Chemistry and Biochemistry - BA College of Creative Studies

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of California Santa Barbara

Program Overview

The Chemistry and Biochemistry – BA in the College of Creative Studies (CCS) at UC Santa Barbara is designed for students who want to move into laboratory research early, work closely with faculty and graduate researchers, and build a strong foundation for careers or advanced study in the chemical and biochemical sciences. Students can shape their studies around a Chemistry or Biochemistry track, with the flexibility to take advanced and even graduate-level courses with faculty approval while developing expertise through research-focused learning.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin with a rigorous scientific foundation in general chemistry, mathematics and physics. Courses such as CHEM CS 11A – General Chemistry A, MATH 3A, and PHYS 7A introduce chemical principles, quantitative problem-solving and physical science concepts, while laboratory work such as CHEM 2AL begins developing practical experimental skills.

Year 2: The curriculum progresses into organic chemistry while students continue strengthening their mathematical and physical-science knowledge. Key courses include CHEM 130A – Organic Chemistry, CHEM 6AL, MATH 4A, and PHYS 7B/7C, giving students a stronger understanding of molecular structure, chemical reactions and laboratory techniques.

Year 3: Students move into advanced chemistry and, for the Biochemistry track, begin connecting chemistry with biological systems. Courses such as CHEM 112A – Physical Chemistry, CHEM 142A – Biochemistry, and MCDB 1A develop deeper knowledge of molecular processes, thermodynamics, biological molecules and cellular science.

Year 4: The final year emphasizes advanced specialization, laboratory work and electives aligned with the student's interests. Biochemistry-track students progress through CHEM 112B/112C, CHEM 142B/142C, and CHEM 173A, while the Chemistry track includes advanced physical chemistry, laboratory and inorganic chemistry such as CHEM 113C, CHEM 116BL, and CHEM 173A.

Focus Areas

Students can pursue either the Chemistry track or Biochemistry track, with opportunities to explore areas including molecular design and synthesis, biomedical sciences, biology-inspired chemistry and physics, energy and green chemistry, nanochemistry, structural chemistry, spectroscopy, advanced analysis and computational chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop a strong foundation in chemistry and biochemistry while building quantitative, analytical and laboratory research skills. The CCS structure also encourages students to develop independent scientific thinking, work closely with faculty and graduate researchers, and pursue original research at an early stage of their undergraduate education.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official UCSB CCS program and 2026–27 catalog pages reviewed do not list a separate program-specific professional accreditation for the Chemistry and Biochemistry BA. The program instead emphasizes research preparation, advanced scientific study and progression toward professional or graduate education.

Reputation (Employability / Official Statistics)

CCS reports that 75% of its alumni attend graduate school, highlighting the college's strong orientation toward advanced academic and professional study. The Chemistry and Biochemistry program also reports that undergraduate research can lead to publications in scientific journals, while its listed career pathways include academia, industry, nonprofit organizations, startups, chemistry, biochemistry or medicine, and materials science.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning is a central part of the CCS Chemistry and Biochemistry experience. Students can become involved in UCSB research early in their undergraduate careers, work alongside faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and use research opportunities to explore areas ranging from molecular design and biomedical science to energy, catalysis, nanochemistry and spectroscopy. The program also provides dedicated CCS funding opportunities for undergraduate research, while the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry offers structured routes into research groups and independent-study courses.

Students can build practical research experience through several university-supported opportunities:

Undergraduate Research Groups: Students can join UCSB research groups through the Undergraduate Research Assistant Directory, direct faculty contact or recommendations from teaching assistants.
CHEM 99 – Introduction to Research: Provides an opportunity to work as part of a research group with a faculty member while receiving academic units for the research experience.
CHEM 199 – Independent Studies: Allows students to undertake independent study and research alongside a faculty member for academic credit.
CCS Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF): CCS students can undertake an intensive summer research project under the guidance of a UCSB faculty member, with awardees expected to present their results at the annual RACA-CON undergraduate conference.
Traveling Undergraduate Research Fund: CCS provides research funding opportunities through TURF in addition to SURF, supporting students' research or creative activities.
State-of-the-art Chemistry Instrumentation: The UCSB Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience and access to state-of-the-art instrumentation as part of its undergraduate research environment.
Interdisciplinary Research: Students can explore research spanning molecular design and synthesis, biomedical sciences, energy and green chemistry, devices and nanochemistry, structural chemistry, spectroscopy and advanced analysis.
UCSB Library Research Resources: Students have access to extensive online research collections, databases, research guides, research consultations, course reserves and group study spaces to support scientific projects.
Undergraduate Research Conference: CCS SURF recipients share the outcomes of their projects through RACA-CON, giving students experience communicating research beyond the laboratory.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The CCS Chemistry and Biochemistry BA is particularly suited to students planning careers in the chemical and biochemical sciences or further study at graduate and professional schools. Official UCSB information identifies pathways across academia, industry, nonprofit organizations and startups, with applications spanning chemistry, biochemistry or medicine, materials science, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and chemical manufacturing.

Typical career roles include: Chemist, Biochemist, Research Scientist, R&D Materials Chemist

Career Services and Handshake: UCSB Career Services provides students with access to Handshake, which connects students with jobs, internships, career events and employer opportunities; many postings are available specifically to UCSB students and alumni.
Internship Support: Career Services provides internship-search resources through Handshake, career events, employer connections and micro-internship opportunities, helping students gain professional experience alongside their degree.
Employer Engagement: UCSB Career Services facilitates quarterly career fairs, information sessions, networking events, on-campus interviews and employer recruiting through Handshake.
Research-to-Career Preparation: UCSB specifically notes that undergraduate research can develop critical thinking, project management, communication and collaboration skills valued by employers, while also helping students prepare for graduate study.
Industry Pathways: The official CCS catalog identifies pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, the chemical manufacturing industry, and academic research and education institutions among the major employer sectors for the program.
Graduate-School Outcomes: CCS reports that 75% of its alumni attend graduate school, demonstrating the college-wide emphasis on advanced study.
Research Recognition: CCS students have access to research-intensive opportunities and have received national recognition; in 2026, two CCS Chemistry and Biochemistry students were among UCSB's NSF Graduate Research Fellowship recipients.
Salary figures: UCSB's official CCS and Chemistry & Biochemistry pages reviewed do not publish a program-specific graduate salary figure, so no salary amount is included rather than using an external source.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into advanced study in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, materials science and related professional or graduate fields. The program is specifically designed for students considering graduate or professional schools, and CCS flexibility can allow qualified students to take graduate-level courses with faculty approval while still completing the undergraduate degree.