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Las Positas College is an inclusive, learning-centered, equity-focused environment that offers educational opportunities and support for completion of students' transfer, degree, and career-technical goals while promoting lifelong learning.

Chemistry Associate of Science (AS)

About the Program

The AS - Chemistry degree prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions for continued study in the field of chemistry or for pre-professional studies for medical and dental programs. This program fulfills the lower-division requirements recommended by the American Chemical Society and is typical of requirements at four-year institutions. The program also satisfies lower division requirements in chemistry for engineering and biology transfer majors. General Education courses should be selected carefully to meet the requirements of the intended transfer institution. Some transfer institutions require more general education units than are required by the A.S. degree. Students should consult the catalog of the transfer institution for requirements and should consult a counselor for additional information.

Career Opportunities

The AS Chemistry degree provides entry-level opportunities as chemical or general laboratory technicians in industry and academia. Bachelor’s degree opportunities include careers in technician-level research and development, energy, biotechnology, forensic science, pharmaceuticals, materials research and production, petrochemicals, food science, environmental science, businesses requiring technical management, service and sales, technical and science writing, teaching science education; and entry into professional studies in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and others.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the AS in Chemistry, students are able to demonstrate proficiency in solving complex problems in and conceptual understanding of General Chemistry as measured by the ACS Full-Year General Chemistry Exam.
Upon completion of the AS in Chemistry, students are able to demonstrate proficiency in solving complex problems in and conceptual understanding of Organic Chemistry as measured by the ACS Full-Year Organic Chemistry Exam.
Upon successful completion of an AS in Chemistry, students are able to design and conduct laboratory experiments, and analyze and interpret their data.
Upon successful completion of an AS in Chemistry, students are able to effectively communicate the methods, analysis, results, and conclusions of their experiments.
Upon successful completion of an AS in Chemistry, students are able to quantitively analyze nature at the atomic scale by applying fundamental chemical concepts, ranging from atomic theory to organic synthesis.
Upon successful completion of an AS in Chemistry, students are able to skillfully perform experimental measurements, techniques, and protocols, properly use standard laboratory instruments, and adhere to safe laboratory practices.

Required Core: (40 Units)

Course Number	Course Title	Units
CHEM 1A	General College Chemistry I	5
CHEM 1B	General College Chemistry II	5
CHEM 12A	Organic Chemistry I	5
CHEM 12B	Organic Chemistry II	5
MATH 1	Calculus I	5
MATH 2	Calculus II	5
MATH 3	Multivariable Calculus	5
PHYS 1A	General Physics I	5

List A: Select One (5 Units)

Course Number	Course Title	Units
PHYS 1B	General Physics II	5
PHYS 1C	General Physics III	5

Total Units for the Major: 45

The Associate Degree is conferred upon those students who complete the required 60 or more semester units of the degree pattern with a grade-point average of 2.0 or better, of which 12 units must be earned at Las Positas College. In addition, students must complete a General Education pattern in order to earn a degree: see the Las Positas College General Education Pattern for Associate of Science (AS) Degree, California State University General Education-Breadth, or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (for CSU) patterns for listing of areas and courses. Double counting courses in GE and the major is permissible. The number of units that may be double counted will depend on the entry point to the degree program, the optional course(s) taken, and the GE pattern selected. Elective units are degree applicable. Consult with an adviser or a counselor to plan the courses necessary to achieve your academic goal.

Recommended Electives: