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All of life is made of atoms and molecules. UW Bothell chemists explore the atomic and molecular nature of the world in order to understand life and the universe, our impacts on the environment, and how to make the world better. We also make a lot of liquid nitrogen ice cream. Learn more about the admissions process and how to apply.
Chemistry degree options
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS) allows students to pursue a rigorous curriculum focused on the atomic and molecular nature of the world around us. The degree includes the traditional areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical) and several modern interdisciplinary areas, including biochemistry, computational chemistry, atmospheric chemistry, and electro-analytical chemistry.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Biochemistry (BS)
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Biochemistry (BS) allows students to pursue a rigorous curriculum focused on the atomic and molecular nature of the world around us. The degree includes the traditional areas of chemistry (organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical), with the additional concentration on Biochemistry.
Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry (BA) combines a rigorous curriculum covering the foundations of chemistry with a career track for students who want to become middle or high school teachers.
Minor in Chemistry
The Chemistry minor is an excellent choice for students in other STEM majors, especially Biology, Physics, Engineering, and Environmental Science and those preparing for further study in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, and forensics. By pursuing the Chemistry minor, you demonstrate to prospective employers or graduate schools the depth and rigor of your academic preparation and laboratory experience.
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Transfer applicants:
Pre-health students:
Chemistry program goals
Upon graduating with a Chemistry major, students will have learned the following skills:
- Knowledge base. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific method and modern molecular concepts in fundamental chemistry disciplines (organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemical).
- Problem solving. Apply a diverse set of methods to qualitatively and quantitatively solve problems in different chemistry disciplines.
- Communication. Communicate scientific and chemical information effectively in various forms (oral, written, and mathematical) using appropriate terminology to diverse audiences (scientific and non-scientific).
- Laboratory skills. Demonstrate a broad set of practical and applied lab skills, including appropriate chemical hygiene, analyzing data, and applying principles and use of modern lab instrumentation.
- Professional development. Exercise professional skills of a scientist, including employing collaboration within a diverse community and displaying awareness of scientific ethics, in order to successfully pursue career opportunities in graduate school, industry, government, education, or other fields.
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Chemistry research at UW Bothell
Chemistry faculty at UW Bothell are helping to expand our knowledge of the world. Faculty research focuses on topics such as biochemistry and enzyme kinetics, molecular modeling/drug discovery, electro-analytical chemistry and environmental and atmospheric chemistry. Research is an integral part of the Chemistry program at UW Bothell. Chemistry majors actively participate in research by designing and carrying out experiments, writing scientific papers and presenting at regional and national conferences.
Read more about faculty and student research
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Careers in chemistry
Studying Chemistry at UW Bothell provides students with the knowledge and hands-on experience to be successful chemists and also to pursue many other related careers. Our Chemistry graduates are fully prepared to enter a wide variety of occupations or to pursue further studies at graduate schools or dental, pharmacy or medical schools. Chemists find satisfying and rewarding work in a wide array of industries and organizations, including:
- Analytical services
- Environmental consulation
- Industrial labs
- Manufacturing companies
- Medicinal labs
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Primary and secondary education
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Course resources
Downloadable resources
For a visual representation of the information on this page, download the following PDF resources:
Course descriptions
To see descriptions and prerequisites for each course, visit the Chemistry course descriptions page.
Overlapping coursework
A single course cannot satisfy more than one departmental requirement. For example, B CHEM 315 (Quantitative Environmental Analysis + lab) fulfills a core requirement but does not fulfill any upper-division chemistry elective credit.
Petitioning coursework
Chemistry coursework that is not included in the curriculum lists below is considered on a case-by-case basis. Submit a petition to have a course considered for a requirement.
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Degree requirements
All UW Bothell Chemistry majors must complete the following requirements to earn their degree:
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Admission Prerequisites
Applicants for any one of the three Chemistry degree programs must complete all of the following coursework (or equivalent) prior to entry into their program. Visit the Admissions page for more information.
- STMATH 124: Calculus I (5 credits)
- STMATH 125: Calculus II (5 credits)
- STMATH 126: Calculus III (5 credits)
- B CHEM 143+144: General Chemistry I + Lab (6 credits)
- B CHEM 153+154: General Chemistry II + Lab (6 credits)
- B CHEM 163+164: General Chemistry III + Lab (6 credits)
- B CHEM 237: Organic Chemistry I (4 credits)
- B CHEM 238+241: Organic Chemistry II + Lab 1 (7 credits)
- B CHEM 239+242: Organic Chemistry III + Lab 2 (7 credits)
Major Requirements
In addition to the prerequisites above, students must complete one of the following sets of degree-specific curriculum.
