Academic Catalogs

Chemistry, Associate in Science Degree

Banner Code: 1_AS_CHEM

Control Number: 04026

Financial Aid Eligible


The Chemistry Associate of Science degree is intended to instill a desire in our students to learn more about chemistry through scientific study, encourage critical thinking about how chemistry impacts the natural world, and help students become scientifically literate citizens who can make informed decisions about chemistry-related issues.

Program Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to understand and apply the Scientific Method, including the abilities to demonstrate critical thinking skills, and to draw sound conclusions from collected data and observations.
  2. Students will demonstrate content knowledge about chemistry, including knowledge of basic chemical terminology and an understanding of fundamental concepts in chemistry.
  3. Students will be able to use appropriate laboratory techniques, equipment, and instruments proficiently. Skills to be mastered shall be determined by the chemistry faculty.

Associate in Science Degree Requirements

  1. UNIT REQUIREMENT60 UNITS, with at least a 2.0 grade point average. At least 12 of the units must be earned at OCC, with a minimum of one course taken for a letter grade. At least 3 units in an advanced course from the program must be completed at OCC. A student must be enrolled at the time of application for graduation. Units earned at an accredited college or university on a credit/no credit basis will be counted toward the degree requirements of the college, to a maximum of 15 units.
  2. MAJOR REQUIREMENT - Complete the AS major requirements.
  3. MATHEMATICS REQUIREMENT - Demonstrate competence in mathematics by either obtaining a satisfactory grade (grade of “C” or better or“pass”) in a mathematics course at or above the level of Intermediate Algebra as demonstrated by prior coursework, or by demonstrating competency that is comparable through the completion of a college-level math course that has Intermediate Algebra as a prerequisite: Psychology A160 or Math A100 or higher, with the exception of Math A220.
  4. GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT - Students may choose to complete Option 1 (OCC AS GE), Option 2 (CSU GE), or Option 3 (IGETC) to satisfy the general education requirement. See the General Education Patterns section of this catalog for more information.
Course Title Units
Required Courses
CHEM A180General Chemistry A5
CHEM A185General Chemistry B5
CHEM A220Organic Chemistry A3
CHEM A220LOrganic Chemistry A Lab2
CHEM A225Organic Chemistry B3
CHEM A225LOrganic Chemistry B Laboratory2
Program Major Units20
AS General Education Option 1, 2, or 3Varies
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Units60

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
CHEM A180 General Chemistry A 5
OCC AS GE AREA A1- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA C1- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AS GE AREA D- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units14
Semester 2
CHEM A185 General Chemistry B 5
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 1 3-4
Intermediate Algebra
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 
OCC AS GE AREA C2- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4
 Units15-16
Year 2
Semester 1
CHEM A220 Organic Chemistry A 3
CHEM A220L Organic Chemistry A Lab 2
OCC AS GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 2 3-4
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 6
 Units14-15
Semester 2
CHEM A225 Organic Chemistry B 3
CHEM A225L Organic Chemistry B Laboratory 2
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 12
 Units17
 Total Units60-62

Additional Notations:

Elective units may be chosen toward a different GE pattern, Transfer Major requirements or degree electives depending on goal.