Chemistry

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.

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Degree options

Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

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. It allows students enough flexibility in their schedule to more easily pursue an interdisciplinary education by combining the major with additional courses, a minor, or even a second major.

Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (general option)

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (general option) 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 (Biochemistry option)

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Biochemistry option) 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.

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.

Learning goals

Upon graduating with a Chemistry major, students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific method and modern molecular concepts in fundamental chemistry disciplines (organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemical). (Knowledge base)
  2. Apply a diverse set of methods to qualitatively and quantitatively solve problems in different chemistry disciplines. (Problem solving)
  3. Communicate scientific and chemical information effectively in various forms (oral, written, and mathematical) using appropriate terminology to diverse audiences (scientific and non-scientific). (Communication)
  4. 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. (Laboratory)
  5. 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. (Professional development)

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:

  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Medicinal labs
  • Analytical services
  • Environmental quality labs
  • Industrial labs
  • Manufacturing companies
  • Middle and high schools