Chemistry

Chemistry is concerned with the composition, structure and properties of substances. It analyzes the transformations of these substances into others by reactions and studies the kinds of energy changes that accompany these reactions. The UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry departments offer four undergraduate majors, two concentrations and one specialization.

1. Chemistry Major with an optional Physical Chemistry concentration
2. Biochemistry Major
3. Chemistry-Materials Science Major with an optional Organic concentration
4. General Chemistry Major
*All majors have an optional Computing Specialization

This brochure is designed to educate students on the many chemistry-related opportunities at UCLA as well as aid them in their pursuit of employment and post-graduate opportunities.

Contact Information

Undergraduate Advisors:
Wendy Fujinami
Sheridan Dodge
ugrad@chem.ucla.edu
4009 Young Hall
M-F 8:30am – 5pm
310-825-1859
www.chem.ucla.edu

Career Center
Strathmore Building, Floors 2 & 3
501 Westwood Plaza
310-206-1915
Internship and Study Abroad
310-825-0831
career.ucla.edu

Graduate School

If you are planning to continue your education, it is important to start planning early! There are many resources to assist you: your professors, TA’s, and anyone currently working in that field. Additionally, the chemistry department web site and Career Center have useful information, workshops and can assist you with the overall application process. A few of the resources are listed below.

Web sites

• www.chem.ucla.edu/dept/Ugrad/prof_grad_links.htm
  Access the “Graduate School Web Finder” for quick access to numerous graduate programs in the life and physical science fields.
• www.graduateschool.com and www.petersons.com
  These Web sites list graduate programs across the country. Students can search by both subject area and location.

Publications

Peterson’s Guide to Graduate Programs in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Agricultural Sciences, the Environment, and Natural Resources (2004) – available in the Career Center Lab.

Opportunities for Involvement at UCLA

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research is an excellent opportunity for students to receive hands-on training directly from faculty, post-doctorates and graduate students. Research will allow you to become more involved in an area of interest and is very beneficial when applying for post-graduate education and jobs.

Student Research Program (SRP)
This option is recommended for 1st and 2nd year students. Students will receive 1-4 units of credit (based on the number of hours volunteered per week) and a notation on their transcript.

For more information: URC Life and Physical Sciences
2121 Life Sciences
310-794-4227
urlaps@college.ucla.edu

Departmental Independent Research (Chemistry/Biochemistry 196/199)
This is an opportunity to receive upper-division elective units for research. Students will be supervised by a faculty member in the department. Check out the chemistry department web site for descriptions of faculty research interests and how to contact them.

• www.chem.ucla.edu/faculty

Academic Programs

Departmental Scholars Program
Exceptionally promising undergraduate students with junior or senior standing may petition to pursue their bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously.

Alpha Chi Sigma
A fraternity for men and women who have taken at least one chemistry course at UCLA. Group members participate in social and academic activities.

ACS Student Affiliates Program (SAACS)
Affiliation with ACS helps you network with future colleagues and established professionals, get career information, ACS publications and access to the ACS Office of Employment services.

Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS)
This program offers 1st year students an opportunity to create a network of assistance during their academic career. PEERS students receive personal academic advising, tutoring and assistance with research opportunities.

The Center for Academic and Research Excellence (CARE)
Facilitates ethnic minority student placement in paid laboratory research positions at UCLA, at other UC campuses, and in industry and national laboratories.

Science Teacher Education Program (STEP)
The College and the Graduate School of Education offers a joint B.S./M.Ed./credential program for students planning on science teaching careers. Students begin preparing as early as their sophomore year. See Program Counselor, Sheridan Dodge, in 4009 Young Hall to get started.

Careers – What can I do with my Chemistry Major?

Individuals who graduate with a degree in chemistry or biochemistry are employed in a wide variety of occupations. A career choice should be based on a thorough exploration of various alternatives so that your interests, abilities and values are related as closely as possible to your work. The UCLA Career Center has many resources to assist you in this exploration.

Industry is the largest employer of chemistry majors (approx. 60%). These chemists are often involved in either research and development (R&D) or production. Companies including agricultural service firms, biotechnical firms, food product companies, petroleum companies, environment consulting companies, research institutes, and insurance companies hire chemistry majors.

Academic Institutions are the second largest employer of chemistry majors (approx. 24%) In these instances, chemistry majors serve as both instructors and researchers.

The government is the third largest employer of chemistry majors (approx. 9%) for a variety of jobs in federal, state and local agencies. Examples of employers include the Food and Drug administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Science Foundation, Center for Disease Control, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Energy.

Examples of careers for chemistry majors include:

Agricultural Scientist
Assayer
Biochemist
Chemical Oceanographer
Environmental Heath Insp.
Hydrogeologist
Medical Examiner
Molecular Biochemist
Occupational Safety Spec.
Pharmaceutal Sales Rep
Quality Controls Manager
Rational Health Spec.
Specificion Writer
Systems Analyst
Veterinarian
Water purification Chemist
Anesthesiologist
Biotechnician
Brewer Lab Asst
Crime Lab Analyst
Forensic Chemist
Industrial Hygienist
Medical Technologist
Optometrist
Pharmacist
Plastics Engineer
Radiologist
Sales Rep
Spectroscopist
Textiles Analyst
Water Scientist
Yield Engineer Application Chemist
Beverage Technologist
Chemical Engineer
Dentist
Hazardous Material Manager
Management Consulting
Oceanographer
Patent Agent
Physician
Professor
Safety Inspector
Scientific Editor
Soil Scientist
Toxicologist
Waste Plant Manager

And much more!!
There are many sources to help you find out what the above careers entail! Don’t pick a career without having accurate job responsibilities, requirements, salary and related information. Visit the UCLA Career Center for resources to assist with the above process.

How can I find these jobs?

The UCLA Career Center can assist you with career exploration, job search strategies, resume writing and interview preparation. Career.ucla.edu
Additionally, listed below are web sites with science specific career information, internships and career opportunities.