The major in Cannabis Biology and Chemistry leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. The major is a rigorous, interdisciplinary degree that has solid foundations in both biology and chemistry. In addition, a variety of supporting and general education courses are available to meet a wide range of interests, backgrounds and needs. The Cannabis Biology and Chemistry program prepares students to enter the workforce as scientists or technicians in a wide variety of different laboratories including agricultural and food, biology, chemistry, environmental science, and cannabis.

The Hemp Agriculture concentration leads to a CBC BS degree for those with more interest in agriculture.

Program Goals

• To supply students with the necessary coursework to serve as leaders in an emerging cannabis field, providing a non-biased, science-based approach to problem solving and data collection and analysis.
• To prepare students upon graduation to enter field positions in government or private industry.
• To provide students with the necessary background to successfully pursue graduate study towards a professional career in natural products, plant chemistry or biology, or agriculture.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skill in:

• Basic chemical and biological principles applied in these fields and how those principles can be applied to the emerging field of cannabis science.
• Cannabis physiology and growth, the pharmacological implications, and the practical applications for the industry.
• Use of contemporary instruments and techniques for studying plant biological and chemical processes.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to enhance their working relations with co-workers, other professionals, the public and non-governmental organizations.
• Reading and interpreting the scientific literature and presenting a synthesis or summation of it accurately in oral and / or written form.
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills using experimental design and the scientific process.

Outcomes Assessment Activities

Assessment of a student's improvement in intellectual skills, knowledge and capacities from entrance to graduation will be accomplished through the use of several tools. Exams and courses assignments will be used as one measure of proficiency in writing skills, acquisition of knowledge, communication, problem solving, and laboratory and field skills. All majors will take a senior seminar course requiring scientific literature interpretation along with oral and written presentations evaluated by peers and department faculty.

Specific Program Requirements

Courses with the following prefixes are online courses through Colorado State University (Fort Collins). These courses can be taken simultaneously through CSU Pueblo and CSU to fulfill coursework in this emphasis.

Specific Core Requirements

This will share the same Core coursework as other Cannabis Biology and Chemistry concentrations.

Additional Requirements

Note: CHEM 170 + CHEM 370 are equivalent in credit-hours to BIOL 171

Advisor-approved electives (9-11 credits required) - 6 credits must be upper-division coursework

Specific Graduation Requirements

Students majoring in cannabis biology and chemistry are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.000 or better in their chemistry and biology courses.

Planning Sheet

Disclaimer: The Planning Sheet is designed as a guide for student's planning their course selections. The information on this page provides only a suggested schedule. Actual course selections should be made with the advice and consent of an academic advisor. While accurately portraying the information contained in the college catalog, this form is not considered a legal substitute for that document. Students should become familiar with the catalog in effect at the time in which they entered the institution.

Enrollment in CHEM 121 requires successful placement exam score or completion of CHEM 111 with a grade of C or better, and completion of MATH 120 with a grade of C or better, or mathematics placement above MATH 120.  The placement exam is administered through the Testing Center - contact them to make arrangements.