Chemistry - Major #6320

Certificate of Achievement Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


Chemistry is often called the "central science" since it draws from mathematics and physics and forms a necessary background for quality control programs in industry and agriculture, and criminal evidence analysis in forensics. To earn the Certificate in Chemistry, students must complete a minimum of 17 semester units of program required classes. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, including grades of C or higher in the courses taken to fulfill the certificate. This is not a transfer degree program. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the certificate for more information. After earning a chemistry certificate, students will have the knowledge and skills required to enter the workforce as a chemical technician. These will include laboratory skills (bench-top and instrument operation), computational skills, and communication skills. There are currently no other similar programs within the State Center Community College District. There are not any enrollment limitations. The prerequisite courses vary for each individual class.


Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. As a result of the program, students will demonstrate laboratory skills to be successful in subsequent courses and/or on the job.
  2. 2. As a result of the program, students will master concept and content to be successful in subsequent courses and/or on the job.
  3. 3. As a result of the program, students will master computational skills to be successful in subsequent courses and/or on the job.
  4. 4. As a result of the program, students will effectively communicate the results of chemistry laboratory investigations.
Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester

Term 1

5 units

CHEM 1A
General Chemistry I

5 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
Development of atomic theory; atoms, isotopes, molecules, and ions; compounds; classification of matter; formulas and equations; stoichiometry; introduction to aqueous reactions: precipitation, acids and bases, and gas forming and redox reactions; gas laws; kinetic molecular theory of gases; thermochemistry; modern atomic theory; VSEPR theory; valence bond (hybridization) and molecular orbital theories; intermolecular forces; properties of liquids; solids and crystal structures; solution behavior; colligative properties; associated laboratory experiments; and volumetric (titrimetric) and gravimetric analysis methods. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MATH 3A
  2. Prerequisite: CHEM 3A
  1. A: Physical Science Lab or Physical Science Lab only (non-sequence)
  2. C: Science Laboratory
  1. B1 - Physical Science
  2. B3 - Laboratory Activity
  3. CSU Transfer Course
  1. A: Natural Sciences

Term 2

5 units

Organic Chemistry

3 units

CHEM 8A
Elementary Organic Chemistry

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
Properties and reaction of aliphatic and aromatic compounds, theories of structure, and reaction mechanisms. For biology majors and students in prehealth sciences, environmental sciences, and programs that do not require a full-year sequence organic chemistry. Recommended for students requiring a one-semester organic chemistry course. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
  2. Prerequisite: CHEM 3A
  1. A: Physical Science Lab or Physical Science Lab only (non-sequence)
  1. B1 - Physical Science
  2. CSU Transfer Course
    or

    CHEM 28A
    Organic Chemistry I

    3 units
    Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
    Structures, properties, reactions, and nomenclature of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, amines, ethers, epoxides, and organometallic compounds. Radical, substitution, and elimination reactions. Synthesis, separation, and identification of representative compounds. Reactions and nomenclature of stereoisomers. Introduction to Infrared, nuclear magnetic, and mass spectroscopies. Resonance and conjugation. Kinetic versus thermodynamic control of reactions. Multistep synthesis. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
    Course Details:
    1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1B
    1. A: Physical Science Lab or Physical Science Lab only (non-sequence)
    1. B1 - Physical Science
    2. CSU Transfer Course

      CHEM 18L
      Elementary Organic Chemistry Lab

      2 units
      Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
      The course will focus on techniques appropriate to an industrial setting. Experiments will cover techniques used to prepare and process samples. Topics include preparation of solutions, solution properties, filtration, extraction, distillation, determination of physical properties. (A, CSU, UC)
      Course Details:
      1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
      2. Corequisite: CHEM 8A
      3. Corequisite: CHEM 28A
        1. CSU Transfer Course

          Term 3

          7-11 units

          CHEM 20
          Practical Quantitative Analysis

          5 units
          Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
          This course is a complement to university quantitative analysis or instrumental analysis courses. While the university courses focus on fundamental theory, this course focuses on practice. Students learn to perform analysis of unknown samples by various techniques with a strong emphasis on modern analytical instrument operation, including software operation, routine maintenance and troubleshooting, and quality control. Instruments used will include Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, and Atomic Spectroscopy. (A, CSU, UC)
          Course Details:
          1. Prerequisite: CHEM 1A
            1. CSU Transfer Course

              CHEM 100I
              Chemical Laboratory Internship

              2-6 units
              Effective Term: 2023 Spring Semester
              Supervised experience or employment in an approved chemical laboratory. (A)
              Course Details:
              1. Corequisite: CHEM 18L
              2. Corequisite: CHEM 20
                    Total: 17-21 units