Chemistry Associate of Science - South Seattle C

The Chemistry Associate of Science - Transfer program prepares students for seamless transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field. It provides a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental chemistry, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Through hands-on laboratory experiences and individualized instruction, students gain a deep understanding of chemical principles and develop the skills necessary for success in advanced studies and scientific careers.

Program Outline

Chemistry Associate of Science - Transfer, Track 1 (LRST1AS)

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This program is designed to fulfill the requirements of an Associate of Science - Transfer degree with a focus on Chemistry. It aims to prepare students to transfer seamlessly to a four-year college or university as a junior to pursue further studies in chemistry or related fields.

Objectives:

Provide students with a strong foundation in theoretical and experimental chemistry.
Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in advanced studies and scientific careers.
Prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions and further pursuit of a bachelor's degree in chemistry or related fields.

Program Description:

The program emphasizes core concepts in general chemistry while ensuring students gain a thorough understanding of the scientific method through experimentation, observation, and data analysis. Students actively engage in hands-on laboratory experiences, building practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge.

Highlights:

Provides a strong foundation in general chemistry and builds scientific skills through experimentation and analysis.
Prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in chemistry or a related field.
Offers opportunities for hands-on learning experiences through laboratory work.
Covers fundamentals of chemistry, ranging from the structure and properties of matter to the behavior of atoms and molecules.
Explores core principles of chemistry, including chemical bonding, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Provides a solid understanding of the scientific method, including experimentation, data analysis, and interpretation.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program curriculum covers the critical areas within chemistry, including:

Inorganic chemistry: This section explores the properties and reactions of elements and inorganic compounds.
Organic chemistry: Students delve into the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules, which are essential for life and form the basis of many materials.
Analytical chemistry: This area focuses on techniques for identifying and quantifying the components of matter.
Physical chemistry: Students explore the relationship between physical properties and the structure of matter, using thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and other fundamental principles.

Program Structure:

The program consists of a series of courses designed to build upon each other, gradually increasing the level of complexity and knowledge. Students typically progress through the program over five quarters, covering foundational concepts in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and introductory physics alongside supporting courses in mathematics and humanities.

Sample Course Schedule:

Quarter 1: General Chemistry Prep, Precalculus I, and one elective course from humanities or social sciences.
Quarter 6: Organic Chemistry with Lab II, Engineering Physics III, and one elective course from economics, sociology, or anthropology.

Individual Modules:

Each quarter consists of several individual modules, typically focused on specific areas within chemistry, physics, or mathematics. These modules usually involve a combination of lectures, laboratory work, problem-solving sessions, and group discussions.

Module Descriptions:

General Chemistry: Covers fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and kinetics.
Organic Chemistry: Explores the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules, emphasizing functional groups, reaction mechanisms, and spectroscopic analysis.
Mathematics for Calculus: Prepares students for calculus by reviewing essential mathematical concepts and skills, including algebra, trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
Calculus: Introduces the fundamental concepts of calculus, including limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications.
Physics: Explores fundamental principles of classical mechanics, electricity, and magnetism.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

Students are evaluated through a variety of methods, including:

Exams: written assessments covering theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Laboratory reports: written summaries of experiments conducted, demonstrating experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Presentations: opportunities to showcase understanding and communication skills.
Homework assignments: regular practice problems and exercises to solidify theoretical concepts.

Assessment Criteria:

Accuracy and depth of understanding of theoretical concepts
Problem-solving skills and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to new situations
Laboratory skills, including experimental design, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
Communication skills, including written and oral presentations
Critical thinking and analytical abilities

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes various teaching methods to cater to diverse learning styles and optimize student engagement. These methods include:

Interactive lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage active participation, discussion, and clarification of complex concepts.
Hands-on laboratory experiments: Providing practical experience with scientific methodology, data collection, and analysis, reinforcing theoretical concepts through real-world applications.
Problem-solving sessions: Collaborative sessions where students actively work together to solve problems, developing critical thinking and communication skills.
Group discussions: Encouraging collaboration and exchange of ideas among students, fostering deeper understanding and diverse perspectives.
Individualized instruction: Offering personalized support and guidance to address individual needs and learning styles.

Faculty:

The program is led by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty who are experts in their respective fields.
Faculty members possess strong academic credentials, extensive research experience, and a commitment to effective teaching and student success.
They are actively involved in research, contributing to advancements in chemistry and related fields while bringing their knowledge and insights into the classroom.

Unique Approaches:

The program emphasizes active learning, encouraging students to engage in hands-on experiments, problem-solving exercises, and group discussions.
It fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging interaction and knowledge exchange among students and faculty.
It integrates research experiences into the curriculum, allowing students to participate in cutting-edge research alongside faculty, gaining valuable insights and practical skills.