Ok so I was thinking about majoring in chemistry, specifically organic (minor in neuro/psycho-pharmacology). I was researching about which universities have chemistry programs available. So I came up with some in a nearby area. I don't really want to go too far. The one's I've come up with are: UC Berkeley, SF State, or UC Santa Cruz. Berkeley amongst those three is definitely the best chemistry school, but it will require a good amount of effort just to get in. On the other hand, how is SF state and UC Santa Cruz look in terms of chemistry/pharmacology? Anything other than those universities around the Bay Area (NorCal) with a good chemistry/pharmacology program (I don't plan on going to SoCal or the Central Valley)? One problem I have found is that no university actually offers majoring in organic chemistry (searched on their websites and on collegeboard.com), but in fact biochemistry. Is there a reason why they don't list it, or is it just for the fact that they don't have it.

Another question I had was how is the university of Amsterdam? I know it has a pretty good reputation but I was wondering how hard it is to actually get in. I've done a lot of googling and haven't found anything that really explains requirements other than saying you need a diploma (doesn't even say anything specific). Is it possible to come straight out of highschool, or will I need to go to community college for a couple of years? Also, how does the school system there work? For example here, to major in chemistry, you need to take chemistry 1a,1b,2a,2b blah blah, biology 1a,1b blah blah, physics, math and what not; totaling up to a huge amount of classes/credits. How does Europe's university system work in those terms?

Thanks.

So no one teaches this course or what? Where's Mr.Hoffman?

No they all teach it, but I'm wondering why you can't major in it. My best educated guess would be that majoring in organic chemistry would be equal to biochemistry. I'm completely stumped about majoring in pharmacology.

No they all teach it, but I'm wondering why you can't major in it. My best educated guess would be that majoring in organic chemistry would be equal to biochemistry. I'm completely stumped about majoring in pharmacology.

I've never heard of a "organic chemistry" major. Usually it's just called "chemistry" and you take o-chem among other things. And, you don't "major" in pharmacology, you go to pharm school.

Most likely every school in the US has a chemistry major. Some are better than others. Obviously a big-ass research university is going to have better facilities than a small piece of shit liberal arts school. I'd only let your major be 1 factor in your decision process though. There's a ton of other things to consider.

Getting in these days is so tough it's literally ridiculous. Good luck w/ Berkley and any other tier 1 schools you're considering. You'll be competing w/ kids who win science olympiads and whatnot.. medals and certificates out the ass. Your shit better shine.

As far as credits go... you need a certain amount for every major (depending on what it is). You'll get to choose what you want to take, but expect to take basket weaving and wood carving in addition to science and math courses.

I've never heard of a "organic chemistry" major. Usually it's just called "chemistry" and you take o-chem among other things. And, you don't "major" in pharmacology, you go to pharm school.

Most likely every school in the US has a chemistry major. Some are better than others. Obviously a big-ass research university is going to have better facilities than a small piece of shit liberal arts school. I'd only let your major be 1 factor in your decision process though. There's a ton of other things to consider.

Getting in these days is so tough it's literally ridiculous. Good luck w/ Berkley and any other tier 1 schools you're considering. You'll be competing w/ kids who win science olympiads and whatnot.. medals and certificates out the ass. Your shit better shine.

As far as credits go... you need a certain amount for every major (depending on what it is). You'll get to choose what you want to take, but expect to take basket weaving and wood carving in addition to science and math courses.

Wow thanks a lot for all this info.; I was actually planning to go to UC Berkeley from DVC, a local community college so that should make it easier.

I am majoring in Pharmaceutical and chemical sciences in Europe and boy i couldn't be happier!
My course is a mixture of Organic chemistry, Biochemistry, biology and pharmacy. Its truly great. I hope to continue my studies somewhere in the USA.

All i can tell you is to look at the content of the course very very carefully! Call the universities and annoy them about it, tell them you need detailed plans and all!

good luck!

I've seen schools before where you could major in Chemistry, but they also had a separate degree where you specifically majored in Organic. Don't know how common this is, but it's definitely possible.

I've never looked into it, but there has to be a way to major in Pharmacology. It's a science, and a Pharmacist and a Pharmacology major are not the same thing.

I've seen schools before where you could major in Chemistry, but they also had a separate degree where you specifically majored in Organic. Don't know how common this is, but it's definitely possible.

This is true. My organic professor got his doctorate in "organic chemistry" from somewhere in Australia, he said, but it still proves it's possible.

This is true. My organic professor got his doctorate in "organic chemistry" from somewhere in Australia, he said, but it still proves it's possible.

A doctorate and a degree are not the same thing though...

I'd be very surprised if you could gain an undergraduate degree in "organic chemistry" - it would be odd to remove all the other things which are required in order to have a full grasp of the subject, perhpas like having a degree in "calculus" without understanding the rest of pure mathematics...

Pretty sure you need to do a degree in "Chemistry" and then you can do postgrade stuff in the more specific "Organic Chemistry".

I've never heard of an "Organic Chemistry Degree" for undergraduates.

if you want to go to ucb just take jc, get like a 4.0 (who are you competing with?), and you're practically guaranteed a transfer into cal.

i know quite a few people who did this, and 2 of them are going to ucsf for pharm school right now

A doctorate and a degree are not the same thing though...

I'd be very surprised if you could gain an undergraduate degree in "organic chemistry" - it would be odd to remove all the other things which are required in order to have a full grasp of the subject, perhpas like having a degree in "calculus" without understanding the rest of pure mathematics...

Well, a doctorate and an undergraduate degree aren't the same but a doctorate is a degree, I assure you.

But, you're right, I've never heard of an undergrad degree in organic. I'm pretty sure the AS/BS would be in chemistry as a whole.

Fucking Berkley. I would willingly sacrifice one of my fingers simply to have full access to their archives.

For whoever asked, some Pharm schools (including the one at my uni) offer a "Pharmacology and Toxicology" degree. Very specific, interesting classes, but basically the only thing the degree is good for is beefing up a resume for Grad School admissions to a Pharmacology or Toxicology program, which is almost as easily accomplished with a simple Chemistry or Biology degree.

UC Santa Barbara is the only UC to have Pharmacology for undergrads.

Don't think all Org Chem is all molecules. Go look up what an disateromer is (I think thats how you spell it). You get tons of annoying shit like that.

I gotz me a sick ass undergraduate research job working under one of the biggest research teams in the US starting in febuary. We're developing mu and o opiods chimeras that are designed to reduce tolerance and constipation for long term use. Of which I'm getting simultaneously getting hour-for-hour credit in pharmacology, biochemistry and organic synthesis.

So yeah, chemistry is chemistry, and any chem professor can teach you that. The difference is how much research $$$ the school gets and what projects the research professors are working on. Search for one or two research professors with projects that greatly interest you and you're in business. Research will also pay for almost all of your college expenses and you typically get a monthly "leisure" stipend.

I gotz me a sick ass undergraduate research job working under one of the biggest research teams in the US starting in febuary. We're developing mu and o opiods chimeras that are designed to reduce tolerance and constipation for long term use. Of which I'm getting simultaneously getting hour-for-hour credit in pharmacology, biochemistry and organic synthesis

Nice job if you can get it!

Who are you working for?

Nice job if you can get it!

Who are you working for?

Dr. Victor Hruby.

Dr. Victor Hruby.


Seriously????????????

Seriously????????????

For sure. Hruby's such a wierd person. He has ADD worst than I do...

For sure. Hruby's such a wierd person. He has ADD worst than I do...

hahaha damn man, you got yourself a nice place there!

Keep it tight!