Chemistry, A.S.

Program Description

The Chemistry, A.S. provides students a foundation for the field of chemistry through introductory inorganic and organic courses. Study includes atomic and molecular structures, orbital theory, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and chemical equations. An emphasis is placed on investigating principles of chemistry through experimentation and applying scientific methods and mathematical skills to critically evaluate data and assess conclusions. Students learn laboratory protocols and develop skills using standard laboratory equipment. Both the content and critical thinking skills acquired in this program are transferable across numerous STEM disciplines.

The Chemistry A.S. is a recommended program of study for a student planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, pharmacy, biotechnology, pre-medicine and other health or allied health professions.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Chemistry, A.S. will be able to:

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

Required Courses (in expected order)

• PAS-1000 First Year Experience Credits: 1 (Institutional Requirement)
• EGL-1010 Composition I: Expository Writing Credits: 3 (English Gen. Ed. Requirement)
• MAT-2410 Calculus I Credits: 4 (Mathematics Gen. Ed. Requirement; Critical Course)
• CHM-1010 General Chemistry I Credits: 4 (Science w/ Lab Gen. Ed. Requirement; Critical Course)
• INT-1010 Introduction to Information Technology Credits: 3 (Computer Literacy Institutional Requirement)
• EGL-1340 Writing About Technical Topics Credits: 3 (English Gen. Ed. 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)
• PHL-1090 Introduction to Logic Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities Gen. Ed. Requirement)
• CHM-2010 Organic Chemistry I Credits: 4 (Program Requirement; Critical Course)
• BIO-1140 Principles of Biology: Cellular and Molecular Biology Credits: 4 (Science Gen. Ed. Requirement)
• PHY-1030 General Physics I Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• PHY-1040 General Physics I Laboratory Credits: 1 (Program Requirement)

•  

• COM-1090 Interpersonal Communication Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities Gen. Ed. Elective) or

• • Any Foreign Language Course Credits: 3 (Arts/Humanities General Education Elective)

•  

• CHM-2020 Organic Chemistry II Credits: 3 (Program Requirement)
• CHM-2040 Organic Chemistry II Laboratory Credits: 2 (Program Requirement)
• PHY-2030 General Physics II Credits: 4 (Program Requirement)

•  

• ECN-1030 Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3 (Social Science Gen. Ed. Elective) or
• ECN-1050 Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3 (Social Science Gen. Ed. Elective) or
• HST-1510 History of African Americans to 1877 Credits: 3 (Social Science Gen. Ed. Elective)

•  

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

Program Total: 60 Credits

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.