AS in Chemistry
Northampton Community College
Key Information
Campus location
Bethlehem, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 2,535 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* Northampton County PA: $2,535 Monroe County PA: $3,990 Other PA County: $5,325 Out of State/Country: $7,410. Additional fees may apply
Scholarships
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Introduction
The Chemistry curriculum makes a strong commitment to the sciences while preparing students for transfer. Program majors gain theoretical knowledge in the areas of general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, with a solid foundation in calculus and engineering. Hands-on laboratory experience serves as an important component of each course, and program majors are exposed to a number of elements ranging from thermodynamics to organic synthesis. Students will gain experience using state-of-the-art instrumentation, including a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, and infrared spectrophotometer.
The knowledge that is gained through the study of chemistry opens many career pathways. Chemistry is often referred to as the central science because it connects on one side with physics and math, on another with earth and environmental sciences, and on another with biology and medicine. Everything that can be touched, tasted, seen, or smelled is made of chemicals. Chemists transform everyday materials around us into amazing things. This is why a person with a background in chemistry is prepared to assume a wide variety of positions in industry, education, medicine, forensics, and agriculture.
NCC students have transferred to: Cedar Crest College, East Stroudsburg University, Kutztown University, Lafayette College, Lehigh University, Lock Haven University, Penn State University, University of Hawaii
Admissions
Curriculum
Northampton has dual admissions agreements with a variety of colleges. These arrangements enable you to have admission to Northampton and the four-year institution you select. You will receive close advising, and, based on your performance, our agreements guarantee your easy transfer of credits. Courses in this program are offered primarily during the day.
The A.S. in Chemistry prepares you for these other areas of study: A path to Medical School, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Biology, the fields of Organic, Physical, Analytical, Forensic, and Inorganic Chemistry, and a multitude of other chemistry-related industries.
Requirements
While there are no special admissions requirements for the Chemistry program, certain courses in the program require a background in English, algebra, and chemistry. If you are lacking a background in these areas, you should acquire it during the summer preceding your first semester. Northampton's admissions and counseling staff can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your enrollment in this program.
First Semester
- COLS101College Success
- CHEM120General Chemistry I
- CMTH102Introduction to Communication
- ENGL101English I
- MATH180Calculus I
CHEM120: Students that are not CHEM120 ready for their first semester should take CHEM011 first.
MATH180: Students that are not MATH180 ready for the first semester should take MATH160 or MATH140 first. It is highly recommended that all students start their math sequence in the first semester
Second Semester
- CHEM220General Chemistry II
- ENGL151LEnglish II
- MATH181Calculus II
- General Education Elective
Third Semester
- CHEM201GOrganic Chemistry I
- PHYS215Physics for Science & Engineering I
- General Education Elective
- General Education Elective
Fourth Semester
- CHEM251Organic Chemistry II
- PHYS225Physics for Science & Engineering II
- Electives
For the General Education Electives, students must select one course from the list of approved courses in each of the following categories: Arts and Humanities (AH); Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT), and Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior (SSHB).
One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
Completion of CHEM201G satisfies the program-related Writing Intensive (WI) requirement. In addition, one General Education Elective must be taken in a Writing Intensive (WI) section.
Computer competencies are included in various program courses, specifically CHEM120, CHEM220, CHEM210G, and CHEM251. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement for this program.
Program Outcome
Graduates of the program will:
- Demonstrate the ability to solve problems and explain chemical processes.
- Apply scientific principles and skills in conducting experiments, and in the use of instrumentation and analysis of results.
- Present research in an acceptable written and oral format using scientific literature and computer-aided analysis.
- Demonstrate the ability to work successfully in independent and collaborative settings.
- Demonstrate best practices of safety and laboratory techniques and procedures.
Career Opportunities
Chemists often refer to chemistry as the central science, because chemistry plays a vital role in nearly every other scientific field. As a result, a degree in chemistry can prepare students for a wide variety of careers, some of which you may have never considered. The bulk of chemists at all levels are hired to work in the chemical industry either as chemists working in the plant or on the bench or as technically knowledgeable people who work on the business side of the company. These careers offer a wide variety of paths for both entry and advancement, from careers in industrial chemistry (research, production, and technical services) to academic careers (teachers in high schools, colleges, or research universities) or careers in related fields of science (such as forensic chemistry, biotechnology, toxicology, environmental science, or health professions).
Future Career Paths
- Biotechnology
- Forensics
- Toxicology
- Medical School
- Environmental science
- Health Professions
- Other chemistry-related fields