Welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Message from the Chair

Welcome to the website of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Cal State Fullerton! I invite you to explore these pages to learn about our department, our degree programs and courses, and the outstanding research our students and faculty are doing. We offer a rigorous and innovative curriculum that focuses on developing problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, and provides high quality education in chemistry and biochemistry. We offer a B.S. Chemistry degree program, which is accredited by the American Chemical Society; a B.A. Chemistry program for those with broad or interdisciplinary interests; and a B.S. Biochemistry degree. Our graduate program consists of a thesis-based Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Chemistry. We currently have more than 600 undergraduate majors and typically serve more than 3000 students each semester in all our courses.

We offer small classes, individualized attention and hands-on learning using state-of-the-art instrumentation. Our faculty strive to maintain excellence in classroom teaching and in their research. Several of our full-time faculty have received university-wide and national awards for teaching, research and service. Our faculty are highly committed to teaching through research and many have external funding from national agencies. All our undergraduate students must complete a capstone experience, which commonly is done through a senior research project in which students conduct research with faculty. Many undergraduate students present their research findings at local, regional, and national conferences and are co-authors on research publications.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at CSUF has an impressive record of student success. After graduating, many of our students go on to attend prestigious graduate and professional schools, end up employed in the local industry, or go on to become teachers. We have strong bonds with our alumni and they will attest that CSUF Chemistry and Biochemistry graduates continue to be highly sought-after by both employers and graduate schools.

We offer a unique and personable department with solid educational opportunities for careers in chemistry and biochemistry. Please have a look around our web pages, and let us know if you’d like to tour the department personally. For further information, please contact our Department office or our academic advisors. We would love to hear from you!

Dr. Peter de Lijser

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Chair

Department Mission Statement

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry will strive to create a collegial, collaborative, and supportive environment that nurtures professional relationships, enrich teaching and learning, develop and strengthen scholarship, and encourage professional service. We strive to be a leader in undergraduate and graduate level research. We offer a rigorous and contemporary curriculum that is responsive to future developments, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature and diversity of the chemical sciences, thus enabling students to become successful professionals, scholars, scientifically literate citizens and leaders. We will make significant contributions and have a major impact on chemical education, teacher preparation, and professional development in the region. We promote excellence in service to the department, university and community as well as cultivating ties with local and regional industry and academic institutions.

Department Goals

The Department annually reviews and updates its Goals in a series of faculty meetings. The 2009 PPR listed a number of goals that are aligned with the 4 main University Goals:

Create a collegial, collaborative, supportive environment and departmental structure that nurture professional relationships, enrich teaching and learning, develop and strengthen scholarship, and encourage professional service.
Be a leader in undergraduate and master’s level research.
Offer a rigorous and contemporary curriculum that is responsive to future developments, reflects the interdisciplinary nature and diversity of the chemical sciences, and enables students to become successful professionals, scholars, scientifically literate citizens and leaders.
Make significant contributions to and have major/notable impact on chemical education, teacher preparation and professional development in the region.
Promote excellence in service to the department, university and community, and cultivate ties with local and regional industry and academic institutions.