Frequently Asked Questions in Chemistry Undergraduate Courses/Degree
- CHEMISTRY CLASSES: What is the difference between the 20/30 series and the 14 series?
- Can I change from the 20 series to the 14 series?
- Can I pass out of 20A with my AP credit?
- Can I take a graduate level course?
- What exactly is Chemistry 17?
- If I think I may have taken a course at another school that I didn’t get credit for here, what should I do so I don’t have to take it again?
- Can I take Chemistry classes at another college to complete UCLA requirements?
- Do I have to take a Chemistry placement test to enroll in Chemistry courses?
- What is an impacted class?
- Who do I talk to if I need to figure out what classes I should take next quarter?
- DECLARING THE MAJOR: How can I declare/change to be a Biochemistry or Chemistry major?
- Does the department have a pre-major?
- Does this department have a minor?
- ENROLLMENT / DROPS: The computer is not letting me enroll in a class that I’ve met the prerequisites for, what do I do?
- Can I enroll in a class that I have not met the pre-requisites for?
- What is my chance of getting into the class if I am waitlisted? What if I can’t even get on the waiting list?
- Why are there some Chemistry classes where you can only enroll on the waitlist?
- How can I drop a class? (Reg, Late, Impacted)
- What do I do if I had an emergency and need to drop all of my classes for the quarter?
- GRADUATE SCHOOLS / CAREER INFORMATION: I’m a pre-med student. Where should I go to receive counseling?
- I’m a pre-med student. Will this major meet the pre-med requirements?
- I’m planning on going to graduate school in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science. Who should I speak to?
- What is the Departmental Scholars Program?
- What career options are there for a Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science major?
- MISCELLANEOUS: How can I get tutoring in a Chemistry class?
- How can I do research with a professor while I’m still in school?
- How can I find out about applying for awards and scholarships?
- Who do I see about possible room and/or time changes for my classes?
- How do I get/remove an ‘Incomplete Grade’?
- Can I reschedule a final exam if I have a conflict?
- What is the policy on Academic Dishonesty at UCLA?
- Who should I speak to if I have compliments/complaints about an instructor?
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Q: CHEMISTRY CLASSES: What is the difference between the 20/30 series and the 14 series?
A: The 14 series is designed for life science majors. It covers general and organic chemistry, but in fewer (NOT easier) courses. The classes show how chemistry relates to biology and how it can be applied specifically for life science majors. The 20/30 series is geared for physical science and engineering majors, but it is the series that is equivalent to general and organic chemistry at most other schools. While physical science and engineering requires the 20 series, life science majors will accept either series for credit. Both series also count for credit toward professional health schools, but if the 14 series is used it must be taken as a whole at UCLA.
Q: Can I change from the 20 series to the 14 series?
A: If students are unsure which major they would like to declare, they can start on one course, and then move to the other sequence. Please refer to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Young Hall 4006 to determine which course to switch/take next.
Q: Can I pass out of 20A with my AP credit?
A: If a student receives a 4 or a 5 on their AP Chemistry test, they can choose to pass out of Chemistry 20A and go directly to 20B. If a student wants to do this, the student can come to our office (4006 Young) and fill out an enrollment sheet that will override the prerequisite restriction for Chemistry 20B. Even with a high score, the computer will not automatically give exemption. Students are offered the option of electing to pass out of this class because medical schools do not recognize AP credit as part of their requirements; therefore pre-med students SHOULD take Chemistry 20A at UCLA. Students do not have the option of passing out of 14A and must continue in the 20 series if they elect to pass out of 20A.
Q: Can I take a graduate level course?
A: Undergraduates can enroll in most graduate-level classes with permission from the instructor. If the computer lets the student enroll through MyUCLA, there is no restriction, but the student should contact the instructor to let them know he/she has enrolled in their course. If students cannot enroll through MyUCLA, they should contact the instructor and if permission is given, students should bring proof (written note or e-mail) to the Undergraduate Office in 4006 Young Hall or email to ugrad@chem.ucla.edu for enrollment assistance.
Q: What exactly is Chemistry 17?
A: Chemistry 17 is designed for students who have either never taken Chemistry before or have not taken it for many years.
Q: If I think I may have taken a course at another school that I didn’t get credit for here, what should I do so I don’t have to take it again?
A: If you transfer in coursework that does not translate directly as a UCLA class, you may have to petition in order to get credit for it. For GE coursework and college requirements, you can petition at your college counseling unit (CAC, AAP, Honors, Athletics). For Chemistry classes, please bring a syllabus of the course(s) you took at the other school(s) to the Undergraduate Office (Young Hall 4006) and we will have its course content evaluated for credit by our professors. Whatever credit the professor determines you should receive will be reported to you in writing. All necessary changes to your DAR must go through your major department. To petition credit in other subjects, students must go to those specific departments.
Q: Can I take Chemistry classes at another college to complete UCLA requirements?
A: You can take classes at other institutions but you must make sure that the courses are equivalent to the classes at UCLA by speaking to a Chemistry undergraduate counselor in 4006 Young. Additionally, you should be aware that there are rules about taking classes elsewhere:
Concurrent Enrollment
Students will not receive credit for coursework completed at another institution while simultaneously enrolled at UCLA as a regular session student (excludes summer school). This policy includes Extension classes.
Summer School
Students may receive course credit for courses taken at other UC campuses, other four-year institutions and community colleges provided that the courses are deemed equivalent.
Unit Limits
Students who have completed 105 units or more will not receive unit credit for classes taken at a community college, but the classes will still satisfy specific requirements (major, GE, etc) if they have been deemed equivalent.
Senior Residency
35 of the last 45 units must be completed by each candidate for the Bachelor’s degree must be earned in residence in the College of Letters & Science on this campus.
Major Residency
A minimum of 24 upper division units must be completed in the major while in residence at UCLA. Note, some departments may ask for more than 24 upper division units in residence (example: Sociology requires 28 upper division units). There is NO College residence requirements for minors (beyond the 20 uniquely applied units), however, a few departments and Schools include residence requirements in the outline for their minors (examples: English and Accounting).
Q: Do I have to take a Chemistry placement test to enroll in Chemistry courses?
A: We are requiring students to take the Chemistry Diagnostic Exam for the current school year. Please complete the diagnostic test before enrolling into Chem 17, 20A, or 14A. Contact the undergraduate office (ugrad@chem.ucla.edu) if you have any questions.
Q: What is an impacted class?
A: Historically, these are classes where many students drop in the last few weeks of the course, which can be very difficult for professors and other students in the class. Many of the chemistry and biochemistry courses have recently been designated as impacted. Impacted courses may NOT be dropped after the second week of class (except under an extraordinary circumstance, and even then it must be approved by petition). The following courses in the department ARE impacted:Chem 14BL, 14CL, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B, 30BL, 30C, 30CL, 110A, 114(H), 136, 144, 153A, 153B(H), 153C, 153L, 154, 174, 184, 185.
Q: Who do I talk to if I need to figure out what classes I should take next quarter?
A: The best place to start is your Degree Progress/Audit Report, found on MyUCLA, which lets you see what requirements you still need to fulfill. If you would like academic advising about Chemistry and Biochemistry courses or major classes, you should email ugrad@chem.ucla.edu to ask your question or schedule an advising appointment. All advising is by appointment only. Make sure to include your UID.
For L&S requirements, including GEs, students should visit their college counselor in UCLA College Academic Counseling, Honors, AAP, or Athletics. If you want to find information on specific courses or course content. Please stop by the Chemistry & Biochemistry Undergraduate Office in Young Hall 4006.
Q: DECLARING THE MAJOR: How can I declare/change to be a Biochemistry or Chemistry major?
A: If you would like to declare/change to be a Biochemistry, Chemistry, General Chemistry, or Chemistry-Materials Science major, you need to visit 4006 Young Hall. You can speak to a counselor about your decision to change and fill out a petition to change majors. From there, your transcript will be evaluated for GPA (must be over 2.0), to see the grades in the major classes you have taken, and to make sure you can complete the major within your unit maximum at UCLA (typically 216 + AP units). They also check for holds and probation status on your records. If admitted, you will be notified by email.
Q: Does the department have a pre-major?
A: The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department does not have a pre-major. If you switch to our department, you are fully a part of that major as soon as you are admitted.
Q: Does this department have a minor?
A: There is no minor in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Materials Science. However, we do offer a computing specialization for students that are majoring in Chemistry or Biochemistry. Please see the “Current Students” or “Prospective Students” tab for detailed information on the Computing Specialization.
Q: ENROLLMENT / DROPS: The computer is not letting me enroll in a class that I’ve met the prerequisites for, what do I do?
A: If you have taken the prerequisites for the class at a different school, this will happen because MyUCLA has a difficult time recognizing courses that are not specifically UCLA coursework. If this happens or you are not allowed to enroll for another reason, e-mail ugrad@chem.ucla.edu with your name, student ID number, the course name, and the 9-digit course ID number, as well as an explanation of the error you are experiencing.
Q: Can I enroll in a class that I have not met the pre-requisites for?
A: MyUCLA will not allow you to enroll in a class where you have not first met the pre-requisites. You will only be able to enroll through our office by forwarding email confirmation from the instructor that he/she knows you have not completed the pre-requisites and is still allowing you admission into the class to ugrad@chem.ucla.edu, including your UID. Note that this does not mean that you will be guaranteed a spot in the course if it fills up before your enrollment pass. We do not recommend that students try to do this as it is difficult to do well in courses where one is not fully prepared. Additionally, professors rarely will waive pre-requisites simply because a student needs the class to graduate.
Q: What is my chance of getting into the class if I am waitlisted? What if I can’t even get on the waiting list?
A: Our waitlists are fairly realistic, so most people who are waitlisted have a good chance of getting into the class. There is no guarantee, but if students want to know their chances, the only option would be to contact the professor of the course after the quarter has begun. In addition, students should check the status of the class regularly until classes start and be sure to attend class on the first day, even if they are not on the waiting list. Most of the time, it simply depends on how much physical room (chairs and workspace) there is in the class.
Q: Why are there some Chemistry classes where you can only enroll on the waitlist?
A: These classes are typically upper division lab classes (114, 136, 144, 154, 174, 184, 185) where enrollment priority is given to graduating seniors. Sign up for the waiting list and then show up to class on the first day. The professor will give enrollment spots to graduating seniors first and then fill up the remaining spots with others on the waitlist. Even if your name is on the waitlist, you must show up on the first day of classes or your spot will be given to someone else.
Q: How can I drop a class? (Reg, Late, Impacted)
A: If you need to drop a class anytime up until Friday of the second week of school, you can do so over MyUCLA with no restrictions, notations, or fees. After the first 2 weeks, students must petition with their college counseling unit (CAC, AAP, Honors, Athletics) to drop impacted classes. Those are rarely approved except when students are facing extraordinary circumstances and have physical proof. Students have until Friday of the 4th week of classes to drop other classes with no notation, but after 2nd week, there is a fee charged. After 4th week, students need to get a petition from their counseling unit in order to drop any classes. If approved, students will pay a fee and a notation of the week the class was dropped will appear on the transcript. All fees are charged to students’ BAR accounts.
Q: What do I do if I had an emergency and need to drop all of my classes for the quarter?
A: This is called a “withdrawal”. If students have an emergency situation (hospitalization, death in family, etc.) where they know they will not be able to finish up their classes or will not be able to catch up in their coursework, students have the option of dropping all of their classes for the quarter if they are in good academic standing. A student may withdraw at any time during the quarter PRIOR TO TAKING THE FINAL EXAMS. Withdrawals require all the student’s professors to sign a petition, which then must be approved by the College of Letters and Science (A-316 Murphy). The withdrawal is noted on the student’s transcript, although there is no indication of the courses in which he/she was enrolled. Withdrawing from a quarter can affect financial aid, athletics, and on-campus housing status, so students should check with these departments before dropping classes.
Q: GRADUATE SCHOOLS / CAREER INFORMATION: I’m a pre-med student. Where should I go to receive counseling?
A: Our department has recently completed a pre-health requirements sheet for students wanting to go to professional school in a health-related field. You can feel free to pick one of these up in our office, Young Hall 4006. In general, it’s very helpful for students to start out taking a workshop at the Career Center. For more information on MCAT tests, information specific to medical schools, professional school workshops and a library of books and catalogs about professional schools, students should visit the Career Center in the Strathmore Building. For academic advice on what classes will work for medical school, students should visit the departmental counselors. Please refer to the Career Center Website and the College Academic Counseling Pre-Health Requirement sheet for more detailed information on pre-med requirements.
Q: I’m a pre-med student. Will this major meet the pre-med requirements?
A: All professional schools are different, so students should check the requirements for each school individually to make sure they are taking the correct classes to qualify for admissions. However, there are some standard science requirements that students usually need (1 year of general chem., 1 year of organic chem., 1 year of biology, 1 year of physics, 1 year of math, 1 course in biochemistry). The requirements for the Biochemistry major do cover most science requirements for medical school (NOT statistics), but students should always double-check individually with each school they are applying to. Please refer to the Career Center Website and the College Academic Counseling Pre-Health Requirement sheet for more detailed information on pre-med requirements.
Q: I’m planning on going to graduate school in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science. Who should I speak to?
A: General information about graduate study in chemistry, biochemistry and related fields is available in the Undergraduate Office. The Career Center also has a huge library of books about graduate schools and specific programs. For specific questions about graduate studies at UCLA, you can speak to a counselor in the Graduate Office (Young Hall 4009).
Q: What is the Departmental Scholars Program?
A: The Departmental Scholars Program is designed for exceptionally promising undergraduate students. The program allows undergraduate students to earn their Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemistry or biochemistry simultaneously. For more information, contact the Chemistry/Biochemistry Graduate Office located at Young Hall 4009.
Q: What career options are there for a Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science major?
A: For advice about careers in Chemistry/Biochemistry/Materials Science, you should consider enrolling in Chemistry 147 Careers in Chemistry, a 2-unit P/NP course offered Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters. You may also want to look at the Career Center Website for opportunities also.
Q: MISCELLANEOUS: How can I get tutoring in a Chemistry class?
A: If you would like to receive tutoring there are several options our office recommends. Weekly tutoring through AAP by AAP students (1209 Campbell). For students who desire one-on-one counseling, the undergraduate office compiles a list of graduate students who are willing to tutor college students. The list includes their contact information and the specific subjects they would be willing to teach. However, these tutoring services are not free and the tutor will set his/her own rates. To obtain this list, click here. This list is updated quarterly, except Summer. Office hours are held for all courses in Chemistry & Biochemistry. You are strongly encouraged to attend these. Alpha Chi Sigma also offers tutoring, please visit their website.
Q: How can I do research with a professor while I am still in school?
A: If you would like to get research experience at UCLA you have a few different options. If you would like to do a Student Research Program (SRP), which gives you lower division elective units and honors credit. Students receive 1 unit/50 hours a quarter. A student enrolls in SRP (Course 99) by submitting his/her signed SRP contract (available on MyUCLA) to the Undergraduate Research Center (2121 Life Sciences Building) by 5 pm on the Friday of second week for Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer quarters.
The Chemistry department also offers a research program for students interested in working with a chemistry professor, Chemistry 196 and 199. For this, students take the course for 4 units P/NP the first two quarters of research. To apply for a Chemistry 196 or 199 or to receive further information, students should visit Young Hall 4006 where the guidelines are outlined clearly. Please refer to the Undergraduate Student Handbook for detailed information on submitting the Research Tutorial Enrollment Instructions and submitting a research proposal.
Q: How can I find out about applying for awards and scholarships?
A: When our office is notified about scholarships and awards, we will post notices on the bulletin board outside our office and on our web site. We also send out notices on the Listserv, so students should make sure they are signed up for it to get the most current announcements from the department. In addition to the scholarship information available in the Undergraduate Office, the Scholarship Resource Center distributes materials on scholarships and other forms of merit-based financial aid. The Center is located in 233 Covel Commons. Call (310)-206-2875 for more information.
Q: Who do I see about possible room and/or time changes for my classes?
A: For information about possible room or time changes for Chemistry courses, check MyUCLA or visit the Undergraduate Office (Young Hall 4006).
Q: How do I get/remove an ‘Incomplete Grade’?
A: To receive an Incomplete in a course you must be passing the course with a grade of C or higher. Receiving an Incomplete is at the discretion of the Instructor and you must have extenuating circumstances as to why you need the Incomplete.
Incompletes must be made up the following quarter that you are a regular enrolled student at the University. If the Incomplete is not made up, it will lapse to an F. Details on making up the Incomplete are between you and the instructor and may be limited to {exmp: final exam, mid-terms, homework, final project}, this is decided by the instructor of the course.
When making up the Incomplete you should notify the instructor teaching the course the next quarter that you are making up the Incomplete, check when their exam dates are scheduled and if you can have access to their CCLE course materials. It is advised that you attend the lecture and discussion for the section, instructors have different teaching methods.
Extensions on Incompletes are rarely granted. If you have any questions on the policies on Incompletes please contact the Undergraduate office in 4006 Young Hall.
Q: Can I reschedule a final exam if I have a conflict?
A: There are no make-up final exams, please make sure there are no time conflicts in your finals exams for the quarter. Faculty will not provide a make-up exam for time conflicts on exams.
Should a situation arise that a final exam conflicts with a student’s religious observances, an alternate exam schedule will be set up between the student and instructor.
Q: What is the policy on Academic Dishonesty at UCLA?
A: Cheating will result in disciplinary action taken against you by the Dean of Students Office. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: copying (or permitting copying) from notes or from another student’s exam; plagiarizing on laboratory reports or from scientific papers; altering an exam or lab report before resubmitting for a grade. Presenting false medical excuses for missing exams is also grounds for disciplinary action. The consequences of cheating include dismissal from the University.
Q: Who should I speak to if I have compliments/complaints about an instructor?
A: At the end of each course, you will be given the opportunity to evaluate professors and teaching assistants. Those being evaluated take the comments seriously, so please provide honest evaluations that will help enhance their teaching and the course. If you need to make an immediate complaint and have already spoken with the instructor personally, you should speak to the Department Chair in 3010 Young Hall.