Chemistry is a fundamental science that serves as a cornerstone for driving innovation and scientific and industrial advancement. It contributes directly to vital sectors such as healthcare, environmental protection, engineering, agriculture, and manufacturing industries. Chemists play a pivotal role in improving quality of life by enhancing food safety, designing advanced materials, and addressing major global challenges such as pollution and climate change. Through the integration of theoretical knowledge, practical training, and scientific research, academic chemistry programs equip students with the skills and expertise necessary to build successful professional careers or pursue postgraduate studies in diverse fields including medicine, pharmacy, and materials science. Accordingly, studying chemistry is considered the ideal choice for students with scientific curiosity and a desire to find practical solutions to local and global challenges.
The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program at King Khalid University is one of the oldest and most distinguished programs among Saudi universities. It was established on 11/3/1419H and has undergone continuous development since its inception, most notably through the implementation of the recently updated curriculum introduced in the academic year 1446H. This revised curriculum aligns with the Learning Outcomes Readiness Standards set by the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, which include standardized competency exams adopted as a basis for employment. It is also consistent with national education policies and contributes to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. Furthermore, the curriculum incorporates modern skills and outcomes aligned with the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the field of chemistry.
The program’s development was further guided by benchmarking against peer programs at internationally renowned universities, based on global rankings. These included: University of California, Berkeley; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; in addition to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
Recognizing the Kingdom’s leading role in the field of chemistry and the strong employment opportunities it provides, the updated program offers five specialized tracks:
- Fundamental Chemistry
- Environmental Chemistry
- Industrial Chemistry
- Petroleum Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry
These tracks open wide-ranging career opportunities across both public and private sectors, as detailed below:
Public Sector:
- Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)
- Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO)
- National Center for Meteorology and Environmental Protection
- Forensic Laboratories
- Weapons, Ammunition, and Explosives Departments
- General Directorates of Water
- Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC)
- Municipal Authority Laboratories
- Toxicology and Blood Research Laboratories within the General Directorates of Health Affairs
- Environmental Laboratories at the Royal Commission
- Research and Development Laboratories at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST)
- King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy
Private Sector:
- Oil companies such as Saudi Aramco
- Metals and petrochemical companies such as SABIC
- Chemical companies such as Chemanol
- Cement, paints, and building materials industries
- Food, beverage, and dairy product industries
- Fertilizer, chemical, and petrochemical industries (oils and lubricants)
- Detergents, solvents, and paste manufacturers
- Pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries
Mission:
Preparing competitor graduates in the labor market and graduate studies as well as contribute to community service
Objectives:
1. To prepare competitor graduates in the labor market.
2. To qualify chemists to complete graduate programs.
3. To contribute in community service and volunteer work.
Graduate attributes:
1. Qualified graduates in chemical sciences and have responsibility and citizenship towards society.
2. Graduates recognize theories and basic principles and have the basic practical skills in chemical sciences.
3. Graduates have skills in reaching targeted data in the field of chemistry, utilizing analytical instruments, and analyzing and interpreting experimental results.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge:
To demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental theories and concepts in chemistry
To recognize the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, and biology related to chemical science
To outline the recent experimental findings, developments, and applications of chemistry in life
Skills:
To show appropriate applications of skills, methods, techniques, and practices in chemistry to solve problems
To demonstrate good practice of methods of investigation and research in chemistry and related fields
To illustrate appropriate use of chemicals and equipment for carrying out experiments following safety procedures
To interpret and evaluate chemical data from the literature and experimental results
Value:
To demonstrate social responsibility and ethical principles
To show independency and working effectively in peer relationships for solving problems
To acquire self-confidence to enter job market or integrate graduate programs
To show effective oral and written communication
To transmit relevant technical information from database and professional search engines
To be a Saudi national or from a Saudi mother.
Obtaining a national identity.
He should not have been dismissed academically or disciplinaryly from the university or any other Saudi university.
Not more than five years have elapsed from the date of receiving the general secondary certificate.
Obtaining a Bachelor of Science major in Chemistry requires completing the study of 126 credit hours, equivalent to 157 actual credit hours, which are studied over four years, with eight semesters, with a general grade of no less than acceptable.