Chemistry
Program Description
Chemistry is often referred to as the "central science" because it overlaps with many life science and physical science disciplines. The knowledge gained in the study of chemistry may be applied to wide-ranging fields such as medicine, pharmacy science, engineering, or environmental science, among others. A chemistry associate degree is a great choice for students who want to explore science but are not sure about their specific career direction.
Students who complete an associate degree in chemistry will not only be well-prepared for transfer to a four-year college or university, but will gain skill in a number of laboratory techniques that will help them prepare for work in industry or undergraduate research. Foothill College provides a welcoming and supportive environment that will prepare students well for the mastery of concepts and laboratory skills in the chemistry AS degree program.
Learn more about the program on the Chemistry website.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will have knowledge of current theories and applications in the field of chemistry.
- Students will be able to effectively evaluate and assess scientific data and published work.
- Students will communicate effectively using the language of chemistry.
- Students will have facility in the safe handling of chemicals and the execution of common laboratory techniques.
Career Opportunities
Chemistry graduates work in a wide variety of highly rewarding careers. Students with an associate degree may work as lab technicians or research assistants. A bachelor degree in chemistry can lead to a career in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, or environmental science industries, as well as provide a strong foundation for graduate study in chemistry or medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. Chemistry graduates are sought after for their technical skills by a large number of employers in outside disciplines as well, including marketing and sales, scientific information, patent law, consulting, and material science. With an advanced degree, graduates can also pursue careers in academia as university professors, academic researchers, or college lecturers.
Award Type(s)
- AS = Associate in Science Degree
Units Required
- Major: 60
Additional Information
Note: Please refer to the catalog from the transfer institution of choice regarding a possible language requirement.
Associate Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| English Proficiency | ||
| Select one of the following: | ||
| ENGL 1A | COMPOSITION & READING | 5 |
| ENGL 1AH | HONORS COMPOSITION & READING | 5 |
| ESLL 26 | ADVANCED COMPOSITION & READING | 5 |
| or equivalent | ||
| Ethnic Studies | ||
| Any course in the ETHN (Ethnic Studies) subject code, currently approved for Area F of CSU GE and Area 7 of IGETC | ||
| Mathematics Proficiency | ||
| College-level math course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra | ||
A minimum of 90 units is required1 to include:
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns: Foothill General Education, CSU General Education Breadth Requirements or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)
- Core courses (60 units)
- 1
Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
Note: All courses pertaining to the major must be taken for a letter grade. In addition, a grade of "C" or better is required for all core courses used for the degree.
Core and Support Courses
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CHEM 1A | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| CHEM 1B | GENERAL CHEMISTRY | 5 |
| CHEM 1C | GENERAL CHEMISTRY & QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS | 5 |
| CHEM 12A | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 12AL | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 2 |
| CHEM 12B | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 12BL | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 2 |
| CHEM 12C | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | 4 |
| CHEM 12CL | ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY | 2 |
| And three courses from the following: | 15 | |
| CALCULUS | ||
or MATH 1AH | HONORS CALCULUS I | |
| CALCULUS | ||
or MATH 1BH | HONORS CALCULUS II | |
| CALCULUS | ||
| CALCULUS | ||
| DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | ||
| And 12 units from one of the following options: | 12 | |
| Option 1 | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS and GENERAL PHYSICS: CALCULUS SUPPLEMENT | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS and GENERAL PHYSICS: CALCULUS SUPPLEMENT | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS and GENERAL PHYSICS: CALCULUS SUPPLEMENT | ||
| Option 2 | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | ||
| GENERAL PHYSICS (CALCULUS) | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |