Degrees & Certificates
Chemistry
Associate in Science
2022-2023
About the Program
The Chemistry Program offers a comprehensive curriculum to prepare students for transfer and completion of an Associate’s degree with a strong emphasis on the hands-on use of research grade instrumentation, chemical safety, and sustainable practices. The Program encourages and supports student participation in independent study projects and lab internships. Courses offered by the program fulfill many academic requirements including general education requirements in the Natural Sciences.
About the Degree
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.
| Course | 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 |
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| PHYS 1B General Physics II | 5 |
| PHYS 1C General Physics III | 5 |
| Course | Units |
|---|---|
| CMST 1 Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| CMST 10 Interpersonal Communication | 3 |
ᅀRequired if a student uses the Las Positas College General Education Pattern for Associate of Science (AS) Degree
| Units Category | Units |
|---|---|
| Total Units in the Major | 45 |
| Units Category | Units |
|---|---|
| General Education Pattern | Total Units Required |
| AS | 60 |
| CSU GE-B | 77 |
| IGETC (CSU) | 75 |
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:
BIO 30 Introduction to College Biology
BIO 40 Humans and the Environment
CS 1 Computing Fundamentals
MATH 5 Ordinary Differential Equations
MATH 7 Elementary Linear Algebra
PHYS 1B General Physics II
PHYS 1C General Physics III
PHYS 1D General Physics IV
Updated: July 2022