Do you often look at the world around you and wish you understood it better? Are you interested in learning more about what’s in the products and environments around us, so you can help keep people safe? Well, chemists study their surroundings on a molecular level to provide the insights that help both our bodies and economies thrive.
Allan Hancock College’s chemistry program provides the necessary foundation for a career in a chemistry- related field. Chemists are essential in the manufacturing of food, household and personal care products, paints and building supplies, and more. Students in the program will learn general chemistry, how to use analytical equipment, and how to perform technical writing. They will also be introduced to specialty areas, such as organic chemistry.
Chemists are needed in many government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Center of Disease Control (CDC), Department of Defense (DoD), and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Students can complete the associate degree in preparation to transfer to a four-year university to continue their education.
This program will help you to:
- learn proper lab skills
- properly utilize specialized glassware
- learn to properly measure pH, salinity, and temperature
- understand and perform distillation techniques (commonly used for purifying consumer products)
- properly use specialized equipment such as a Visible Spectrophotometer(UV/VIS), an Infrared Spectrometer (IR) or a Mass Spectrometer (MS)
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for CHEM 150, MATH 181, and PHYS 161.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Total Units:
14
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : MATH 181
The second in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include methods and applications of integration, sequences and series, Taylor series, an introduction to differential equations, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
The initial semester of a three-semester course in calculus-based physics which emphasizes the origin, nature and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required for most baccalaureate majors in the physical sciences, engineering and mathematics. Emphasizes mechanics, including measurement, linear and planar motion, statics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Communication Studies 100, 101, 102, 106
- English 103, 104
- Philosophy 112, 114
Total Units:
16
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Ethnic Studies 121
- History 107, 108, 118, 119, 121
- Political Science 101, 103
Total Units:
3
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : MATH 182
Topics include vectors, functions of several variables; differentiation and integration in several dimensions; change of variables; parameterized curves and vector fields, line and surface integrals; Green's, Stokes', and divergence theorems.
A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses electrostatic forces, fields and potentials, steady electric currents and circuits, magnetic forces and fields, induced electric and magnetic fields, electric and magnetic properties of continuous media, reactive circuits, and electromagnetic waves.
Students will learn and synthesize information concerning the impact of the social determinants of health, including education, socioeconomic status, race, sexual orientation, disability and gender. Students are provided with a broad foundation of knowledge dealing with such social determinants in mental health, stress management, fitness, diet and weight control, prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, drugs and alcohol, first aid, cancer prevention and control, and the scope of, and access to community health services.
Select one course from the list below.
- American Sign Language 138
- Art 101, 103, 104, 105, 109, 170
- Communication Studies 108
- Dance 101, 110, 120, 130, 147
- Drama 103, 110, 111
- Early Childhood Studies 116, 123
- English 102, 106, 117, 118, 119, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 138,139, 140, 144, 145, 146, 148, 180
- Ethnic Studies 105, 120, 122
- Fashion 104, 105
- Film 101, 102, 103, 104, 108, 109, 110, 122
- French 101, 102
- Graphics 127
- History 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 120, 138
- Humanities 101, 102, 103, 104, 105
- Library 180
- Multimedia Arts and Communication 101, 102
- Music 100, 101, 102, 104, 106
- Philosophy 101, 102, 105, 121, 122
- Photo 110
- Spanish 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Total Units:
14
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses temperature, heat, thermodynamics, simple harmonic and wave motion, sound, geometric and physical behavior of light, as well as topics in modern physics, which may include the special theory of relativity, and the quantum theory of atomic and nuclear systems.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Anthropology 101, 110 (when taken in conjunction with 101)
- Astronomy 100
- Biology 100, 120, 124, 132
- Chemistry 110, 120
- Environmental Technology 101
- Food Science and Nutrition 110
- Geography 101, 115
- Geology 100, 111, 114, 115, 131, 141
- Physical Science 111, 112
- Physics 100
- Viticulture and Enology 102
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Administration of Justice 101, 103, 115
- Anthropology 102, 103, 105, 107
- Business 121, 141
- Communications Studies 100, 110
- Early Childhood Studies 100, 101
- Economics 101, 102, 121, 141
- English 105, 150, 151,152, 153
- Ethnic Studies 101, 107, 150, 151,152, 153
- Geography 102, 103, 105
- Global Studies 141
- Graphics 127
- LGBT 101, 102
- Physical Education 128
- Political Science 101, 104, 105, 110
- Psychology 101, 112, 113, 117, 118, 119, 121
- Sociology 101, 102, 104, 120, 122, 155, 160
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Anthropology 107
- English 150, 151, 152, 153
- Ethnic Studies 101, 105, 107, 120, 121, 122, 150, 151, 152, 153
- Fashion 105
- Film 122
- History 120, 121
ALL courses in this category also fulfill the AHC Graduation Requirement: Multicultural and Gender Studies
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
14
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
Suggested Course Sequence
The "Suggested Course Sequence" is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
This suggested plan assumes a student is eligible for MATH 181, CHEM 150 and PHYS 161.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : CHEM 120
A study of the principles and theories of chemistry. Topics include the kinetic molecular theory of matter, atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding, gases and stoichiometry. Experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis emphasizing the collection and interpretation of data are covered in the lab. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
Prerequisite : Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
The first in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include functions, limits, continuity, the derivative, differentiation of algebraic, trigonometric and transcendental functions, applications of differentiation, the definite integral, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : MATH 181
The second in a two-semester sequence comprising first-year calculus. Topics include methods and applications of integration, sequences and series, Taylor series, an introduction to differential equations, and the use of technology to solve calculus problems.