B.A. in Chemistry
- B PHYS 121: Mechanics + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 122: Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 123: Waves + Lab (5 credits)
- STMATH 207, 208, 224, or 341: Higher Level Math (5 credits)
- B CHEM 294: Chemistry Seminar (1 credit)
- B CHEM 312: Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- B CHEM 315: Quantitative Environmental Analysis + Lab (5 credits)
- B CHEM 401: Physical Chemistry I (4 credits)
- B CHEM 402: Physical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- B CHEM 495: Investigative Chemistry I (3 credits)
- B CHEM 497: Apprenticeship in Chemistry Education (5 credits)
- Upper division Chemistry electives; must include one additional lab (9 credits)
- Additional coursework as needed to reach 180-credit minimum for graduation
B.S. in Chemistry (general option)
- B PHYS 121: Mechanics + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 122: Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 123: Waves + Lab (5 credits)
- STMATH 207, 208, 224, or 341: Higher Level Math (5 credits)
- B CHEM 294: Chemistry Seminar (1 credit)
- B CHEM 315: Quantitative Environmental Analysis + Lab (5 credits)
- B CHEM 401: Physical Chemistry I (4 credits)
- B CHEM 402: Physical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- B CHEM 495: Investigative Chemistry I (3 credits)
- B CHEM 312: Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- B CHEM 313: Inorganic Chemistry II (3 credits)
- B CHEM 364: Biochemistry I (5 credits)
- B CHEM 404: Physical Chemistry Lab (4 credits)
- B CHEM 426: Instrumental Analysis + Lab (5 credits)
- Upper-division Chemistry electives (16 credits)
- Upper-division STEM electives (5 credits)
B.S. in Chemistry (biochemistry option)
- B PHYS 121: Mechanics + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 122: Electromagnetism and Oscillatory Motion + Lab (5 credits)
- B PHYS 123: Waves + Lab (5 credits)
- STMATH 207, 208, 224, or 341: Higher Level Math (5 credits)
- B CHEM 294: Chemistry Seminar (1 credit)
- B CHEM 315: Quantitative Environmental Analysis + Lab (5 credits)
- B CHEM 401: Physical Chemistry I (4 credits)
- B CHEM 402: Physical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- B CHEM 495: Investigative Chemistry I (3 credits)
- B BIO 180: Introductory Biology I + Lab (5 credits)
- B BIO 200: Introductory Biology II + Lab (5 credits)
- B CHEM 364: Biochemistry I (5 credits)
- B CHEM 365: Biochemistry II (5 credits)
- B CHEM 366: Biochemistry Lab (5 credits)
- B CHEM 375: Molecular Biology (5 credits)
- B CHEM 404: Physical Chemistry Lab (4 credits)
- B CHEM 426: Instrumental Analysis + Lab (5 credits)
- Upper-division Chemistry electives (7 credits)
Other University Requirements
In addition to the prerequisites and major requirements listed above, students must complete the following requirements to earn a bachelor's degree.
General Education Requirements
The following courses are allowed to overlap with your departmental requirements or with your Areas of Knowledge requirements but not with each other. Click the links below for detailed descriptions.
- English Composition (C) (5 credits)
- Additional Writing (W) (10 credits)
- Quantitative & Symbolic Reasoning (QSR) (5 credits). Chemistry students complete this requirement automatically via their departmental requirements.
- Diversity (DIV) (3 credits). Almost all DIV courses also fulfill Areas of Knowledge requirements for I&S or sometimes VLPA (see below).
Areas of Knowledge Requirements
The following courses are allowed to overlap with your departmental requirements or with your general education requirements but not with each other. Visit the Areas of Knowledge page for detailed descriptions.
- Arts & Humanities (A&H) (15 credits)
- Social Sciences (SSc) (15 credits)
- Natural Sciences (NSc) (15 credits). Chemistry students complete this requirement automatically via their departmental requirements.
University Graduation Requirements
In addition to all requirements outlined above, you must also meet the following baccalaureate level requirements. Visit the graduation requirements page for detailed descriptions.
- 180 credit minimum. You must earn a minimum of 180 credits. This includes your transfer coursework and any coursework taken at the University of Washington.
- Matriculated credit minimum. You must earn a minimum of 45 credits at the University of Washington.
- Senior residency. Of your last 60 credits that count towards any degree requirements, a minimum of 45 must be completed at your home campus (UW Bothell).
- Minimum GPA. You must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 for all of your coursework taken at the University of Washington.
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