General Studies A.A. with Area of Concentration in Chemistry

Program Description

This is a recommended program of study for students planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a degree in pharmacy.

Graduates of the Chemistry Concentration will be able to:

• Describe the structure of an atom, including components of the nucleus and electron orbitals.
• Predict molecular structures based on atomic composition and patterns of chemical bonding.
• Solve stoichiometric problems and balance chemical equations.
• Predict chemical reactivity of atoms and molecules.
• Interpret results of chemical analysis, such as NMR, chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc.
• Apply key concepts from mathematics and biology to solve problems in chemistry.
• Investigate principles of chemistry through experimentation, using the scientific method.
• Report scientific findings using proper terminology and formatting, and in adherence to ethical standards.

Sequence of Study - Chemistry Concentration A.A.

Below are the required courses for your program arranged in a suggested sequence. Please note that the sequence does not  include developmental coursework. See Academic Preparation  for the developmental course sequence if applicable to you. This is a calculus-based program. Students may require prerequisite math courses prior to beginning course work in the program.

Required Courses (in expected order)

• PAS-1000 First Year Experience Credits: 1 (Institutional Requirement)
• EGL-1010 Composition I: Expository Writing Credits: 3 (English General Education Requirement)
• MAT-2410 Calculus I Credits: 4 (Mathematics General Education Requirement; Critical Course)
• BIO-1130 Principles of Biology: Evolution, Ecology and Behavior Credits: 4 (Science w/ Lab General Education Requirement)
• CHM-1010 General Chemistry I Credits: 4 (Science w/ Lab General Education Requirement; Critical Course)
• INT-1010 Introduction to Information Technology (CyberWATCH common course equivalent: CW120) Credits: 3 (Computer Literacy Institutional Requirement)
• EGL-1340 Writing About Technical Topics Credits: 3 (English General Education Requirement)
• CHM-1020 General Chemistry II Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• CHM-1030 General Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 2 (Program Requirement)
• MAT-2420 Calculus II Credits: 4 (Program Requirement)
• CHM-2010 Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4 (Program Requirement; Critical Course)
• PHL-1090 Introduction to Logic Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities General Education Requirement)
• BIO-1140 Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Credits: 4 (Program Requirement)

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• COM-1090 Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities General Education Elective) or
• Foreign Language (Arts/Humanities General Education Elective)

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• CHM-2020 Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• CHM-2040 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 2 (Program Requirement)

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• ECN-1030 Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3 Credits (Social Science General Education Elective) or
• HST-1510 History of African Americans to 1877 Credits: 3 (Social Science General Education Elective) or
• ECN-2040 Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3 Credits (Social Science General Education Elective)

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• PHY-1010 Introductory Physics I Credits: 4 (Program Elective) or
• PHY-1030 General Physics I Credits: 3 (Program Elective) or
• BIO-2050 Human Anatomy & Physiology I Credits: 4 (Program Elective) or
• CHM-2070 Survey of Biochemistry Credits: 3 (Program Elective)

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• PSY-1010 General Psychology Credits: 3 (Social Science General Education Elective) or
• SOC-1010 Introduction to Sociology Credits: 3 (Social Science General Education Elective)

Program Total: 60 Credits

Students pursuing careers in pharmacy should consider taking two semesters of Physics (PHY-1010 /PHY-1020 ) or Human Anatomy and Physiology (BIO-2050 /BIO-2060 ). Review admissions requirements of potential pharmacy programs with your advisor.

Transferability

Credit earned at any public institution in the state shall be transferable to any other institution if the:

• Credit is from a college or university parallel course or program;
• Grades in the block of courses transferred average 2.00 or higher; and
• Acceptance of the credit is consistent with the policies of the receiving institution governing students following the  same program. Refer to ARTSYS at artweb.usmd.edu and the receiving institution’s catalog to select transferable courses.

Need Help?

For help selecting an academic program or courses, consider using Career Coach, available at www.pgcc.edu/go/careercoach.