU's degree completion programs.
  • Students not able to register for the courses needed within four years must complete the free course(s) within two terms of the end of four years (e.g. a summer and fall for those completing four years in the spring; or spring and summer for those completing four years in the fall).
  • The four-year period may be extended for students required to leave the university for up to one year (see the Leave of Absence section) for medical, military or personal reasons.
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Meet with your mentor during the fall semester of the freshman year.
  • Finalize a major and begin prerequisite or lower-division major courses by the second semester of the freshman year and keep that major until graduation.
  • Complete at least 32 units per year (average 16 per semester) with passing grades in each course.
  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA and remain in good standing behaviorally with the university.
  • Meet with the mentor each semester for advising before registration opens and take the courses approved by the adviser/mentor that complete general-education and major requirements, in the appropriate sequence and as they become available.
  • Register within the first week of registration every semester to gain a spot in the classes needed.
  • Notify mentor if unable to register for an approved course so that an alternative plan can be made.
  • Apply for financial aid and submit required documents by appropriate deadlines.
  • Keep student account up-to-date. (Accounts not up-to-date may be placed on hold, preventing registration for courses.)
  • Complete required courses successfully (see Academic Policies section for minimum acceptable grades) without dropping required or approved courses during a semester.

Two-Year Transfer Guarantee for ADT Pathways

FPU guarantees a student with an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) from the California Community College system, can complete their degree in just two years. If a student meets the qualification requirements, fulfills the responsibilities under the program, and are unable to complete their major in a 2-year period, FPU will assume all additional tuition costs needed to complete their undergraduate degree at FPU.

Incoming requirements
  • 60 transferable units [grades of C- or better] from the California Community College system with a completed ADT (Associate Degree for Transfer)
  • Selected an ADT matched (similar) pathway from FPU’s undergraduate degree programs
  • Have completed the necessary pre-requisites in the discipline specific to intended major
  • Have at least a 2.4 transfer GPA
Student responsibilities
To qualify for the guarantee students must:
  • Enroll in an average of 15- 18 units per semester; not including repeated courses.
  • Remain in good academic standing by maintaining an institutional grade point average of 2.0 or higher
  • Enroll in the required number of consecutive semesters: 3-4 semesters depending on number of units transferred in
  • Make up units for any failed or withdrawn courses during the guarantee period, which may require you to take more than 15-18 units per semester
    • For TUG you may have to enroll in a summer semester.
  • Fulfill all graduation requirements, including core curriculum, major requirements, and upper division course work requirements.
    • Two Year Guarantee: complete enough upper division courses to have at least 40 upper division units by the end of the 4-semester time frame.
  • Take all required courses during the semester recommended by your Academic Advisor.
  • Register for all upcoming courses during the registration period.
  • Any courses from a Community College with “D+” or lower are non-transferable and require additional courses and semesters to graduate.
  • This guarantee may not apply to students starting in a spring or summer semester start (TUG only).
  • This guarantee is limited to basic graduation requirements: 120 minimum units including general education, upper-level and elective courses sufficient for a single major.

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

2023-2024
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $34,960
Student body fee $598
Total Tuition and Fees $35,548
Room $5,018
Board $5,130
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $45,696
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,248
Summer Session $500
Private Music Instruction $400
2022-2023
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $33,614
Student body fee $574
Total Tuition and Fees $34,188
Room and Board $8,884
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $43,072
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,218
Summer Session $400
Private Music Instruction $400
2021-2022
Total Cost Item Amount
12-18 units (full time) per year $32,954
Student body fee $498
Total Tuition and Fees $33,452
Room and Board $8,710
Total Tuition, Fees & Board $42,162
Per-Unit Costs Amount
Per unit / Overload $1,177
Summer Session $300
Private Music Instruction $400

Room & Board Rates

Freshman / Sophmore Housing
Module* Fall Spring
Modules $4,313 $4,313
Jost Modules $4,619 $4,619 

* Full Access Meal Plan Included in Cost (Full Access Required)

Junior / Senior Housing
Suites & Houses Fall Spring
Room only $2,068 $2,068
Room-70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $2,719 $2,719
Room - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,276 $3,276
Room - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,400 $4,400
Jost Hall (4 person), Willow Gardens (4 person) & Kriegbaum Apartments (3 person) Fall Spring
Apartment - Room only $2,694 $2,694
Apartment - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,345 $3,345
Apartment - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,902 $3,902
Apartment - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,026 $5,026
Willow Gardens & Jost Hall  Apartments: 3 Person Fall Spring
Apartments - Room only $3,306 $3,306
Apartments - 70 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $3,958 $3,958
Apartments - 140 Block Meal Plan (included in cost) $4,514 $4,514
Apartments - Full Access Meal Plan (included in cost) $5,639 $5,639
Stand-Alone Meal Plans Fall Spring
70 Block $651 $651
140 Block $1,208 $1,208
Full Access Meal Plan $2,332 $2,332

* Residents living in the Houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.

Notes about housing
  • For housing placement purposes only, class standing for the fall semester will carry throughout the entire year (both fall and spring semesters).
  • Residents living in the houses or Willow Gardens Apartments may stay over Christmas break at no extra charge providing they are returning for spring semester. Otherwise, residents must check out at the regular fall check-out dates.
  • Meal plan contract dates will follow the traditional semester.

If you have questions that pertain specifically to housing or what housing you qualify for, please contact Residence Life at (559) 453-5696. Or visit our website at studentlife.fresno.edu/living-campus.

Financial Aid

Freshman Scholarships

Based on a student’s academic GPA. Academic GPA’s are calculated by FPU on a weighted, 4.0 scaled and based on core academic classes in grades 10-12. Renewable if a minimum GPA is maintained.

Name GPA Amount
Paragon   Full Tuition
President's 4.00 GPA and above $18,000
Dean's 3.75-3.99 GPA $15,000
Heritage 3.50-3.75 GPA $14,000
Faculty 3.25-3.49 GPA $12,000
Founder's Below a 3.0 GPA $8,000

Transfer Scholarships 

To be considered for a Transfer Academic Scholarship, you must have 12 or more transferable, post-high school units. GPA’s are based on transferable units and calculated by FPU.

Name GPA Amount
Transfer Scholar 3.50 GPA and above $14,000
Transfer Achievement 3.0-3.49 GPA $10,000
Transfer Academic 2.40-2.99 GPA $7,500
Transfer Partnership Below a 2.4 GPA $6,000

Performance-based Scholarships

Name Amount
Athletic $500 to Full Tuition
Music $400 to $10,000
Theatre Arts $500 to $4,000
Art/Design $500 to $4,000

Other FPU Grants and Scholarships

Name Amount
FPU Possibilities Scholarship Full Tuition
Church Match $500 to $1,500
International Scholarship up to $6,000
Mennonite Brethren Award $4,000
Out of State Student Scholarship $4,000
Other Awards $100 to $10,000

Federal and State Grants

Name Amount
Cal Grant A $9,358
Cal Grant B $1,648
Pell Grants $750 to $7,395
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant $1,000

Federal Loans and Work Study

Name Amount
Federal Direct $3,500 to $7,500
PLUS Loan Up to remaining cost
Workstudy Contingent on employment

Private Scholarships

Alumni, parents, friends, businesses and foundations have generously provided a special set of scholarships available to students attending Fresno Pacific.

View Private Scholarships

Photo of Alexandra Green

Alexandra Green

Mathematics

The grants, the academic awards, the transfer scholarship – all of it makes it so much more affordable to attend FPU. I know that school isn’t cheap for anyone, but FPU helped me realize that I could actually come to this school because they were going to help me so much financially.

Net Price Calculator

Now that you’ve seen the financial aid opportunities available to FPU students, we can estimate what your true cost may be to attend Fresno Pacific. Please keep in mind that this is just a computer generated, general estimate and may not capture all aid available, please work with your FPU Student Financial Services advisor to discover your true net price.

Calculate for First-Time FreshmanCalculate for Transfer

Career Opportunities

With this degree, you'll gain the foundation for a broad range of careers in the sciences and beyond. You'll also be well-prepared for medical and graduate studies, including teacher credential programs, and master's and doctoral research.

Possible Careers

  • Teacher
  • Researcher
  • Engineer
  • Laboratory technician
  • Forensic scientist
  • Environmental scientist

Career Development Happens Here

The staff in our Career Development and Experiential Learning Center are here to help you prepare to enter the working world. Whether your a freshman or an FPU alum, there are a number of resources and trainings offered to help you find the internship and job you’re looking for.

  • Resume writing classes
  • Career assessments, exploration & planning
  • Job search and networking opportunities
  • and much more

Visit the Career Development Center