New First-Year Students

Dear Prospective First Year Student,

Welcome to UC San Diego and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry! 

We know you have a lot of choices to make in the upcoming months, about where to go and what to study in college.  We're thrilled you're here and encourage you to consider UC San Diego and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.  Our 5 majors are designed to prepare you for your future careers.

In your first year, you'll be taking foundational courses in and outside of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department (writing, math or logic, physics, and research methods) to help lay the groundwork for your future Upper Division courses. Each of our major pages includes a four-year plan to help you choose classes that are right for you, and our advisors are happy to help provide additional support. We also highly encourage students to get involved on campus, including research, internships, instructional apprenticeships, study abroad, clubs, and more. We offer a variety of workshops, programs, and events throughout the year to support and enhance your educational experience.

Our FAQs are linked here for our first year students. 

We invite you to participate in our Orientation session in the Fall to learn even more!

We look forward to meeting you and hope you find your community here at UC San Diego!

Sincerely,

Chemistry and Biochemistry Academic Advising