New “Chemistry and Biochemistry 1: Connections in Chemistry and Biochemistry” course
helps first-year students succeed at UCLA and in the future.

Open to all first-year Chemistry and Biochemistry majors, the course is designed to help students build academic skills, navigate challenges, and thrive in their Chemistry and Biochemistry studies and beyond. 

As students embark on their journey as a Chemistry or Biochemistry major, it is crucial that they not only master the fundamental concepts of the discipline but also cultivate effective study habits, learn how to navigate academic challenges, build a supportive community among their peers, and connect with older students in these majors to form a support system for their social, academic, and professional growth.

The course was co-developed by Department Chair Professor Alex Spokoyny and Assistant Teaching Professor Dory DeWeese, who together taught its inaugural class in Fall 2025. DeWeese, who joined the UCLA faculty in 2024, is an expert in inclusive chemistry education. She will continue to lead the course with fellow Assistant Teaching Professors Jazmin Aguilar-Romero and Patrick Wilson, who both joined the department in July 2025 and are also specialists in chemistry education. The next class will be taught in the 2026 Fall Quarter.

“It is extremely exciting to see how we are able to provide our students with a higher-quality and more nuanced educational experience,” says Department Chair Professor Alex Spokoyny. “I am very grateful to everyone in the department who contributed to developing this course from the ground up and who provided thoughtful feedback throughout the process. Having been an undergraduate student at UCLA myself more than 20 years ago, I can’t help but wish that opportunities like this had existed when I was a student.”

Through the course, students developed valuable study skills, including time management and metacognitive skills, while exploring the landscape of chemistry and biochemistry research—from core subdisciplines to current research taking place within the department and university. They also learned about careers in Chemistry and Biochemistry and how they could apply the fundamentals they learn at UCLA to solve some of our most pressing challenges. 

“This course is about helping students feel supported, confident, and connected from the very start of their time at UCLA,” says Assistant Teaching Professor Dory DeWeese. “By centering community, belonging, and practical academic skills, we’re working to create a more equitable learning environment where all students can thrive in Chemistry and Biochemistry and see a clear path forward.”

Students also became familiar with the department’s resources, faculty, research opportunities, and professional development activities, which will help them plan their academic paths, participate in research, and build connections with faculty and fellow students. At the end of the quarter, guest speakers from UCLA research labs shared insights into undergraduate research opportunities and the role of research in advancing scientific knowledge and improving lives.

“I feel that Chem 1 helped me build a foundation for success through assignments such as making SMART goals, exploring potential research groups, and creating a professional LinkedIn profile,” says Biochemistry undergraduate student Celeste Willey. “By taking Chem 1, I gained a community within the department and connected with my peers over a shared interest in chemistry. The existence of Chem 1 as a course for students demonstrates the care the department has for its student experience and success, boosting my confidence that this is a place where I can thrive and find the support I need in pursuit of a degree in Biochemistry at UCLA.”

The course also emphasized student wellness strategies, which help students develop best practices for overall wellness during their transition to college, acknowledging each student’s own individual experience. 

While this course is currently only available for incoming freshman students, plans are also underway to develop a similar course for transfer students, who face a distinct set of logistical onboarding challenges when coming to UCLA.