Chemistry Associate in Science Degree Program
Program Overview
The Chemistry Associate in Science (AS) degree program at College of San Mateo provides a strong foundation in general and organic chemistry, preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. Through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory experiments, and problem-solving exercises, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for further study in chemistry or related fields. The program also offers opportunities for students to explore potential career paths in environmental science, laboratory technology, and other areas.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Chemistry Associate in Science (AS) degree program at College of San Mateo (CSM) prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions to further their studies in chemistry.
Objectives:
- Provide students with a strong foundation in general chemistry and organic chemistry.
- Develop students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Prepare students for further study in chemistry or related fields.
Description:
The program emphasizes theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry through a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory experiments, and problem-solving exercises. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of fundamental chemical principles, laboratory techniques, and scientific inquiry. The program also provides opportunities for students to develop their communication skills through written and oral presentations.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program consists of:
- Required Core Courses (24-25 units):
- CHEM 210: General Chemistry I (5 units)
- CHEM 220: General Chemistry II (5 units)
- CHEM 231: Organic Chemistry I (5 units)
- CHEM 232: Organic Chemistry II (5 units)
- PHYS 210: General Physics I (4 units) + PHYS 211: General Physics I-Calculus Supplement (1 unit)
- OR PHYS 250: Physics with Calculus I (4 units)
Structure:
The program typically follows a semester-based structure, with courses offered in the fall and spring semesters. The program can be completed in two years of full-time study.
Course Schedule:
Detailed course schedules are available on the CSM website.
Individual Modules:
- General Chemistry I & II: Covers fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium.
- Organic Chemistry I & II: Explores the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds.
- General Physics I: Introduces fundamental concepts of mechanics, electricity, magnetism, and waves.
- General Physics I-Calculus Supplement or Physics with Calculus I: Provides additional calculus-based treatment of topics covered in General Physics I.
Assessment:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams: Regularly administered exams assess students' understanding of key concepts and their ability to apply them to solve problems.
- Quizzes: Frequent quizzes throughout the semester reinforce learning and provide opportunities for feedback.
- Laboratory Reports: Students write detailed reports on their laboratory experiments, demonstrating their understanding of experimental procedures, data analysis, and scientific writing.
- Presentations: Students may be required to present their research findings or other course-related topics, developing their communication and presentation skills.
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Instructors deliver lectures to introduce key concepts and guide students through complex topics.
- Laboratory Experiments: Students actively participate in hands-on experiments to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop practical skills.
- Problem-Solving Sessions: Students work collaboratively in small groups to solve problems and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Discussions: Interactive discussions encourage students to engage with the material, ask questions, and share their ideas. The program faculty consists of experienced and dedicated instructors with expertise in various areas of chemistry. They are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and fostering their interest in chemistry.
Careers:
An Associate degree in Chemistry can lead to various career paths, including:
- Environmental Technician: Collects and analyzes environmental samples to monitor pollution levels.
- Laboratory Technician: Conducts chemical analyses and experiments in research laboratories or industrial settings.
- Safety Manager: Develops and implements safety protocols in workplaces that handle hazardous materials.
- Sanitarian: Inspects food and water facilities to ensure they comply with public health standards.
- Water-Quality Analyst: Studies the chemical composition of water to assess its quality and suitability for various uses. However, many careers in the field require a Bachelor of Science (BS) or advanced degree. With a BS in Chemistry, graduates can pursue careers as:
- Analytical Chemist: Develops and conducts analytical methods to identify and quantify chemical substances.
- Biochemist: Studies the chemistry of living organisms and their processes.
- Biotechnologist: Applies biological and chemical principles to develop new products and technologies.
- Dentist: Diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions of the teeth and gums.
- Educator: Teaches chemistry at the high school, community college, or university level.
- Forensic Specialist: Applies scientific methods to analyze evidence in criminal investigations.
- Environmental/Industrial Health Engineer: Develops solutions to protect human health and the environment from pollution.
- Pharmacist: Dispenses medications and provides advice on their use.
- Physician: Diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries.
- Research Chemist: Conducts research to discover new knowledge about chemical substances and processes.
- Veterinarian: Diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries in animals.
Other:
- The program recommends high school preparation in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Mathematics.
- Students are encouraged to use Assist.org to identify lower division major preparation for the California State University and the University of California systems.
- Transfer Services can assist students in gathering information about transfer requirements for other colleges and universities.
- Students are advised to meet with a CSM counselor to discuss their academic goals and develop a comprehensive student educational plan (SEP).
