Chemistry, Associate of Science

The Associate of Science Degree in Chemistry prepares students for transfer to a four-year school as juniors in either chemistry or biochemistry majors. The curriculum provides fundamental knowledge of the major fields of chemistry, covering a full year of both general and organic chemistry. Students will gain laboratory experience in organic synthesis, analytical methods, and spectroscopy.  Chemistry is called the central science and as such, it serves as a foundation for careers in many fields, such as medicine, environmental science, and materials science.

This degree is designed to transfer to Southern Oregon University's Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program. Other transfer options may be available. Consult your advisor for details.

Graduation Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 95 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the degree is awarded.

Courses that are developmental in nature (designed to prepare students for college transfer courses) are not applicable to this degree.

Students must complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of chemical structure to predict and explain the physical properties of chemical materials. 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of chemical reactivity to predict and explain the outcomes of reactions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of chemical quantitation to predict and explain chemical phenomena.
  • Critical Thinking:  Collect and analyze data using classical methods and modern instrumentation and evaluate experimental results using the principles of the scientific method.
  • Information Literacy:  Locate, summarize, and critique scientific articles, as well as synthesize scientific information from various sources to communicate the results of their own experiments.
  • Global Learning: Demonstrate personal and social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and global self-awareness.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
BI201 Introductory Biology 4
CHEM221 General Chemistry I 5
MTH251 Calculus I Differential Calculus 4
WR121Z Composition I 4
 Credits17
Winter
CHEM222 General Chemistry II 5
BI202 Introductory Biology 4
MTH252 Calculus II Integral Calculus 4
WR227Z Technical Writing 4
 Credits17
Spring
CHEM223 General Chemistry III 5
COMM111Z Public Speaking 4
BI203 Introductory Biology 4
Western Culture 1 3
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
CHEM245 Organic Chemistry I 4
MTH254 Vector Calculus I 4
PH211 General Physics with Calculus I 5
Difference, Power, and Discrimination 2 3
 Credits16
Winter
CHEM246 Organic Chemistry II 4
PH212 General Physics with Calculus II 5
Social Processes and Institutions 3 3
Cultural Diversity 4 3
 Credits15
Spring
CHEM247 Organic Chemistry III 4
PH213 General Physics with Calculus III 5
PE231 Wellness for Life 3
Literature and the Arts 5 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits96
1

Western Culture - options: ART204, ART205, ART206, ENG107, ENG108, ENG109, ENG201ENG204, ENG205, ENG206HST101, HST102, HST103, HST201, HST202, HST203, MUS201, MUS202, MUS203, PHL101, PHL102.

2

Difference, Power, and Discrimination - options: HST201, HST202, HST203, SOC206 , SOC213

3

Social Processes and Institutions - options: ANTH221 , ANTH222 , ANTH223 , ECON201, ECON202, HST101, HST102, HST103, PS201, PS205, PSY201 , PSY202 ,  PSY203 , SOC204, or SOC205.

4

Cultural Diversity - options: ANTH224, ANTH230, ANTH231ANTH232, HST104, HUM204, HUM205, HUM206

5

Literature and the Arts - options: ART204, ART205, ART206, ENG104, ENG105, ENG106, ENG107, ENG108, ENG109, ENG201, ENG204, ENG205, ENG206, ENG262, MUS201, MUS202, MUS203.