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.
Government agencies like 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) need chemists to help us understand the chemicals in the environment to improve our safety and even solve crimes.
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.
Total Units:
13
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Choose one of the following courses:
- ES 1231, African American History
- HIST 107, U S History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History to 1877
- HIST 119, History of California
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
6
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.
Designed to help students assess their health status and use those assessments to change the behaviors that contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. Students are provided with a broad foundation of knowledge dealing with 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 community health services.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ART 101, 105, 109, 170; DANC 101p; DRMA 103; ENGL 130, 131, 139, 140, 148; ECS 116; FASH 104; FILM 101, 102, 103, 108, 109; HIST 101, 102, 103, 120; HUM 101, 102, 103; MUS 104, 106; PHIL 121; SPAN 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.
Select one course from this list.
If you take any of the following courses, you will also satisfy the Multicultural/Gender Studies requirement:
ANTH 102, 103, 105; BUS 141; ECON 141; ENGL 105; GBST 141; GEOG 102, 103; LGBT 101, 102; POLS 104, 105; SOC 101, 102, 120, 122; SPCH 110
Or select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
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.
A major of 34 units is required for the degree.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5 |
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
MATH 182 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
MATH 183 | Multivariable Calculus | 4 |
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
PHYS 162 | Engineering Physics 2 | 4 |
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
Recommended electives:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 140 | Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry | 4 |
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
- SPCH 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:
- SPCH 101, Public Speaking,
- SPCH 102, Small Group Communication,
- SPCH 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
A major of 36 units is required for the degree.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5 |
CHEM 180 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 5 |
CHEM 181 | Organic Chemistry 2 | 5 |
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
MATH 182 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
General Education
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, PHYS 161 and CHEM 150.
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.
Select one course from this list.
Total Units:
16
Summer Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Choose one of the following courses:
- ENGL 103, Critical Thinking and Composition
- PHIL 114, Critical Thinking
If you are planning to transfer to a CSU campus, it is recommended that you take one U.S. History course (HIST 107, 108 or 118) AND one American Institutions (POLS 101 or 103) course. If not, 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:
- SPCH 101, Public Speaking
- SPCH 102, Small Group Communication
- SPCH 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.
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
Select one course from this list.
STEM Pathway Elective: Students who are planning to transfer to UC and have not satisfied the IGETC Area 6 requirement should take a course to fulfill this requirement. Students who are planning to transfer to UC and have satisfied the IGETC Area 6 requirement should take any UC transferrable course as an elective. Students who are planning to transfer to CSU should take a course to fulfill the CSUGE Area F (Ethnic Studies) requirement. Make sure you will complete 60 units total to meet graduation requirements.
Total Units:
14+
A major of 36 units is required for the degree.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
CHEM 150 | General Chemistry 1 | 5 |
CHEM 151 | General Chemistry 2 | 5 |
CHEM 180 | Organic Chemistry 1 | 5 |
CHEM 181 | Organic Chemistry 2 | 5 |
MATH 181 | Calculus 1 | 4 |
MATH 182 | Calculus 2 | 4 |
PHYS 161 | Engineering Physics 1 | 4 |
PHYS 163 | Engineering Physics 3 | 4 |
General Education
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
805-922-6966 ext. 3202