BS in Chemistry in the Philippines

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Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (BS Chem) is a four-year degree program that teaches students the conduct of standard laboratory procedures involved in chemistry and the use of chemical instrumentation in analytical and synthetic work. Important skills such as monitoring, observation, and measurement of chemical properties, systematic recording, and documentation are also included in its curriculum. Students will be knowledgeable about designing experiments and understand and identifying the limitations of every experimental approach.

Recommended Senior High School Strand

Students who want to pursue a degree in Chemistry are encouraged to take the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand under the Academic Track. The strand provides the basics of applied mathematics and sciences that will be useful in their college life.

Subjects and Curriculum

General Chemistry
Principles of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Biochemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Instrumental Methods of Analysis Laboratory
Chemistry Seminar
Chemistry Research

Admission Requirements

Qualifications

The student must be a high school graduate.

However, if they were not able to graduate high school, they may opt to take the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement Test (PEPT) to qualify for college; the availability of courses for PEPT passers depend on the university.

The students must pass the College Admissions Test of the university.

Basic Requirements

Form 138 - High School Report Card (Original and Photocopy)
Recommendation letter from High school principal and guidance counselor
Most recent medical and dental health record
Copy of NSO Certified birth certificate
Certificate of Good moral character
Copy of honorable dismissal
Copy of high school diploma
(1) Latest 2”x2” ID Picture

Program Outcome

Graduates of BS in Chemistry are expected to be able to:

Show knowledge and mastery of the core areas of chemistry: inorganic, organic, physical, biological, and analytical
Collect data through standard laboratory tools using classical techniques
Create solutions for chemistry problems using current disciplinary and interdisciplinary principles
Abide with professional, social, and ethical responsibilities in the industry

On-The-Job Training/Internship

During the fourth year of the program, students are required to attend an On the Job Training (OJT) in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage companies, cosmetics companies, oil and petroleum companies, mineral companies, and chemical manufacturing companies, and clinical facilities.

Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an actual work setting. Usually, universities require them to submit a written report on their tasks, learning experiences, and hours rendered. Their work performance will also be evaluated by their immediate managers and will be submitted to their respective OJT coordinator. The number of hours required may differ in each university.

Board Exam

To become a Licensed Chemist in the Philippines, a graduate of BS in Chemistry needs to pass the Chemist Licensure Examination. The examination is conducted by the Board of Chemistry under the supervision of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of BS in Chemistry may pursue a career path in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage companies, cosmetics companies, oil and petroleum companies, mineral companies, and chemical manufacturing companies, and clinical facilities. They may apply as a process chemist, industrial chemist, agricultural chemist, analytical chemist, clinical biochemist, cosmetic chemist, chemical analyst, or a chemistry teacher or professor.

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Reviews of BS in Chemistry graduates:

A. D.

◈ Studied BS Chemistry
◈ At University of the Philippines Los Banos
◈ Graduated 2011

Why did I choose Chemistry: All throughout high school, I enjoyed my science subjects especially Chemistry. To add to that, my 3rd year chemistry teacher acknowledged my potential and inspired me to become a chemist. This motivated be to take the learning further and take BS Chemistry.

About my college education: Chemistry is a very wide field of study. During your first year, most of your subjects will be relatively easy, just like in high school you'll have general chemistry, mathematics, physics, biology, and GE subjects of your choice, as well as PE classes. But starting second year onward, subjects start to get more complicated and challenging. Studying organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and industrial chemistry is very difficult.

The lecture classes, most of the time, are large classes being taught by professors with doctorate degree. They have years of teaching experience and unparalleled expertise in their specific subject matter. The laboratory classes are smaller classes being taught mostly by younger instructors. The instructors may be young and inexperienced, but they are really good too. Most of them are UP graduates with honours or have aced in their licensure exam and most are currently taking masteral degrees. I enjoyed laboratory classes more than the lecture because it's easier to learn when you are doing experiments hands-on rather than just sitting and listening to the lecture.

In chemistry, you actually need to understand the concept instead of just memorizing it because the exams are rarely objective, most exams are like problem solving, sometimes you need to compute or sometimes you have to analyze chemical reactions. And yes, a lot of students fail and repeat some subjects. Some subjects are even seasonal, meaning they are offered for a specific semester every year, thus, a lot of students also get delayed because they have to wait another year to take the subject again. In addition, most of the subjects are like a series, you have to pass the first one before moving on to the next.

Two things I enjoyed most in college: Field Trips and Academic Organization! Different subjects have different field trip destinations. I really enjoyed joining these trips, aside from gaining extra credits in your class, you also get a glimpse in the industry that you will soon be a part of. Joining an academic org on the other hand, provides you with different extra curricular activities that will hone your leadership skills, time management skill as well as professionalism, and so much more. My academic organization actually made me versatile, competent and it gave me an edge.

My current job: I am a quality assurance specialist in charge of laboratory testings. My tests involve gas chromatography, titration, moisture analysis, refractive index and density calculations.

Am I using what I learned in college: Surprisingly, I was able to use a lot of chemistry theories in my current and past jobs. Analytical chemistry has been very useful to me. The laboratory techniques also are important and helpful.

In addition to that, the leadership and time management skills that I have developed in college are very much useful in the industry as well.

How long did it take to find a job: 3 weeks.

Do I recommend studying Chemistry: When you study BS Chemistry, you will have a lot of options. Chemistry can be a Pre-Med or a Pre-Law course. You can take Masters Degree as well for further learning. You can enter the academe and teach future chemists. You can also enter the industry, where a lot of different fields can be filled by a chemist.

Depending on the position and on the company, the salary level actually varies. But it is very easy to find one that can give you a satisfying amount with good benefits.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Being a chemistry student was indeed challenging. However, with the right amount of study and fun, you will be able to have the best college learning experience that you can be proud of. Failures and hardships are inevitable, you just have to move forward each time. Do not burden yourself and do not let the pressure get to you.

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