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 understand basic chemical and biological principles applied in these fields and how those principles can be applied to the emerging field of cannabis science.
• Students will understand cannabis physiology and growth, the pharmacological implications, and the practical applications for the industry.
• Students will use contemporary instruments and techniques for studying plant biological and chemical processes.
• Students will develop communication and interpersonal skills to enhance their working relations with co-workers, other professionals, the public and non-governmental organizations.
• Students will develop skills in reading and interpreting the scientific literature and in presenting a synthesis of it accurately in oral and written form.
• Students will demonstrate 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.

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 Program 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.