In this cluster, you will explore the wonders of our world by learning the physical and chemical processes that have shaped the earth through time. You will make progress towards a major in Earth & Planetary Science, through General Chemistry and its accompanying lab, laboratory work in the practical study of geology, and Calculus I. You will also fulfill the Physical Science breadth.
Course Descriptions
- CHEM 1A: General Chemistry, 3 Units. Stoichiometry of chemical reactions, quantum mechanical description of atoms, the elements and periodic table, chemical bonding, real and ideal gases, thermochemistry, introduction to thermodynamics and equilibrium, acid-base and solubility equilibria, introduction to oxidation-reduction reactions, introduction to chemical kinetics.
- CHEM 1AL: General Chemistry Laboratory, 2 Units. An experimental approach to chemical sciences with emphasis on developing fundamental, reproducible laboratory technique and a goal of understanding and achieving precision and accuracy in laboratory experiments. Proper use of laboratory equipment and standard wet chemical methods are practiced. Areas of investigations include chemical equilibria, spectroscopy, nanotechnology, green chemistry, and thermochemistry. Completion of, or concurrent enrollment in 1A is required.
- EPS 50: The Planet Earth, 4 Units. An introduction to the physical and chemical processes that have shaped the earth through time, with emphasis on the theory of plate tectonics. Laboratory work will involve the practical study of minerals, rocks, and geologic maps and exercises on geological processes.
- MATH 51: Calculus I, 4 Units. This course is intended for STEM majors. An introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, with applications and an introduction to transcendental functions. Prior to Fall 2025, this course was offered as Math 1A.
Meeting Schedule
- CHEM 1A: MWF 1:00-2:00 PM; Discussion W 12:00-1:00 PM
- CHEM 1AL: F 10:00-11:00 AM; Discussion R 2:00-5:00 PM
- EPS 50: TR 9:30-11:00 AM; Discussion M 3:00-6:00 PM
- MATH 51: TR 8:00-9:30 AM; Discussion MWF 9:00-10:00 AM
Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements
| Course | Major Prerequisites | L&S Breadth/General Requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHEM 1A | Prerequisite for Neuroscience, MCB, All EPS majors, IB | Physical Science L&S Breadth | |
| CHEM 1AL | Prerequisite for Neuroscience, MCB, All EPS majors, IB | N/A | |
| EPS 50 | Requirement for all EPS majors | Physical Science L&S Breadth | |
| MATH 51 | Requirement for Molecular & Cellular Biology and Integrative Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Astrophysics, Environmental Economics and Policy, Operations Research & Management Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, all EPS majors, Cognitive Science, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Psychology | N/A | |
* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration
