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 will find an impressive array of opportunities for exciting careers in a wide range of fields due to their coursework. Potential careers include basic research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, forensic science, food science, environmental protection, new product and process development, material science and semiconductors, and education. Aside from careers in research and development in the chemical industry, there is a need for technically trained people in non-traditional areas such as marketing and sales, scientific information, patent law, health and safety, and handling of hazardous materials. Academic careers for chemists include university teaching and science teaching in secondary schools, an area that will expand greatly in the future. A bachelor degree can also provide a strong foundation for graduate study at medical, dental, veterinary, and pharmacy schools. Students with chemistry degrees have been notably successful in these areas.
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
A minimum of 90 units is required1 to complete the associate degree, including:
- Core courses for the major (60 units total)
- Completion of one of the following general education patterns:
- Foothill College General Education
- Summer Session 2025 only–CSU General Education Breadth (CSU GE Breadth)2
- Summer Session 2025 only–Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)2
- Beginning Fall Quarter 2025–California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)3
- 1
Additional elective course work may be necessary to meet the 90-unit minimum requirement for the associate degree.
- 2
Summer Session 2025 is the final term during which CSU GE Breadth and IGETC may be used. Please see a counselor for more information.
- 3
Cal-GETC begins in Fall Quarter 2025. Please see a counselor for more information.
Note: A grade of "C" (or "P") or better is required for all core courses used for the degree. In addition, the student must obtain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Refer to the Associate in Arts & Associate in Science Degree Requirements page for complete information about graduation requirements and catalog rights.
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 | ||
| LINEAR ALGEBRA | ||
| 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 | |