Academic Catalog

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

English Proficiency
Select one of the following:
ENGL 1ACOMPOSITION & READING5
ENGL 1AHHONORS COMPOSITION & READING5
ESLL 26ADVANCED COMPOSITION & READING5
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

Core Courses
CHEM 1AGENERAL CHEMISTRY5
CHEM 1BGENERAL CHEMISTRY5
CHEM 1CGENERAL CHEMISTRY & QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS5
CHEM 12AORGANIC CHEMISTRY4
CHEM 12ALORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
CHEM 12BORGANIC CHEMISTRY4
CHEM 12BLORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
CHEM 12CORGANIC CHEMISTRY4
CHEM 12CLORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY2
And three courses from the following:15
CALCULUS
HONORS CALCULUS I
CALCULUS
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 Units60