Prerequisite : CHEM 150
A continuation of Chemistry 150, emphasizing the development of the principles and theories of chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electro-chemistry, including an introduction to modern means of instrumental analysis. The laboratory consists of experiments in standard qualitative and quantitative analysis. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 6 hours weekly.
The initial semester of a three-semester course in calculus-based physics which emphasizes the origin, nature and application of fundamental concepts and principles. Required for most baccalaureate majors in the physical sciences, engineering and mathematics. Emphasizes mechanics, including measurement, linear and planar motion, statics and dynamics of particles and systems of particles, rigid, elastic and fluid systems.
Intended for students pursuing majors in a STEM discipline. Introduces students to related career choices, academic planning, and college resources. Develops appropriate skills necessary for academic success in a STEM major.
Total Units:
14
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 112, Logic
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
6
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
A continuation of PHYS 161 which discusses electrostatic forces, fields and potentials, steady electric currents and circuits, magnetic forces and fields, induced electric and magnetic fields, electric and magnetic properties of continuous media, reactive circuits, and electromagnetic waves.
Prerequisite : CHEM 151
CHEM 180 focuses on organic compounds and current methods used in the laboratory to synthesize, analyze, and purify. This course discusses physical properties, reactivity, structure, and synthesis of organic compounds and their derivatives during lecture three hours a week. Each week, there are six hours of laboratory time in which gas-chromatography (GC), infrared radiation (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods are used to analyze while crystallization, extraction, sublimation, and multiple methods of distillation will be used to purify the various compounds synthesized throughout the experiments. This course is designed for biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, medical, pharmacy, and other majors that require a more intensive course than CHEM 140 when transferring to a four-year institution, or preparing for entrance examinations in the fields of dentistry, medicine, or pharmacy. Total 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking,
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication,
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate,
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
15
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite : CHEM 180
CHEM 181 continues to focus on derivatives of organic compounds and current methods used in the laboratory to synthesize, analyze, and purify. This course discusses physical properties, reactivity, structure, and synthesis of organic compounds and even more derivatives during lecture three hours a week. Each week, there are six hours of laboratory time in which gas chromatography (GC), infrared radiation (IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic methods are used to analyze while crystallization, extraction, sublimation, and multiple methods of distillation will be used to purify the various compounds synthesized throughout the experiments. This course is designed for biochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, medical, pharmacy, and other majors that require a more intensive course than CHEM 140 when transferring to a four-year institution, or preparing for entrance examinations in the fields of dentistry, medicine, or pharmacy. Total 54 hours lecture, 108 hours laboratory.
Select one course from this list.
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Select one course from this list.
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
Total Units:
17
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Chair
Wendy Hadley
805-922-6966 ext. 3841
wendy.hadley@hancockcollege.edu
Administrative Assistant
Christina McMillan
805-922-6966 ext. 3202
cmcmillan@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Sean Abel
805-922-6966 ext. 3537
sean.abel@hancockcollege.edu
LOCATION
Santa Maria Campus
Bldg. M
Map of Building M Locations
805-922-6966 ext. 3202