Study Abroad in Chemistry & Biochemistry

Can I receive major credit for chemistry coursework taken abroad?

Possibility: Receiving major credit for chemistry coursework taken abroad is indeed possible, subject to approval by the Chemistry and Biochemistry department.

Minimum Criteria: To qualify for UCSD chemistry credit for Study Abroad courses, each course must meet the following minimum criteria (once posted to your UCSD academic history) to receive the specified UCSD equivalency/credit:

• UC transferable (Verify with UCSD Admissions)
• Upper Division (if fulfilling an upper-division requirement)
• Taken before the expiration term (if applicable) listed on our pre-approved and taken outside of UCSD list
• Completed with a passing grade*
• For Chemistry and Biochemistry majors: the number of classes taken abroad does not affect the 48 upper-division major requirement or the department residency requirement. Consult a Chemistry/Biochemistry academic advisor for details.
• You may take up to 4 UD courses while abroad that can be applied towards your major requirements. *Note: You can only receive a maximum of ONE "D" in your upper-division major coursework for a major in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department.

Receiving UCSD Credit for Chemistry Courses Taken Abroad

Option A: Pre-Approved Courses

1. Check the pre-approved course list.
2. Email your Study Abroad Academic Planning Form to chemadvising@ucsd.edu (1-4 business days for processing).
3. After returning from studying abroad and passing your courses, contact the department via the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) to update your academic record once you see your coursework posted in your academic history.

Option B: Courses Not On the Pre-Approved List

1. Submit a pre-approval petition request before studying abroad (2-4 weeks processing time).
2. After approval, email your Study Abroad Academic Planning Form to chemadvising@ucsd.edu (1-4 business days for processing).
3. Update your academic record via VAC after course completion.
4. After returning from studying abroad and passing your courses, contact the department via the Virtual Advising Center (VAC) to update your academic record once you see your coursework posted in your academic history.

For details, visit the Transfer Credit page.

Conducting Chemistry Research and/or Lab Research Abroad

1. Email your UCSD Study Abroad Academic Planning Form to chemadvising@ucsd.edu. Allow 1-4 business days for processing.
2. AFTER returning from your research abroad, you must submit a course substitution petition with the required Course Substitution Auxiliary Form – Research through Study Abroad form and all specified documentation.
   • Through the course substitution petition students will be requesting to earn CHEM 197 credit for off campus chemistry/biochemistry research. They will also have the option to request for CHEM 197 to waive an upper division chemistry elective course requirement.
   • Note: We will NOT allow students to waive a lab elective or biochemistry elective.