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Associate in Science Degree with a Concentration in
Chemistry (414)

The concentration in chemistry prepares students to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry and/or chemical engineering. Chemistry students often pursue pre-health programs such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry.

The associate in science (A.S.) degree is designed to complete the lower-division (freshman and sophomore) portion of a bachelor of science degree in STEM-related majors. As a result, the A.S. degree does not include the entire General Education Core Curriculum (GECC). Therefore, students will need to complete MORE general education courses after transfer by completing the GECC curriculum while enrolled at the participating Illinois transfer institution OR fulfilling the general education requirements of their selected non-participating transfer institution.

Chemistry - IAI Recommended Baccalaureate Curriculum

Follow this link for career information.

Transfer Considerations

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program.

  1. Bachelor's programs in chemistry are built on an in-depth foundation of sequential coursework in science and math, while upper-division coursework provides the preparation necessary for graduate studies and/or work in industry. Multiple tracks are often available. For example, some institutions offer a specialty in biochemistry or certification for high school teaching. To transfer as a junior into a bachelor's chemistry program, students must complete 60 semester credits, (64 for the Associate degree), including all of the essential prerequisite courses below. Students should be aware that because of differences among schools in the number of credits for which various courses are offered and the possible need for prerequisite courses, it may be difficult to complete an Associate in Science degree without taking more credits than will be accepted in transfer.
  2. Note: Students are strongly encouraged to complete a third semester of calculus (MAT 205) prior to transfer. Students are also encouraged to complete a third semester of engineering physics (PHY 213). A grade of "C" or better may be required for chemistry, mathematics and engineering science courses to transfer.
  3. The following courses should absolutely be taken by all students as they are foundational prerequisites at all or most colleges: CHE105, CHE106, CHE201, CHE202.

Competitive Admissions

Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

  • Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
  • Cynthia Everett, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 815-835-6379
  • Jackson Holcomb, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, 815-835-6401

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 66-68 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 16-18 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Life Science (BIO105 Recommended) 3-5 Hours
CHE105 General Chemistry I 5 Hours
ENG101 Composition I 3 Hours
FYE101 First Year Experience 1 Hour
MAT203 Calculus & Analytic Geometry I 4 Hours

 

Second Semester - 18 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Personal Development 1 Hour
CHE106 General Chemistry II 5 Hours
ENG103 Composition II 3 Hours
MAT204 Calc & Analytic Geometry II 4 Hours
PHY211 Engineering Physics I 5 Hours

 

Third Semester - 17 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Social / Behavioral Science 3 Hours
Humanities 3 Hours
Personal Development 1 Hour
CHE201 Organic Chemistry I 5 Hours
PHY212 Engineering Physics II 5 Hours

 

Fourth Semester - 15 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Fine Arts 3 Hours
Social / Behavioral Science 3 Hours
Personal Development 1 Hour
CHE202 Organic Chemistry II 5 Hours
COM131 Intro to Oral Communication 3 Hours