Chemistry

The Chemistry Department (part of the Natural Sciences Division) of Pasadena City College provides instruction in a wide range of chemistry-related fields. The Chemistry Department provides students access to excellent science education in a supportive environment, where all students learn by direct experience with the methods and processes of scientific inquiry. Classes are taught to ensure that students learn not only the important relevant facts, but also the process of science and how to develop their critical thinking skills.

We serve students who intend to major in such diverse fields as biochemistry and biotechnology, engineering, medicine and health sciences, biology, and physics. We also offer specialized courses for working professionals and courses designed specifically for non-science majors.

Registration for Chemistry classes can be conducted using the link http://www.pasadena.edu/starthere/.

• Math 131 – co-req for Chem 22 and Pre-Req for Chem 1A or equivalent skills as demonstrated through placement based on the chemistry assessment process.

The below are suggested roadmaps. For more information please visit a counselor.

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Download a printable version of the Chemistry Roadmap.

Are you finishing up your chemistry coursework at PCC and thinking, now what? Luckily, there are a wide variety of transfer options for you. Here are just a few of the many options to further your education in chemistry. One tip when planning to transfer is to make sure to check very carefully the deadlines for admission as they are often all different!

• Assist.org
• ASSIST is the official online student-transfer information system that shows how course credits earned at one public California college or university can be applied when transferred to another. Read More
• Transfer Admissions Guarantee
• The Transfer Guaranteed Admission (TAG) is a commitment that selected colleges and universities make to PCC students who meet basic transfer requirements. Students who complete an agreed upon sequence of classes in general education and a selected major with a stated minimum GPA can apply to the four-year institution within a prescribed time-frame and be “guaranteed admission.” Read More
• Cal-State Los Angeles (CSULA)
• CSULA’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry is dedicated to providing a high caliber education in the disciplines of chemistry and biochemistry in an environment that encourages hands-on research participation by students. The Department offers programs leading to a Bacheor of Arts degree in Chemistry and Bachelor of Science degrees (B.S.) in Chemistry and in Biochemistry. Read More
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• The UCLA Chemistry & Biochemistry Department has a tradition of excellence and is ranked among the best in the country, as evidenced by the quality of its programs, the caliber of its faculty, and the excellence of its students. The Department is a leader in cutting-edge research and innovative educational programs. Read More
• University of California, Irvine (UCI)
• UCI’s chemistry department is one of the nation’s largest producers of graduates with B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Chemistry.  Their research programs range from investigating the chemistry of the Earth’s atmosphere to visualizing individual molecules. Read More.
• University of California, Berkeley (Cal)
• Cal’s College of Chemistry offers undergraduate degrees in chemistry, chemical biology, and chemical engineering, as well as double majors in chemical engineering and materials science and engineering, and in chemical engineering and nuclear engineering. Read More
• University of California, San Diego (UCSD)
• A degree in chemistry and biochemistry from UCSD can open the door for future success in the sciences. Their prestigious program will prepare you for any of a variety of careers, including graduate study, medical or professional school, and industry—including work in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Read More
• University of Southern California (USC)
• Students who wish to major in chemistry have a choice of a B.S. degree, the professional track certified by the American Chemical Society, or a B.A. degree, a program of study with sufficient flexiblity to accommodate a minor degree or even a second major under certain circumstances. Read More
• Cal Tech
• Chemistry at Caltech is steeped in a tradition of excellence.  Cal-Tech’s commitment to undergraduate education and small class size allows for frequent one-on-one interaction between students and professors. Undergraduate research and interdisciplinary work are common and encouraged. Interdisciplinary courses are available in such fields as geochemistry and environmental chemistry. Read More

• Oakcrest Research Institute
• The pregraduate educational program at Oak Crest is experientially based, with the goal of providing community college and undergraduate students access to research opportunities at the forefront of environmental and biomedical sciences. Read More
• Bridges To The Future Program
• Bridges to the future program is a summer research opportunity at Cal State LA for underrepresented students. The goal of the program is to prepare community college science students for transfers to a four-year university where they will successfully complete the bachelor degree and be prepared to enter advanced degreee programs in the biomedical sciences. Read More
• SI Leaders in Chemistry
• Do you like to help your peers learn good studying skills and excel in chemistry classes? Yes? Then join our SI leaders team. For more information contact Dr. K. Sweimeh, [email protected], (626) 585-3312
• Jobs in Chemistry
• Get help focusing your chemistry job search, putting together your resume, interviewing, and more. Read More

Chemists are the people who transform the everyday materials around us into amazing things. Some chemists work on cures for cancer while others monitor the ozone protecting us from the sun. Still others discover new materials to make our homes warmer in the winter, or new textiles to be used in the latest fashions. The knowledge gained through the study of chemistry opens many career pathways.

Not sure where to start or what you want to do?  Browse our Careers App with careers related to all STEM degrees — with job title, description, necessary schooling, and salary.  Go to STEM Careers now and check it out!

You can contact the Chemistry Department at:

Office: SV6

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 626-585-7140
Fax: 626-585-7978