Chemistry

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The Field

Chemistry is the study of matter, its properties and how different substances interact with energy and with each other.

The Chemistry Program at Skyline College

To succeed in Chemistry, students will need to display a keen intellectual curiosity that pushes them to ask questions and seek answers about the substances that make up the world around us. Students should have strong critical thinking and analytical skills along with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

While Skyline College does not offer an Associate Degree in Chemistry specifically, students can earn a degree in Natural Science that can help you create a clear path for transfer to a four-year institution.

Career Outlook

The applications for a degree in Natural Science include a variety of careers in the sciences in both private and public industry. Many jobs in Natural Science and Chemistry require a Ph.D., so the program at Skyline College is a good launching point for pursing education at a four-year university. Jobs in chemistry fields include biochemists, chemical engineers, chemical technicians, environmental scientists, geoscientists,materials engineers, and more.

Chemists spend much of their time working in offices and conducting research in laboratories. Most chemists work full time. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, chemists in California make an average of $85,930 per year.

The Skyline College STEM Center brings together academic and student support services for students taking science, technology, engineering and math courses.

The center supports student success by ensuring students have access to resources such as academic tutoring, counseling services, a resource depository for STEM pathways and transfer, a hub for internships and work based learning opportunities, as well as a place where students and staff can collaborate and build a community and supportive connection.

Check out the STEM Center

Upon completion of the program students will be able to:

General Education

• Demonstrate the ability to report scientific information appropriately and effectively.
• Critically analyze and raise questions about product claims.
• Carry out a chemical experiment to test hypothesis and critically analyze the results.
• Be ethically responsible by applying basic chemical knowledge to safely use and dispose of household chemicals.

Majors

• Demonstrate the ability to report scientific information appropriately and effectively.
• Utilizes the scientific method to analyze and interpret data.
• Demonstrate critical thinking through the discussion section of written lab reports.
• Use appropriate computer programs and instrumentation to explore chemistry.

Allied Health Chemistry

• Demonstrate the ability to report scientific information appropriately and effectively.
• Utilizes the scientific method to analyze and interpret data.
• Use the periodic table and other reference sources to gather information needed to solve chemical problems.
• Identify functional groups or reaction types and understand the role of biologically important molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids) in the body.