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Chemistry

With small class sizes and opportunities for internships and job shadowing, this program develops an understanding of the scientific method of inquiry. Students focus on testing and analyzing components and the physical properties of materials, as well as solutions, compounds, and reagents. Experiences are enhanced through interactive computer technology in the laboratory. This transfer degree prepares students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in analytical, organic, inorganic, or physical chemistry.

Student wearing safety glasses in chemistry class
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Career Opportunities

  • Agricultural and Food Scientist
  • Biochemist
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Geoscientist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • High School Teacher
  • Materials Engineer
  • Physicist and Astronomer

A few top JWCC transfer schools

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Suggested Degree Plan for Chemistry (AS)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
CHM 103 Principles of Chemistry I Details 4
Comprehensive coverage of the basic principles of chemistry including bonding, nomenclature, reactions, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics and equilibrium. Designed for pre-med, pre-pharmacy, engineering and science majors with above-average mathematical and scientific backgrounds. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: P1 902L, CHM 911.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department; Students who have taken high school chemistry will have an advantage
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
MAT 220 Analytic Geometry and Calculus I Details 4
A course designed to introduce the concepts of derivative and integral to the student interested in pursuing degrees related to engineering, science or mathematics. Specific topics include functions and graphs; slopes and rates of change; limit theory and continuous functions; formal differentiation; application of differentiation; integration; and applications of integration. IAI: M1 900-1, MTH 901.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 and MAT 114 with grades of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
CHM 104 Principles of Chemistry II Details 4
Continued comprehensive coverage of the basic principles of chemistry including atomic structure, covalent bonding, molecular structure, properties of gases, liquids, solids, and solutions, acid-base chemistry, oxidation-reduction reactions, and electrochemistry. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: CHM 912.
Prerequisites: CHM 103
PHY 227 Principles of Physics I Details 5
First of the two-semester calculus-based physics sequence, this course is for engineering and science majors. A thorough coverage of the fundamental principles of physics, including kinematics; Newton’s Laws; work and energy; conservation of linear momentum; angular momentum; rotational dynamics; and harmonic motion. 4 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: PHY 911
Prerequisites: MAT 220; Advanced high school physics recommended
MAT 221 Analytic Geometry and Calculus II Details 4
A course designed to extend the concepts of derivative and integral to transcendental functions and to introduce advanced methods of integration. Specific topics include derivatives and integrals of transcendental functions; advanced integration methods; infinite series; introduction to differential equations; polar graphs and calculus of polar curves. IAI: M1 900-2, MTH 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 220 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year or consent of department
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901.
Prerequisites: completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
Third Semester Details
CHM 201 Organic Chemistry I Details 5
Structure, nomenclature, classification, properties and reactions of organic compounds including saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons and alcohols. Determination of molecular structure using infrared, nuclear magnetic and mass spectroscopy. Designed for pre-med, pre-pharmacy, engineering, biology and chemistry majors. 3 lecture hours, 4 lab hours; IAI: CHM 913.
Prerequisites: CHM 103 and CHM 104 or equivalent
PHY 228 Principles of Physics II Details 5
Continuation of the two-semester calculus-based physics sequence. This course is for engineering and science majors. A thorough coverage of the fundamental principles of physics, including electricity, charge, electric field and potential, resistance, capacitance and inductance, DC and AC circuits, magnetic field, Gauss's Law, Ampere's Law, and Maxwell's Equations, and electromagnetic waves. 4 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: PHY 912
Prerequisites: MAT 221, PHY 227
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Electives Details 2
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
Fourth Semester Details
CHM 202 Organic Chemistry II Details 5
Continued coverage of the structure, nomenclature, classification, properties and reactions of organic compounds including ethers, conjugated double bonds, aromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyl compounds, amines, carboxylic acids and their derivatives, and an introduction to biochemistry. 3 lecture hours, 4 lab hours; IAI: CHM 914.
Prerequisites: CHM 201
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
MUS 102 Music Appreciation Details 3
A non technical course designed for the non music major, to develop within the listener an appreciation for music. Includes brief historical background of music and the leading composers of various periods. IAI: F1 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.