Exploring the Sciences: Math, Chemistry & Neuroscience (12 Units)

Through coursework in Chemistry with its accompanying lab, math for the life sciences, and an exploration of drug-brain interactions, students will build a solid foundation while working toward majors such as Neuroscience, Molecular & Cell Biology (MCB), and Public Health.

Course Details

Click on the courses below for more detail. 

MATH 10A: Methods of Mathematics: Calculus, Statistics & Combinatorics (4 Units)

The sequence Math 10A, Math 10B is intended for majors in the life sciences. Introduction to differential and integral calculus of functions of one variable, ordinary differential equations, and matrix algebra and systems of linear equations.

 

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 Lab (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.

 

NEU C62: Drugs and the Brain (3 Units)

The history, chemical nature, botanical origins, and effects on the human brain and behavior of drugs such as stimulants, depressants, psychedelics, analgesics, antidepressants, antipsychotics, steroids, and other psychoactive substances of both natural and synthetic origin. The necessary biological, chemical, and psychological background material for understanding the content of this course will be contained within the course itself.

 

Meeting Schedule

  • MATH 10A: MWF 9-10 AM; Discussion T/Th 12:30-2:00 PM
  • CHEM 1A: MWF 11-12 PM; Discussion M 12-1 PM
  • CHEM 1AL: F 10-11 AM; Discussion W 1-4 PM
  • NEU C62: T/Th 5:00-6:30 PM; Discussions W 10-11 AM & M 10-11 AM

 

Major Prerequisites and L&S Breadth/General Requirements

Course Major Prereqs to Declare Major Lower Division L&S Breadth/General Requirements
MATH 10A Public Health*
Cog Sci*
Psychology*
Neuroscience*
IB*
MCB*
Enviro Earth Sci*
Marine Science*
N/A
CHEM 1A MCB
Neuroscience
IB
Atmospheric Science*
Planetary Science*
Enviro Earth Sci*
Geophysics*
Marine Science*
Physical Sciences
CHEM 1AL MCB
Neuroscience
IB
Atmospheric Science*
Planetary Science*
Enviro Earth Sci*
Geophysics*
Marine Science*
N/A
NEU C62 N/A N/A Biological Sciences

* = one of several classes that can satisfy requirement
+ = recommended, not required
^ = lower division requirement, not required for declaration