Open to all first-year chemistry and biochemistry majors in the fall quarter, the course is designed to help students build academic skills, navigate challenges, and thrive in their chemistry and biochemistry studies and beyond.
As students embark on their journey as a chemistry or biochemistry major, it is crucial that they not only master the fundamental concepts of the discipline but also cultivate effective study habits, learn how to navigate academic challenges, build a supportive community among their peers and connect with older students in the chemistry or biochemistry majors to form a support system for their social, academic, and professional growth.
The course, also known as “Chem 1”, was co-developed by Department Chair Professor Alex Spokoyny and Assistant Teaching Professor Dory DeWeese, who together taught its inaugural class in Fall 2025. DeWeese, who joined the UCLA faculty in 2024, is an expert in inclusive chemistry education. She will continue to lead the course with fellow assistant teaching professors Jazmin Aguilar-Romero and Patrick Wilson, both of whom joined the department in July 2025 and are also specialists in chemistry education. The next class will be taught in the 2026 fall quarter.
“It is extremely exciting to see how we are able to provide our students with a higher-quality and more nuanced educational experience,” said Department Chair Professor Alex Spokoyny. “I am very grateful to everyone in the department who contributed to developing this course from the ground up and who provided thoughtful feedback throughout the process. Having been an undergraduate student at UCLA myself more than 20 years ago, I can’t help but wish that opportunities like this had existed when I was a student.”
Through the course, students developed valuable study skills, including time management and metacognitive skills, while exploring the landscape of chemistry and biochemistry research—from core subdisciplines to current research taking place within the department and University. They also learned about careers in chemistry and biochemistry, and how they could apply the fundamentals they learn at UCLA to solve some of our most pressing challenges.
“This course is about helping students feel supported, confident, and connected from the very start of their time at UCLA,” said Assistant Teaching Professor Dory DeWeese. “By centering community, belonging, and practical academic skills, we’re working to create a more equitable learning environment where all students can thrive in chemistry and biochemistry and see a clear path forward.”
Students also became familiar with the department’s resources, faculty, research opportunities, and professional development activities, which will help them plan their academic path, participate in research, and build connections with faculty and fellow students. At the end of the quarter, guest speakers from UCLA research labs shared insights into undergraduate research opportunities and the role of research in advancing scientific knowledge and improving lives in the society.
“I feel that Chem 1 helped me build a foundation for success through assignments such as making SMART goals, exploring potential research groups, and creating a professional LinkedIn profile,” said Biochemistry undergraduate student Celeste Willey. “By taking Chem 1, I gained a community within the department and connected with my peers over a shared interest in chemistry. The existence of Chem 1 as a course for students demonstrates the care the department has for its student experience and success, boosting my confidence that this is a place where I can thrive and find the support I need in pursuit of a degree in Biochemistry at UCLA.”
The course also emphasized student wellness strategies, which help students develop best practices for overall wellness during their transition to college, acknowledging each student’s own individual experience.
While this course is currently only available for incoming freshmen students, plans are also underway to develop a similar course for transfer students, who face a distinct set of logistical onboarding challenges coming to UCLA.
Course Topics include the following:
Study Skills for Chemistry and Biochemistry Majors – students build metacognitive skills to effectively study challenging material, learn how to effectively utilize course components: syllabus, instructors, learning goals, and valuable problem-solving strategies
Time Management Skills for New College Students – students learn how to align personal priorities with academic demands and explore a range of practical strategies for managing their time effectively in college.
Introduction to the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department – students are given an overview of the department’s mission, values, facilities (labs, study spaces, etc.), and resources, along with key faculty, staff, and administrative contacts, and guidance on how to navigate advising and course selection.
Strategies for Wellness – students learn stress management and well-being strategies that they can adapt to their own experiences while navigating a rigorous academic program.
Introduction to Chemistry and Biochemistry Research – students learn about main research areas in chemistry and biochemistry (organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, biochemistry, chemical education), the role of research in advancing science, and pathways for getting involved in undergraduate research. Guest speakers from UCLA research labs visit to talk about their research and career paths.
Building Professional Skills and Networks – students are introduced to chemistry/biochemistry-related professional organizations (e.g., American Chemical Society (ACS), American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), learn how to network with faculty and peers, learn about academic and career pathways in chemistry/biochemistry, research internships, co-ops, and volunteer opportunities.
Introduction to Exploring Career Paths in Chemistry and Biochemistry – Students learn about careers in academia, industry, government, and healthcare. They explore if graduate school is right for them and learn how to prepare an application. Students are introduced to professional development tools such as résumés, interviews, networking, job-shadowing, internships, and other career-related opportunities.
Modern Digital Tools for Research and Coursework – Students are introduced to digital tools that can assist them with their research and education in chemistry and biochemistry, including communication tools and platforms, communication etiquette, drawing tools (e.g. ChemDraw, Biorender), search tools, and advanced software.
Penny Jennings, UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, penjen@g.ucla.edu.
